Closing Ceremony on Friday, July 25

The "Closing Ceremony" was held on Friday, July 25, to signify the end of the four-week San Sin-TCC Summer English Program. The principal, Mr. Lin, opened the ceremony, welcoming the students and their American teachers. Then, Dr. O'Kon thanked the principal, Mrs. Helen Lee, the San Sin English Department head, Jerry and Ellie Fussell, and Mr. Shih for their continued help with the program. She also encouraged the San Sin students to continue working hard with their English studies. Two of the teaching assistants, Alex and Jingo, served as moderators and translated these comments into Mandarin Chinese for the audience.

Dr. O'Kon said to the students, "Your American teachers have all been impressed with the level of English skills found in many of the San Sin students. The students here truly care about improving their English abilities. And it is an inspiration to us all to see how hard you are working to learn more about English and to use it correctly. The ability to speak and use another language correctly will ensure your success in the future. Keep up the good work!"

Next, some students received group awards for their outstanding PBL projects that had been presented the day before. First-year and second-year students were acknowledged for their preparation and oral presentations of their projects. The winners were:

First-Year Students:
     1st Place:  Class A-3  "Leisure Time"
     Sam, Tiffany, Holly, Stan, Win, Dolly

     2nd Place:  Class A-2  "Leisure Time"
     Olivia, Daisy, Betty, Amanda, Aileen

Second-Year Students:
     1st Place:  Class C-2  "Leisure Time"
     Alice, Peggy, Angela, Pearl, Katy, Sandy, Miranda,
     Ethan, Odin, Eric, Fanny

     2nd Place:  Class E-4  "Eating Around the World"
     Cindy, Joy, Anna, Joanne, Tina, May

The American teachers also gave the "Best English Speaker" award to one first-year student, Jessy, and one second-year student, Angela.

Each student received a certificate for completion of the Summer English Program. The American teachers also presented special awards for Outstanding Academic Achievement and for Excellent Participation in class to individual students. Group photos were taken of the English classes with their American teachers!

After a short break, the student performances began.  Groups of San Sin students sang, danced, and played games. Then, the American teachers performed the "Game Show." They played a number of crazy games, drawing student names randomly by lottery as participants.

\

The students asked their American teachers to sign the back of their certificates and write brief notes to them.  Also, many students wanted individual photos with the teacher, so a lot of pictures were taken! And although hugging is not a part of Taiwanese culture, the American teachers made it so!










Special thanks was expressed to the Teaching Assistants: Alex, Lily, Jingo, Mita, and Blair.  Their help was invaluable throughout the program.  They worked very hard and are very much appreciated!