By Ms. Yidan Wang, IGDVS Teacher
The Lunar New Year celebration brought an air of excitement and cultural enrichment as the IGDVS community came together to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Dragon. From elementary to secondary levels, our students participated in various festivities that brought joy and unity to our community.
Elementary Students Delight in Dumpling Making
In the elementary school, under the guidance of their teachers and parents, young hands carefully folded dumpling wrappers, and filled them with delicious mixtures of tofu and vegetables. With laughter echoing through the school lawns, these young chefs wrapped new year dumplings filled with goodness. They eagerly awaited the chance to taste their homemade dumplings.
Secondary Students Engage in Dumpling Competition
Meanwhile, our secondary students showcased their culinary skills in a spirited dumpling-making competition. Teams of students competed to create the most exquisite dumplings. Ms. Yidan Wang, the judge introduced a unique set of criteria that extended beyond taste alone. She emphasized the importance of dumpling presentation and meaning behind the design. Furthermore, challenging students to think creatively and to consider the aesthetic appeal of their creations.
In addition to their impressive culinary achievements, the Juniors and Seniors distinguished themselves with their exceptional mastery of flavor, earning the “Best-tasting Dumpling” of the competition. On the other hand, the Freshmen and Sophomores showcased their creativity in a different light, utilizing the dumpling wrappers ingeniously as sauce dippers. This innovative approach not only added a unique touch to their presentations but also demonstrated their resourcefulness and outside-the-box thinking, earning the “Most creative Dumpling” of the competition. Meanwhile, the Junior High students embraced tradition and symbolism with their 龍鳳呈祥 (auspicious dragon and phoenix) dumpling display, creating a visually stunning representation of auspiciousness and harmony, earning the “Best-looking Dumpling” of the event.
Through their diverse talents and contributions, each grade level added its own flavor to the celebration, making the dumpling competition a truly memorable and enriching experience for all involved.
Red Packets Spread Good Fortune
Adding to the festivities, our thoughtful teachers distributed red packets to each student. The traditional envelopes were filled with a gold chocolate coin which brought smiles to the faces of our students. The exchange of red packets served as a symbol of prosperity and goodwill, further enhancing the spirit of the New Year celebration.
As we embark on the Year of the Dragon, may the spirit of prosperity, luck, and happiness accompany us on our journey ahead. Happy Lunar New Year! 龍年吉祥，新年快樂!