L-R: Madison Yang (lion tail), Camila Gomez (lion head) and Shriya Velichala present Chinese New Year gift to Mr. Lopez’s 4th grade class.
Three Camino Grove Elementary School students in the class of Ms. Simmons — Shriya V, Camila G, and Madison Y – brought a Lunar New Year celebration to four classrooms and the office on Jan. 31 by dancing and bowing inside a Chinese New Year lion costume, and giving each teacher a little Chinese New Year gift.
While prancing around the classrooms of Ms. Brown, Mr. Lopez, Mr. Rhee, and Ms. Fortier, students’ eyes glared at the Chinese lion, with its beautiful, vibrant, pink, orange, red, and green colors.
When the students were in Mr. Lopez’s class, the teacher asked to try on the lion head. As he shook his head wildly, the classroom roared with laughter. After, Mr. Lopez exclaimed gleefully, “Gung Hay Fat Choy!” (This means Happy Chinese New Year in Cantonese.) “I have to admit, it was pretty stuffy in the lion’s head”, commented Camila. “I liked being part of going around as it was a big opportunity”, claimed Shriya.
Madison added, “I think it was a fun, wonderful, experience.” Everyone wants this lion to visit their classes again next year.
Ms. Simmons said she bought the lion while shopping in Chinatown.
— By Camila Gomez with contributions by Shriya Velichala and Madison Yang