George School Celebrates Lunar New Year

George School students celebrated the Lunar New Year with festivities starting on Monday, February 4, 2019 and lasting throughout the week. Events included a day-long celebration in the Barash Room, a community celebration in Main Lobby, and a trip to Philadelphia’s Chinatown.

More than sixty students from around the world gathered in the Barash Room on Monday morning at 9:00 a.m., wearing red, making dumplings together, watching the Chinese New Year Gala on TV, singing Karaoke, playing Mahjong and card games, participating in an online cultural knowledge competition, and more.

Chinese teacher Ruoxi Zhou, who organized the festivities with the students, and her mother Guofang Qu made five kinds of dumplings and prepared a traditional Chinese lunch that day. In the evening, senior students ordered a Chinese dinner for all.

“My mother and I started preparing for the celebration the week before,” said Ruoxi. “We shopped for treats, and decorated the Barash Room in Main with the help of Shari Rossmann, director of student activities and Marie-Laure Epaminondas, international student coordinator.”

“They hosted festivities late into the evening,” said Susan Ross, dorm head. “There were tons of beautiful decorations, food, games, and karaoke.  Most importantly, our students had a space to reconnect with their families back home on this very important holiday.”

On Saturday, February 9, more than fifty students and community members enjoyed traditional food, played Mahjong and other games, and tried Chinese calligraphy during a community celebration in Main. The lobby was dressed in beautiful decorations including red banners, streamers, riddles, and party favors, and tables were filled with Chinese snacks and steamed buns.

“Everyone in the George School community was welcome to join the celebration and learn more about our culture and traditions,” said Ruoxi.

The Lunar New Year celebration continued with a much-anticipated trip to Philadelphia’s Chinatown on Sunday, February 10. Students and faculty members watched a traditional parade of the Lion Dance, enjoyed dim sum at Sang Kee Peking Duck House, and explored Chinatown.

“It was a special time to bring our George School community together for feasting and festivities as friends and families in China, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and other countries around the world are celebrating,” said Shari.