Written by Skylar Law (Class of 2030) and Ava Peng (Class of 2029)
Photos by IGDVS Students

This year’s Cherishing Youth Day on April 17, 2026 marked the celebration of our school’s 50th anniversary–traveling back in time– with everyone joyfully cheering the girl school’s seniors take us on a remarkable journey to see how our school has developed in the past 50 years. This celebration wasn’t just about looking back—it was also about coming together. Students from across the community joined us to share in the fun and cultural appreciation. Among them were groups from Frank Zeek Elementary, Calpella Elementary, River Oak Charter School, Blosser Lane Elementary, and Grace Hudson Elementary.

With booth activities, students interact with each other. Happily, they DIY keychains with Chinese characters while also dancing and singing together. lighting up the crowd with laughter and energy to start the day.

The Chinese orchestras radiate out Vibrant music of culture, and as the children listen to each piece’s dynamics and tone, bags with juice and snacks are also enjoyed among everyone! This year, our choir and orchestra also collaborated to perform a special piece called White Universe, a song based on our founder Master Hua’s poem, to honor the school’s 50th anniversary. Their voices and instruments blended beautifully, filling the campus with a sense of gratitude.

The Chinese dance team performed a graceful piece called Misty Rain, their flowing movements and elegant formations creating a scene as soft and poetic as its name. The audience was captivated by the dancers’ precision and expression, adding yet another highlight to the celebration

Following the sounds of excitement, the boy schoolers presented their dragon dance, lion and drumming with such high skills and teamwork.

Since their movements are so fluent the dragon felt like it was flying in the sky, it is truly astonishing to watch. With the dramatic beats from the drums, shaking the floor as well as the audience’s hearts.

As the day came to a close, the campus was filled with a sense of happiness. Each performance, activity, and shared moment reminded us of how far our school has come over the past 50 years—and how much heart our community continues to carry forward. With gratitude for the past and excitement for the future, we ended the celebration knowing that the spirit of our school will continue to shine for many years to come.