[中文版本]

I’ve loved all types of animals since I was little, but penguins have always been one of my favorites.

I remember the first time I saw a penguin was at an aquarium. I was very young at the time, around three years old, and I didn’t even know what a penguin was. All I knew was that the animals in the aquarium could live in water. I remember holding my dad’s hand as we walked around the aquarium, full of curiosity and excitement. I saw so many animals: dolphins, fish, turtles—there were all kinds of creatures! Eventually, we walked over to a very large tank, and suddenly, a strange and giant-looking “fish” swam right toward us. It moved so quickly, like a shooting star, and in a flash, it disappeared from our view. I quickly asked my dad, “Daddy, what kind of fish is that?” My dad laughed and said, “That’s not a fish—that’s a penguin.”

I opened my eyes wide and exclaimed, “A penguin? What kind of animal is that? I’ve never heard of it!”

Later, I noticed other penguins waddling out from inside the tank, one after another, jumping into the water. They glided and swam through the water gracefully and joyfully. These penguins had sharp, black beaks, shiny black feathers covering their backs and heads, and soft, snowy-white feathers on their bellies. Their black flippers flapped and splashed rapidly across the water’s surface. They also had pairs of pointy, light pink feet that helped them stand steadily on the ice. All the penguins were short, chubby, and incredibly adorable! I couldn’t help but ask my dad if he could buy me a penguin toy as a keepsake. He agreed and got me a pink plush penguin.

From that day on, I completely fell in love with penguins. Whenever I come across books, clothes, or toys about penguins, I collect them so I can learn more and love them even more. Because I love this animal so much, I’ve also learned a lot about them, and I hope that one day I can visit Antarctica to see them in person—and even study them to help protect our Earth and do my part in protecting penguins.

By

杨善谊 翻译 (Translation) 2025-05-02

[中文版本]

A few months ago, my team and I joined the "Be a Zero Hero" initiative and started a dedicated plastic film recycling bin at Herbert Hoover Middle School. Unlike regular recycling bins, this bin is specifically for collecting plastic bags and other types of plastic film products that are not commonly recycled. Our goal is to reduce the amount of plastic bag waste on campus while encouraging more people to develop good recycling habits.

From an Email to Campus Environmental Action

The launch of this project began with an email I sent to the school principal, Dr. Kim. With her support, I met with Mr. Ostry, who then helped coordinate a presentation of the project at the Student Government Association (SGA) meeting. Eventually, we successfully set up the recycling bin on campus. Montgomery County has a well-established recycling system that handles most everyday recyclables, but plastic bags and plastic films are not included. With our recycling program, these plastic bags and other plastic films can be recycled and repurposed into outdoor furniture, such as park benches. In fact, our "Be a Zero Hero" student club recently donated a bench made from recycled plastic to Richard Montgomery High School. This bench was a reward for our contribution of over 2,000 pounds of plastic bags and films collected over the past two years.

Teamwork Helps Bring the Project to Life

The success of this project wouldn't have been possible without the help of many people. I would like to especially thank Dr. Kim, whose strong support helped us set up the recycling bin on campus. Additionally, Kenneth Shue, the founder of the "Be a Zero Hero" program, provided immense support from the planning stage to the final implementation. He was always there to guide and assist us. I would also like to thank Mr. Ostry for helping us promote the project school-wide and coordinating with the Student Government Association. Finally, I want to thank my team members—Melody Zhou and Julia Zhu—because it was everyone's collective effort that made this all possible.

Small Actions, Big Changes—A Call to Reduce Plastic Waste

I hope every reader will do their part to reduce unnecessary plastic waste. Whether at home, in your workplace, or at school, you can collect recyclable plastic bags and films and take them to designated recycling bins at local stores instead of throwing them away. Montgomery County students, if your school already has a "Be a Zero Hero" recycling program, please actively participate by placing eligible plastic films in the recycling bins. If not, you can be a promoter of the "Be a Zero Hero" program. Contact us for guidance and assistance on setting up a plastic film recycling bin.

