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Scroll down to view a recording of the Lunar New Year All-School celebration.

By Darryl Gangloff

The Hotchkiss community welcomed the Year of the Horse with a joyful, student-led Lunar New Year celebration that brought the campus together for performances, hands-on cooking workshops, shared meals, and evening festivities.

What began years ago as a single afternoon of dumpling-making has grown into a vibrant, multi-day tradition that is shaped and sustained by the dedication of students, parents, faculty, and staff.

The festivities began on Feb. 11, when students and volunteers filled Main Building with red lanterns, setting the tone for the week ahead.

On Feb. 15, students gathered in the Dining Hall to learn the art of making dumplings and scallion pancakes alongside Hotchkiss chefs. Lauren Niem ’26 and her mother, Jenny Yuen P'26, led the scallion pancake workshop, guiding participants step by step through the process.

On Feb. 17, Walker Auditorium came alive with music and dance during an All-School Meeting celebration hosted by Symphony Shi ’26 and Xavier An ’28. (Watch a recording below.)

“Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the new year on the lunisolar calendar,” Xavier shared. “Across many cultures, it’s a time for reunion, reflection, gratitude, and hope.”

“Wherever it is celebrated—whether at home, in community centers, or on grand stages like this—music and dance are always at the heart of the festivities,” Symphony added.

That evening, the community gathered in the Dining Hall for a delicious dinner. Supportive parents hosted a free raffle with fun prizes.

The celebration continued in the Student Center, where students, faculty, staff, parents, and friends enjoyed games, calligraphy, snacks, and karaoke. Sparklers lit the night, and parents also gathered for a reception in Harris House.

The student coordinators who led this year’s Lunar New Year celebration were Remy Lee '26, Symphony Shi '26, Lauren Niem '26, Sammi Zhu '28, and Hermione Wu '27 (dance choreographer).