The League of Educators for Asian American Progress (LEAAP) celebrated its annual Lunar New Year scholarship banquet on February 13, successfully raising $15,000 to fund scholarships for Asian Pacific American high school seniors aspiring to careers in education.
MCPS shared that the event featured a welcoming address from Board of Education President Julie Yang, who emphasized the significance of supporting future educators. Superintendent Thomas Taylor highlighted the importance of celebrating diversity and recognized the impactful work of LEAAP within the community.
A special moment of the evening was the recognition of Joan Rhee, an art teacher at Gaithersburg High School and a former scholarship recipient. The celebration culminated in a vibrant Lion Dance, performed by current students from Winston Churchill High School, Herbert Hoover, White Oak, and Tilden middle schools, as well as Luxmanor Elementary School. Graduates from John F. Kennedy and Paint Branch high schools also joined in the festivities. The Lion Dance, a traditional performance, is believed to bring good luck, happiness, and prosperity for the new year.
Photos from the event can be seen here.