华府青年（CYOC）庆祝马里兰蒙哥马利郡亚太裔传统月

报道: Ruichen Feng，校对: Joy Wu，摄影：华府青年会员及家长

华府青年（CYOC）作为主办单位之一，于2025年5月4号， 参加了马里兰州蒙哥马利郡举行的亚裔美国人和太平洋岛民（AAPI）传统月庆典活动日。这是一场充满了活力和意义非凡的盛会，汇聚了来自全县的AAPI社区成员、非盈利组织，文化组织和青少年团体，共同庆祝AAPI社区的多元文化与大家的杰出贡献。

               在活动现场，CYOC作为主要由华裔青少年组成的非盈利组织，我们向公众介绍我们的宗旨、发展历程以及对社区的积极影响。许多来宾对我们的服务项目表示浓厚兴趣，我们也自豪地分享了CYOC在青少年赋能、志愿服务和文化交流与教育方面的持续努力与成果。 我们的展位还重点介绍了中国文化的传统与现代元素，包括中国元素的装饰物，如京剧脸谱，中华漆扇子，中国茶具，文房四宝，熊猫饰品、中文书法作品等，为参观者提供了近距离了解中华文化魅力的机会。同时，我们还设置了适合儿童参与的趣味游戏，通过互动方式让孩子们在轻松愉快的氛围中了解中国历史与风俗。许多家庭驻足参与，现场气氛热烈。

当天最令人感动的环节之一，是我们的CYOC 青少年们参加了庆典开幕式的表演环节，来自不同AAPI国家背景和族裔的青少年们，齐聚舞台，一起合唱“it’s a small world” ,为本次亚太文化月庆典活动 带来了极具感染力开幕仪式，充分展现了新一代AAPI后裔对文化的热爱与自豪。CYOC成员们也深受启发，感受到多元文化融合的力量和对文化认同的坚定信念。

               在活动中，蒙哥马利郡政府向CYOC颁发了嘉奖证书，感谢我们对社区的贡献以及对文化交流的支持。这份荣誉令我们倍感欣慰，也激励我们继续在推动文化交流和青年领导力方面不懈努力。

当天的亮点之一是马里兰州亚太裔委员们和蒙哥马利郡郡长Marc Elrich亲临我们的摊位，与CYOC成员进行了亲切和愉快的交流，了解了我们的展示内容，并合影留念。委员们和郡长的支持与关注令我们深受鼓舞，也展现了郡政府对青少年成长和文化包容的高度重视。这次活动不仅是AAPI文化的庆典，更是一次社区凝聚力的体现和青少年参与文化对话的重要契机。CYOC为能够参与其中感到无比自豪。未来，我们将继续加强社区参与与文化推广，期待未来参与更多促进学习、尊重与团结的活动。

Capital Youth Outreach Club (CYOC) Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month in Montgomery County, Maryland

Reported by: Ruichen Feng

Photographed by CYOC members and Parents

As one of the hosting organizations, Capital Youth Outreach Club (CYOC) participated in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Celebration Day held in Montgomery County, Maryland, on May 4, 2025. This vibrant and meaningful event brought together AAPI community members, nonprofit organizations, cultural groups, and youth organizations from across the county to celebrate the rich diversity and outstanding contributions of the AAPI community.

As a nonprofit organization primarily composed of Chinese American youth, CYOC introduced our mission, development, and community impact to the public. Many visitors expressed great interest in our service programs, and we proudly shared CYOC’s ongoing efforts in youth empowerment, volunteer service, and cultural education. Our booth highlighted both traditional and contemporary aspects of Chinese culture, featuring items such as Beijing opera masks, Chinese lacquer fans, tea sets, calligraphy tools, panda-themed trinkets, and Chinese calligraphy pieces. Visitors had the opportunity to appreciate Chinese culture up close. We also offered fun and interactive games for children, allowing them to learn about Chinese history and customs in a joyful and engaging environment. The booth drew many families and created a lively atmosphere.

One of the most touching moments of the event was when our CYOC youth members participated in the opening performance. Youth from diverse AAPI backgrounds gathered on stage to sing “It’s a Small World,” creating an uplifting and memorable opening to the celebration. Their performance demonstrated the new generation’s pride in their heritage and deepened our appreciation for cultural unity and identity.

During the event, Montgomery County presented CYOC with a citation in recognition of our contributions to the community and support for cultural exchange. This honor was incredibly encouraging and motivates us to continue promoting cultural understanding and youth leadership.

A highlight of the day was the visit from Commission Members of Maryland Governor’s Asian Pacific American Affairs and Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, who stopped by our booth to speak with CYOC members, learn about our displays, and take a group photo. Their support and engagement were truly inspiring and reflected the state and county’s strong commitment to youth development and cultural inclusion.

This celebration was not only a tribute to heritage, but also a testament to community strength and the vital role of youth in cultural dialogue. CYOC is proud to have been part of this event and grateful to Montgomery County for the opportunity. We look forward to further promoting community involvement and cultural exchange, and to participating in more events that foster learning, respect, and unity.