This initiative not only effectively reduces plastic waste, but also aims to raise more awareness about environmental protection, so that we can all work together to create a better world!

By

姚乐之 翻译 (Translation) 2025-04-01

[中文版本]

The sunflower is a very common flower. Before I saw a real sunflower, I imagined it would be as big as my face, with soft yellow petals and brown seeds in the center, which are the sunflower seeds we often eat at home.

 The first time I truly saw a sunflower was on a summer weekend when my parents took our family to a farm to pick vegetables. As soon as we entered the farm, we saw a field of sunflowers next to us. They swayed gently with the wind, almost as if they were dancing, and I was immediately drawn to them.

 It seemed like they were waving at us, welcoming our arrival. I ran over, held their hands, and sang songs, laughing while facing the sun. The heads of the sunflowers kept turning with the sun. That must be how they got their name. The sunflowers were a little taller than me. They love sunlight, and they are planted in the spring and harvested in the fall. The seeds grow in the center of the sunflower, surrounded by a circle of petals, as if protecting the seeds. I noticed that sunflower petals actually come in a variety of colors—yellow, red, pink, and even white! I learned online that mature sunflower seeds can be eaten as a snack, can be pressed for oil, and the oil can be used for cooking or skincare. The leftover oil cake and the sunflower stalks can be fed to livestock. Sunflowers are truly a treasure from top to bottom!

 After we finished picking vegetables, the sunflowers continued to sway in the gentle breeze, as if saying, "Goodbye!"

By

Nora Ma 马丫然 翻译 (Translation) 2025-03-31

 [中文版本]

Many people find the rain annoying,

but I find comfort in it.

The ants start moving,

a sign that rain is coming.

The sky turns grey, like stone.

The wind picks up,

and drops begin to tap on the glass—

it has started to rain.

I stay in bed with a book,

while outside, the rain pours down.

I turn on just one light,

and the sound of the rain fills the room.

Everything feels calm.

After the rain, I step outside.

The air is fresh and clean,

and the sky brightens,

soft colors spread across the evening.

Sometimes, I like to exercise in the rain—

it feels different from dry days.

Though many dislike the rain,

I believe it is a gift to the world.

By

刘大卫 翻译 (Translation) 2025-05-02

[中文版本]

The Chinese Dragon Dance is a traditional performance often seen during Chinese New Year and other festive celebrations. The dragon dance, a vibrant part of Chinese cultural traditions, originated during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) and evolved from rituals to pray for rain and ward off evil spirits, later becoming a celebratory performance, particularly during festivals and Chinese New Year. It is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and ward off evil spirits. The dragon in Chinese culture represents strength, wisdom, and power. Unlike Western dragons, the Chinese dragon is seen as a benevolent creature associated with rain and good fortune. A team of dancers carries a long, flexible dragon made of fabric, hoops, and bamboo poles. They move in a coordinated, wave-like motion to mimic a dragon’s movement. A typical dragon can be anywhere from a few meters to over 100 meters long, requiring multiple performers to control different segments. The dance is accompanied by loud drums, cymbals, and gongs to create an energetic and exciting atmosphere.

By

Nathan Tian 田旻楷 翻译 (Translation) 2025-04-01

[中文版本]

Six years ago, during the summer when I was four years old, my dad and I returned to China to visit my grandfather. This was my third time going to China. The first two times I visited my grandmother's house when I was only one or two years old, so I couldn't remember much about what happened. My grandfather lives in Yueyang, Hunan Province. We took a twenty-three-hour flight and finally arrived in China.

