David Douglas Schools welcome Lunar New Year

INCLUDES CELEBRATORY VIDEO | See how this outer East Portland school district’s third annual observance of the ‘Chinese New Year’ was better than ever …

In the Hazelwood neighborhood, in the David Douglas High School’s South Cafeteria, this year’s Lunar New Year festivities are underway.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Although school was over for the day, the David Douglas High School (DDHS) South Cafeteria swirled with activity on Friday evening, February 7 – as students, staff, and parents prepared for a district-wide party welcoming the Lunar New Year.

While community partners were setting up exhibits around the capacious room, in the hallway volunteers were placing tables, soon to be laden with food.

Pausing for a photo at the “selfie spot” at the celebration we found DDSD Director of Communications, Family Engagement, and Strategic Partnerships Aidé Juárez Valerio, as well as DDHS Attendance Coordinator Debbie Kiyokawa.

“Welcome, once again, to the David Douglas School District Lunar New Year Celebration,” DDSD Director of Communications, Family Engagement, and Strategic Partnerships Aidé Juárez Valerio greeted us.

Take a look at this exclusive video and get an idea of the fun being had at this celebration:

“Tonight, we are celebrating at our Lunar New Year the ‘Year of the Snake’,” informed Juárez Valerio.

“This is the third year of our celebration of this holiday; and as you can see, it’s getting better and better every year, making it a very successful gathering that brings together more than 700 people,” Juárez Valerio told East Portland News.

With the DDHS ASU, volunteers Nalanie Le and Andy Nguyen sell raffle tickets.

“The great thing about this kind of celebration is that we invite all David Douglas families, all David Douglas ‘Community Partners’ and all of the David Douglas community to join in – because we want everyone to be involved in the celebration, and to learn about other cultures, including this one, she added.”

DDSD Community Partners greet and entertain guests at this celebration.

Staffers volunteer to serve community members supper.

Guests who lined up at the food tables were served both hot and cold culturally-appropriate dishes by volunteers, after which they all settled in at the tables in the main room to enjoy their supper.

Some of the delicacies enjoyed by the crowd were provided by Bui Tofu, Danh’s Kitchen, and Cha Lua Bakery and Deli.

Additionally, folks checked in with the community Partners, and received fruit gifts, souvenirs, and other items related to the celebration.

Presenting “Happy Lunar New Year” banners are these dancers from the White Lotus Foundation Lion Dance group.

“Our ASU (Asian Student Union) does a lot to coordinate the event for this district,” commented DDHS Attendance Coordinator Debbie Kiyokawa.

“They do the decorating, they are the emcees for the night, and they help plan the food and the raffle,” Kiyokawa commended. “The best part is that some of the members will also provide entertainment in the form of cultural dances!”

Students perform the Dunhuang dance – the Chinese long silk streamer dance, known as the Ribbon Dance.

Into the evening those who came, ate, and mingled, enjoyed the spirit of the Lunar New Year.

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