2022 Rewi Alley Memorial Prizegiving Ceremony for Chinese Language Students, Christchurch
On the evening of Friday 18 November the Christchurch branch held its annual prizegiving ceremony at St Margaret’s College. This prizegiving ceremony has occurred annually for over 15 years. There were 30 students from six schools in the greater Christchurch area this year. It is always a very happy event with proud parents, siblings, grandparents, teachers etc attending. This year was no exception, with about 100 people present.
Following a couple of brief speeches, the Qiao Yi Lion Dance group gave a wonderful and colourful lion dance performance which was followed by the formal presentation of prizes by Consul General He Ying and branch president David Stringer. Each prize consisted of money, a certificate signed by the branch president, a letter of congratulations from the branch president and a small gift kindly provided by the local Chinese Consulate.
As the branch committee took the view the ceremony was all about the young people, it deliberately made the whole affair quite informal this year, which meant only having two brief speeches; we all know young people don’t want to listen to long speeches! From the feedback received afterwards it was obviously the right decision. During and following the formal part of the ceremony, photos were taken and then everyone enjoyed an amazing supper put together by branch member Chris Goodwin and his band of Happy Helpers. All in all, a very happy and successful event.
This annual ceremony is very important, and a matter of great pride for all those taking part. A big Thank You goes to St Margaret’s College for providing the facilities each year.
