Student Volunteers Bring Chinese Calligraphy, Traditional Paper Cutting, and Mid-Autumn Festival Traditions to More Than 500 Community Participants
On Saturday, October 17, 2026, ESC Club proudly participated in the 2026 Fall Culture Festival at Riverview International Academy (RIA), located at 9308 Winter Gardens Boulevard, Lakeside, California. The festival welcomed more than 500 students, parents, and community members, bringing families together for an afternoon of cultural exploration, hands-on activities, and community celebration.
This year marked the second consecutive year of collaboration between ESC Club and Riverview International Academy, continuing their shared commitment to promoting cultural diversity, cross-cultural understanding, and student leadership through meaningful community engagement.
Bringing Chinese Culture to Life Through Interactive Experiences
ESC Club organized several interactive cultural activity stations, giving children and families opportunities to explore traditional Chinese arts, history, and customs.
Traditional Chinese Calligraphy: Visitors experienced Chinese brush writing, learning how traditional characters are created and discovering the artistic and cultural significance of Chinese calligraphy.
Chinese Paper Cutting: Children and parents participated in hands-on paper-cutting activities, creating decorative designs while learning about this traditional Chinese folk art.
Chinese Food History and Culture: ESC Club volunteers introduced the history and cultural significance of Chinese cuisine, highlighting how food traditions connect families, communities, and generations.
Mid-Autumn Festival and Mooncake Traditions: Students shared stories about the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, including its connection to family reunions, the full moon, and the traditional enjoyment of mooncakes.
As a special addition this year, ESC Club brought authentic Chinese mooncakes for sale, with proceeds supporting fundraising efforts for Riverview International Academy’s PTSA. This initiative combined cultural education with community service, allowing visitors to experience a traditional Chinese holiday food while contributing to the school’s programs.
Student Leadership in Action
The event was organized and supported by dedicated ESC Club student members Alex, Ashley, Lanting, Zekey, Andrew, and Ming, who took responsibility for different activity stations throughout the festival.
From preparing cultural displays and demonstrating traditional crafts to engaging with young children and explaining Chinese traditions, the student volunteers played an essential role in making the activities welcoming, educational, and enjoyable.
The interactive stations attracted enthusiastic participation from children and parents, many of whom enjoyed creating their own paper-cutting artwork, practicing Chinese brush writing, and learning about Chinese festivals for the first time
Building Stronger Communities Through Cultural Exchange
ESC Club’s continued partnership with Riverview International Academy demonstrates how schools, families, and student-led organizations can work together to create inclusive learning experiences beyond the classroom.
By combining traditional cultural activities with youth volunteerism and community fundraising, the festival provided opportunities for students from different backgrounds to connect, appreciate one another’s heritage, and develop a broader understanding of the world.
The collaboration also reflects ESC Club’s broader mission:
“Inspired by Humanity and Empowered by Technology.”
Looking Ahead
ESC Club extends its sincere appreciation to Riverview International Academy, its PTSA, school leadership, parent volunteers, and participating families for their continued partnership and support.
Building on two successful years of collaboration, ESC Club looks forward to expanding its cultural education and student volunteer initiatives with Riverview International Academy and other schools throughout the San Diego community.
Through partnerships like this, ESC Club hopes to inspire more young people to become cultural ambassadors, community leaders, and advocates for a more connected and inclusive future.