 After we got out of the airport, my dad and I took a taxi to my grandfather's house. I was very excited, and my heart was beating fast. I was very curious about what my grandfather's house would be like. Would it be a big house or a small apartment? How many floors would it have? How many bedrooms? Would there be enough space for me to sleep in my own bed? Since my grandfather lived alone, his house probably wouldn't be too big, right? As I was thinking about this, the taxi suddenly stopped. In front of me stood a tall, gray, two-story house made of cement. There was a staircase in front of the door, and in front of the staircase, there was a small garden surrounded by a black fence. The garden was full of various green vegetables, such as pumpkins, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, water spinach, and more.

 I had just gotten out of the car when my grandfather had already opened the door and greeted me. His gentle smile reminded me of a photo from when I was less than a year old. Back then, my grandfather had come to the United States, and he would take me out to play every day and cook for me. I don't remember the details, but I remember his smile. Now, looking at him, I was reminded of those times. We went into the house, and my grandfather offered me a bowl of freshly made chicken soup. He told me that he had gone to a nearby farm at midnight the night before to catch the chicken. In front of me was a bowl of fragrant chicken soup. I took a small sip, and my whole body felt warm. The soup had a mild salty taste, with many types of mushrooms, large pieces of chicken, and sweet red dates. It was so delicious that every day, I would ask my grandfather to prepare a bowl for me. Even though I haven't been to my grandfather's house in a long time, I still remember the taste of his chicken soup.

 After finishing the delicious chicken soup my grandfather made, I went around the house to explore. It turned out that the house was different from what I had imagined—it was very large. The big white living room had a huge chandelier, with many small transparent crystals hanging from it. There was a large, wide glass window, and when the sunlight streamed in, the house became bright and airy. The kitchen had a small table, a stove, a sink, and many cupboards and drawers. When I went upstairs, I discovered that my grandfather had specially prepared a room for me. The large bed had two soft pillows on it, and it felt very comfortable to lie down. The house was very clean, and everything was neatly arranged. Although there weren't a lot of furniture pieces, anyone who saw the house would immediately feel that it was warm and beautiful. One thing that made my grandfather’s house different from others was that every room had a large map on the wall.

 Although I live in the United States and it’s not convenient for me to visit my grandfather in China, I still remember many of the things we did together, like going to buy steamed buns every day or visiting the neighbor's hen. These memories make me really want to go back to China and visit my grandfather.

By

廖慕坤 翻译 (Translation) 2025-03-31

 [中文版本]

As the warm spring breeze caressed our faces, many of those around us held celebratory traditions commemorating their legacy and cultures; in the past month, Islamic devotees completed their demanding fasts, Jewish compatriots had their Seder meals after sunset, and Christians honored the resurrection of Jesus with Easter service as well. However, on the opposite side of the world, in the country of the golden stars and crimson flag, the sunny weather of the approaching May means something different: the May Fourth Movement. 

As to its name, the movement celebrates a pivotal event in Chinese history that happened on May 4th, 1919. 106 years ago, in the same warmth of the sun, over 3000 students, led by those from Peking University, marched in Beijing, flying banners and flags over their heads. The sole objective of the students was to protest against the Chinese government and their compliance with the Treaty of Versailles, which decided to transfer German-occupied territories in China's Shandong province to Japan. Coupled with the accumulated pressure of the previous century-long spheres of influence by foreign nations, the young, radical intellectuals viewed this decision, despite China's support for the Allies, as a betrayal by Western powers and a failure of Chinese governance. 

Intertwined with the preceding New Culture Movement, the two advocated for the rejection of traditional Confucian values and the adoption of Western ideals for scientific reasoning, political freedom, and a shift in authority. Such opposition to the republican nationalists and imperialism laid the groundwork for communism and anarchism, inspiring Chen Duxiu and Li Dazhao in founding the Chinese Communist Party.
The May Fourth Movement’s significance lies in its opposition to imperialism, which awakened China’s modern national consciousness and patriotism; its opposition to traditional Confucianism and authoritarian values, marking the awakening of freedom, democracy, and science; and its initiative led by the young people, terming the “May Fourth Youth” as a spiritual symbol of the pursuit of progress and the courage to criticize. Nowadays, this movement is commemorated every year, and May 4th is known as “May Fourth Youth Day” in China. Commemorated annually, this movement is indispensable to China's national consciousness and identity today.

