SHP Ushers In the Chinese New Year of the Rat

     Following a traditional Lion Dance, courtesy of Science teacher Minh Trinh, sophomore Jackson Murray related the story of “The Rat,” followed by the entire group of Mandarin students, who recited the Tang Dynasty poem “Spring Slumber.” In keeping with the lunar cycle of the Chinese calendar, senior Sal Micciche delivered a stunning piano performance of Debussy’s “Claire de Lune.” Mandarin teacher and International Student Program Director Michael Hegedus awarded mouse themed prizes to winners of a number of raffles, including the grand prize to Tianhao Oeng ’23, who won a Chinese New Year Edition Mickey Mouse and a Disney World Hopper Pass. 

     On Thursday 40 students gathered in the Dining Hall for a lesson in Chinese dumpling making. Hosted by  International Program's Chinese parents and host parents, the students were schooled in the intricacies of making the Chinese New Year’s treats, traditionally made in the homes and eaten on the eve of the new year. Made to look like gold ingots, the dumplings represent good fortune.
     Guest instructors included Esther Hom (mom of Justin Abbott '22), Karen Murphy (mom of Alex Murphy '23), Hongmei Gong (host mom of Benny Bai '22 and Arthur Qiu '23); Yingchao Zhang and Lily Yin, of Elite Ivy International Educational Consulting. The ingredients were contributed by Amanda Hui (mom of Christian Hui '22) and Ming Chen (mom of Ken Li '23).
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