CCACC Adult ESOL Program Held the 2025 Graduation Ceremony

On July 17, 2025, Community Services of the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC) held the 2025 Adult ESOL Program Graduation Ceremony, warmly celebrating the completion of courses by hundreds of students.

The ceremony was hosted by Chiao-Chiao Liu (Director of CCACC Community Services & CCACC Adult ESOL Program Lead). Director Liu noted that since its establishment in 1988, the Adult ESOL Program has grown from a single class to nearly 30 classes offered annually, serving an average of 400 students each year. Since 2011, the program has received continuous funding from the Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy (MCAEL), offering both in-person and online instruction to help new immigrants overcome language barriers and integrate into society. On the day of the ceremony, MCAEL was also represented by Grace Karambiri (Programs Manager) and Danny Quile (Manager of Data Analysis and Technology), who attended to offer their congratulations.

Rita S. Lewi (Executive Director of CCACC) also attended the ceremony, delivering remarks to recognize the hard work and progress of the students, offering her best wishes, and expressing heartfelt thanks to the dedicated teachers and volunteers whose selfless contributions have allowed this community service program to flourish.

Notably, Chih-Hsiang Li (CCACC Co-founder and former Executive Director of CCACC), who has served as a volunteer teacher for many years, led his class in a recital of the poem "My Way", reflecting the students' confidence and growth throughout their learning journey.

The ceremony featured a rich program, including certificate presentations, poetry recitations, choral singing, and student sharing sessions. Under the guidance of their teachers, students performed "You Are My Sunshine" and "Edelweiss." Students WenJuan Yin, Qiaoyun Wu, and Xiaoxia Zhang shared their personal experiences of learning English.

Student Rose Yu delivered her original poem "Because We Have You," The poem is included as an appendix, along with its Chinese translation and editing by Chiao-Chiao Liu, to express gratitude for the students' appreciation and support for CCACC.

"Because We Have You"

Because of the stars,

因為有了星星，

The Milky Way is brilliant.

銀河更美麗。

Because it rains,

因為有雨，

There are rivers.

會聚了小河。

Because of the forests,

因為有了森林，

Animals have places to hide.

動物們有了棲身之處。

Because of the flowers and grasses,

因為有花有草，

The land becomes more beautiful.

大地更美麗。

Because of the existence of CCACC,

因為 CCACC 的存在，

It becomes a colorful ocean and,

它成了彩色的大海，

attract me to swim in it.

吸引我倘佯其中。

Because I take CCACC ESOL classes,

因為參加了英語班，

I knew nice teachers and classmates.

認識了這麼好的老師和同學。

Because I joined the choir,

因為加入了中心合唱團，

My singing has improved.

歌聲更悅耳。

Because we have you – CCACC,

只因為有你，美京華人活動中心，

You bring smiles and happiness to us,

你帶給我們快樂與微笑，

I love you, CCACC.

我愛您，CCACC。

During the event, information about the 2025 summer and fall classes was also announced, covering basic English, citizenship preparation, and daily conversation courses. Community members are encouraged to register, continue learning, and expand their life opportunities.

Contact Information:

CCACC Adult ESOL Program

Phone: 301-820-7143

Website: www.ccacccommunityservice.org

(Article and photos by CCACC Community Services)

E.D. Rita S. Lewi (front row) pictured with the CCACC Adult ESOL Program English teachers. Back row, from left to right: Heidi Hsia, Chih-Hsiang Li, Peggy Juan, Chiao-Chiao Liu, and Matt Kopalek.