The Morris Branch of the Alliance of Youth Leaders in the United States (AYLUS) was excited to assist with preparations for Chatham High School’s Lunar New Year Celebration Party. The event aimed to celebrate the rich traditions and vibrant culture of the Lunar New Year, and the AYLUS members were determined to make it a memorable evening for everyone involved.
On 1/17 afternoon after school, our members immediately went to school cafeteria to help transform there into a festive space. Red and gold decorations filled the room, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. Members worked in teams to hang lanterns, string up fairy lights, and arrange banners with auspicious phrases in Chinese calligraphy. The setup included a dedicated photo booth adorned with traditional props, where guests could capture memories of the evening.
Members also worked on setting up tables for refreshments, ensuring that the display reflected the spirit of the holiday. They carefully arranged trays of symbolic foods such as candies, oranges, alongside informational cards explaining the significance of each dish. This thoughtful touch added an educational element to the celebration, allowing attendees to learn more about the cultural traditions of the Lunar New Year.
As the finishing touches were applied, the Morris Branch members reflected on their collaboration and teamwork. Their contributions were not only instrumental in creating a beautiful environment for the gala but also in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture within the community. The evening promised to be a joyful celebration of heritage and unity, made possible by their dedicated efforts.
Volunteers:
2 hours: Kelly Nie, Shirley Nie
Advisors:
Linna Wang