(Student article, submitted by Jaewon Kim ’27)
As the Lunar New Year festivities continue, South Kent School reflects on the vibrant celebrations that brought the Hillside community together. The Lunar New Year, which began on January 29, 2025, marks the start of the new year according to the lunar calendar and is one of the most widely celebrated holidays across the world.
Observed primarily in many Asian cultures—including Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Singaporean, Malaysian, Filipino, and Indonesian traditions—Lunar New Year is a time of family reunions, festive meals, and cultural traditions that vary from country to country. A key aspect of the celebration is gathering with loved ones to share meals and welcome the prosperity of the new year.
South Kent students shared personal insights into how their families celebrate the holiday. George Wu ’27, a student from Southern China, explained that chicken is a significant dish in his family’s Lunar New Year feast. “The main thing we eat is chicken,” he shared. “Cantonese people love to eat chicken, and it is always on the table during Lunar New Year.”
For other families, the focus is less on specific dishes and more on the time spent together. Jason Zhou ’27, another South Kent student from China, described his family’s traditions: “There isn’t a typical big event for us. We simply prepare a larger meal than usual, take our time at dinner, and enjoy conversation with family.”
In the spirit of inclusivity and cultural appreciation, South Kent School embraced the Lunar New Year with special events designed to bring the community together.
• Lantern-Making in the Dining Hall – Students created vibrant paper lanterns to decorate the dining hall, symbolizing reconciliation with the past and prosperity for the year ahead.
• Cultural Dinner Experience – The dining hall featured traditional Asian dishes, giving students and faculty the opportunity to experience and appreciate the rich culinary heritage of the holiday.
By incorporating these celebrations, South Kent School honors the diversity of its student body while fostering a deeper understanding of global traditions. As South Kent celebrates Lunar New Year, the School is also preparing for a historic moment—our first-ever alumni reunion in Asia, as part of our Centennial celebrations. The trip will begin in Shanghai on March 29, 2025, followed by alumni gatherings in Seoul and Tokyo, strengthening global alumni connections.
To kick off this exciting journey, Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa ’62 will deliver a special talk on Friday, February 7th, sharing memories from his time on the Hillside and insights from his distinguished career in international diplomacy. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “South Kent instilled in me a deep sense of curiosity and resilience. I am honored to share my journey and discuss how the lessons I learned on the Hillside have shaped my work in international diplomacy.”
For more information about the Pathways Series Talks, please contact Lara Barrett, Director of External Affairs.
This upcoming trip will be an opportunity for alumni to reconnect, celebrate South Kent’s lasting impact, and reinforce the strong ties within our global community.
With the Lunar New Year celebrations bringing students together on the Hillside and the upcoming Asia reunion set to strengthen alumni connections worldwide, South Kent School continues to honor tradition while embracing the future.