By

沈子越 翻译 (Translation) 2025-05-02

[中文版本]

2026 Common Application

With the release of the college application results for the class of 2025, CollegeBoard also announced in late February that the essay prompts for the next cycle will be the same as this year’s. This is great news for students applying to college next year. They can draw inspiration and tips from the successful essays of this year's senior students and be better prepared. If you're a junior and planning to attend college next fall, now might be the best time to start researching the prompts and working on your essays!

Stop CCP VISA Act

On March 14, Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a bill aimed at preventing Chinese citizens from obtaining student visas, titled the Stop CCP VISA Act (full name: Stop Chinese Communist Prying by Vindicating Intellectual Safeguards in Academia Act). According to this bill, Chinese citizens would be barred from entering the United States on professional visas, academic student visas, or as exchange visitors. Many have already expressed opposition to this bill, particularly the "Committee of 100," an organization founded by prominent Chinese-American individuals, including renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, philanthropist Tang Liuchian, and others.

2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival

This year, the Cherry Blossom Festival in the U.S. capital has just begun. From March 20 to April 13, 2025, the cherry blossoms in Washington D.C. will be in bloom. They are likely to reach peak bloom around the end of March or early April, so make sure to plan your visit before the flowers start to fade!

By

黄千书 翻译 (Translation) 2025-03-31

[中文版本]

This winter I visited Joshua Tree National Park in California, and I was deeply impressed by the Cholla Cactus Garden. From afar, the olive plants resembled a large patch of stuffed toys. But when I moved closer, I realized they were actually spiky cacti. 

The shape of the cactus is very unique; their trunks weren’t much different from other trees, but they had no branches or leaves—only small, prickly balls. The balls were green with a hint of yellow. Some of them had even bloomed like popcorn. The trunks and the balls closer to the ground were brown, as if they were scorched by the sun. 

The cacti looked very cute, but they couldn’t be touched or stepped on. Afraid that we were going to get pricked, my mom even brought some ointment. I found this type of cactus unique and strange, and they could only be found in that region. Now, I’ve learned about a new plant!

By

舒云杉 翻译 (Translation) 2025-03-31

[中文版本]

Changes Coming to the MCPS Grading System in 2025-2026

To address the grade inflation issue in MCPS, Superintendent Thomas Taylor is preparing to adjust the grading system. A recent proposal (yet to be confirmed) suggests changes to how grades are calculated, potentially adopting a downward trending system or a numeric percentage average system. Additionally, district officials have proposed implementing final exams or projects in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies classes to address inconsistent grading standards. Other proposals include setting clear deadlines for reassessments and late assignments, clarifying the "minimum effort" required for the 50% rule, and reducing the differences between various honors courses, such as those related to difficulty and grading standards.

2025 NFL Draft Highlights

• Cam Ward was selected first overall by the Tennessee Titans, aiming to rejuvenate the franchise.
• Travis Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner, was picked second by the Jacksonville Jaguars, who traded up with the Cleveland Browns.
• Shedeur Sanders, projected as a first-round pick, experienced an unexpected slide into the fifth round, being chosen 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns.
• Kaden Prather, a Montgomery County native who attended Northwest High School and later the University of Maryland, was drafted by the Buffalo Bills as a wide receiver.

Metro’s Better Bus Network

Some residents may have noticed their bus stop signs being replaced by Metro Bus signs. This is part of the Better Bus Network initiative. The new bus network will introduce new route names, along with changes to routes and bus frequency, designed to optimize service across the region. Current routes will end on June 28, and the new system will begin on June 29. According to their website, the new system aims to improve service and connections, offering more frequent and consistent bus service.

By

刘润宇 翻译 (Translation) 2025-05-02