By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Shrewsbury – The Massachusetts Beijing Chinese Language School (MassBCLS) presented a family friendly feast for the eyes and soul as they rang in the “Year of the Pig” on Feb. 3 at the Oak Middle School. The Chinese New Year begins on Tuesday, Feb. 5 and according to custom, the Lunar New Year’s Eve is a time for families to gather in celebration.
This festival celebration, now in its 16th year, provided the students of the school to showcase what they have been learning in class as well as celebrate the culture.
Performances included the traditional Lion Dance, other dances, martial arts, and acrobatics with a focus on language and music. Students from Mandarin classes at St. John’s High School and Shrewsbury Public Schools also took part.
State Sen. Michael Moore (D-Millbury) led a delegation of dignitaries that included State Rep. Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury,) State Rep. Kim Ferguson (R-Holden,) State Rep. Jay Barrows (R-Mansfield,) Shrewsbury Selectman Beth Casavant, Shrewsbury Public School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Sawyer, School Committee Chair Jason Palitsch and St. John’s High School Principal Margaret Granados.
Several hundred people were in attendance including students and family members.
