Colonia High Students Celebrate the Lunar New Year

Teachers organize events to introduce Chinese culture and language to students

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Colonia High School in New Jersey is celebrating the Lunar New Year with a series of events organized by teachers Thomas Gierut and Pallavi Shetty. The events aim to introduce students to Chinese culture, history, and the Chinese language through activities like a Lunar New Year lion dance, a traditional Chinese cuisine luncheon, and visits to a local elementary school to share Chinese art and writing.

Why it matters

Learning about Chinese culture and language helps students develop global awareness, cultural empathy, and strong communication skills, which are increasingly important in our interconnected world. Celebrating the Lunar New Year also promotes diversity and understanding within the school community.

The details

The Lunar New Year events at Colonia High School include a colorful lion dance parade on February 17th, a traditional Chinese cuisine luncheon on February 19th, and a visit to a local elementary school on February 25th where Asian Culture Club students will introduce Chinese art, culture, and writing, lead activities, and perform the lion dance. Throughout the year, the school's Chinese Language Club and Asian Culture Club also organize trips to Chinatown in New York and visits to Chinese restaurants and Asian supermarkets in Edison to further immerse students in Chinese language and culture.

  • The Lunar New Year - the 'Year of the Fire Horse' - dawns on Tuesday, Feb 17th, 2026.
  • TUESDAY, FEB 17th - A Lunar New Year lion dance parade will take place at Colonia High School.
  • THURSDAY, FEB 19th - Chinese Language & Asian Culture club students will have a traditional Chinese cuisine luncheon at Hunan Manor in Highland Park.
  • WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25th - Asian Culture Club students will visit Pennsylvania Avenue Elementary School #27 to introduce Chinese art, culture, and writing, lead activities, and perform the lion dance.

The players

Thomas Gierut

A Mandarin language teacher at Colonia High School who is in his second year at the school. He is the faculty adviser to the Chinese Language Club and co-adviser to the Asian Culture Club.

Pallavi Shetty

An art teacher at Colonia High School and the faculty adviser to the Asian Culture Club since 2018.

Colonia High School

A high school in Colonia, New Jersey that is celebrating the Lunar New Year with a series of events to introduce students to Chinese culture and language.

Pennsylvania Avenue Elementary School #27

An elementary school in Colonia, New Jersey that will host a visit from Colonia High School's Asian Culture Club students to learn about Chinese art, culture, and writing.

Hunan Manor

A Chinese restaurant in Highland Park, New Jersey where Colonia High School's Chinese Language & Asian Culture club students will have a traditional Chinese cuisine luncheon.

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What they’re saying

“Learning about Chinese culture and the language helps our students develop global awareness, cultural empathy, and strong communication skills in an increasingly interconnected world.”

— Thomas Gierut, Mandarin teacher and Chinese Language Club faculty adviser (tapinto.net)

“Studying Chinese culture encourages our students to appreciate diversity, to think critically about global perspectives, and become informed and respectful global citizens.”

— Thomas Gierut, Mandarin teacher and Chinese Language Club faculty adviser (tapinto.net)

“Chinese is one of the most widely spoken languages globally. Understanding the language opens doors to international opportunities in education, business, diplomacy, and technology.”

— Thomas Gierut, Mandarin teacher and Chinese Language Club faculty adviser (tapinto.net)

The takeaway

Colonia High School's celebration of the Lunar New Year demonstrates the school's commitment to exposing students to diverse cultures and languages, which can help them develop important global skills and perspectives that will serve them well in an increasingly interconnected world.