Students from across Ohio recently came together for the 2026 East Central Ohio Educational Service Center (ECOESC) Chinese New Year Celebration, an event that highlighted culture, language, and community through performances and shared traditions.
More than 240 students who study Chinese through the ECOESC gathered at Licking Heights Central Middle School for the annual celebration. The event brought together students who typically learn virtually through ECOESC’s online Chinese language program, providing them with an opportunity to meet in person and celebrate Chinese culture together.
Program coordinator Michele Carlisle and the ECOESC Chinese teaching team organized the event, which featured a variety of cultural performances and student presentations. Performances included a traditional Lion Dance, martial arts demonstrations, a dragon dance, fan dancing, songs, rhymes, and poetry that reflected Chinese traditions and storytelling.
Art students from Licking Heights High School also contributed to the celebration by creating a portfolio of Chinese-inspired artwork that was displayed throughout the event.
The celebration concluded with a traditional Chinese lunch catered by Lantern Restaurant in Blacklick, allowing students to experience another element of Chinese culture through food.
Students enrolled in the ECOESC Chinese language program participate in live virtual instruction through licensed Chinese instructors. With the support of program funding, students are also able to take part in real-world cultural learning opportunities such as the annual Chinese New Year celebration.
Schools interested in offering Chinese language instruction through ECOESC can contact program coordinator Michele Carlisle at michele.carlisle@ecoesc.org for more information.