The Lunar New Year (LNY) dragon, known as Loong, is a common part of
most LNY celebrations which symbolizes strength, good fortune, and prosperity. At Delbarton’s annual LNY celebration, the dragon has become more than a decoration or performance piece It has become a symbol of growth of a school tradition and our Delbarton community. For me, it has also become a symbol of my own personal journey as I learned to listen to the past and reconnect with my family’s heritage
As a third-generation American of Chinese descent, much of my cultural connection had faded through the generations When I was a child, cultural assimilation was the norm, and rather than listen to the past, we were taught to tune it out. While I understood my heritage in broad strokes, I never truly felt immersed in it Lunar New Year for my family was reduced to a dinner with extended family where the children received red envelopes with a disappointingly small payout enclosed
Flash forward many years (I won't say how many), when my son Hudson ('27) enrolled at Delbarton as a middle schooler, I volunteered with PCDI to help organize the school's first LNY event My wife Heather was amused by this and joked, "What do you know about Lunar New Year?" Not much I
suppose. Even so, I simply wanted to support something that would enrich the student experience, never realizing how deeply the experience would also reconnect me to the Chinese cultural traditions from which my family had drifted over generations.
When we first hosted the event in 2022, Hudson and I built the first Delbarton dragon in our garage using Amazon boxes, old hockey sticks, green tablecloths, and a Delbarton flag. It was a DIY dragon built with enthusiasm, creativity, school spirit, and a genuine desire to bring our community together to celebrate Lunar New Year
The initial LNY celebration was modest but heartfelt Students sampled traditional foods, learned about customs, and gathered in a spirit of curiosity and community As interest grew, so did our ambitions. Our homemade dragon was retired in favor of borrowing a dragon from Kent Place School Suddenly, the event and the associated performances felt more authentic and dynamic. But the borrowed dragon also represented an important stage in our growth The event had evolved beyond a one-off experiment It was becoming a Delbarton tradition. Two-in-a-row may have seemed insignificant as far as streaks go, but we were building momentum!
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DELBARTON SCHOOL PARENT COUNCIL ON DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
As we close the 2025-26 school year, I am deeply grateful for the moments that brought our Delbarton community together through connection, understanding, and growth This year, the PCDI reminded us that inclusion begins with listening to different voices and experiences with openness and respect Through meaningful conversations and shared events, families, students, and faculty strengthened relationships and deepened our sense of community
This journal reflects the stories shared, the connections formed, and the collective efforts that helped every member of our community feel welcomed and valued Thank you to our board members, committee leaders, parents, faculty, students, and volunteers whose dedication made this work possible I hope these pages inspire us to continue learning from one another and growing together. Wishing everyone a restful and joyful summer
VOLUNTEERING AS AN ACT OF LISTENING AND HUMILITY
(PAGE 3)
Warm regards, Shirly Wu P’27
President, Delbarton PCDI
May 2026
Delbarton School Parent Council on Diversity & Inclusion Annual Journal
Yao Ming, our Delbarton dragon, meanders through the crowd to delight Lunar New Year celebration attendees.
(continued from page 1)
The following year, we decided to take another step forward –purchasing our school’s own dragon directly from China and shipping it to New Jersey That decision felt symbolic in many ways Assembling the dragon presented a slight challenge as the instructions were written with Chinese characters, which was my first real attempt at engaging the written Chinese language I ultimately sought the assistance of another Delbarton parent to help translate This experience was both educational and humbling. Succisa virescit!
Overall, the dragon itself connected our Delbarton community to the country of China and a tradition with centuries of history behind it. When the new dragon finally arrived, it carried a sense of legitimacy and permanence Students were excited, parents were engaged, and our Delbarton families embraced the celebration with enthusiasm. The dragon dance became a centerpiece of the celebration rather than simply an activity
By this point, the event itself had also transformed. What began as a relatively small gathering had matured into a vibrant recurring celebration Today, our Delbarton Lunar New Year event includes an annual ping pong tournament, traditional performances, music, dancing, mahjong tables, and delicious foods from various Asian cultures. Students from all backgrounds participate enthusiastically, whether they have a personal connection to Asian culture or are simply eager for new experiences.
our Delbarton dragon via Kahoot!, choosing “Yao Ming” This is such a fitting name – a basketball star (which suits Delbarton’s love of sports) who embodied strength on the court, became a global cultural icon bridging the gap between the NBA and China, and found good fortune and prosperity through a successful basketball career. Naming our dragon seemed to give it a personality of its own, and in doing so, it became embraced by the Delbarton community as something that truly belongs to the students
One of my favorite moments at this year’s LNY event was when students suggested and voted on a name for
Looking back, the progression of the dragon mirrors the progression of our event, and in many ways, PCDI as an organization The original handmade dragon represented humble beginnings and the willingness to try something new. Borrowing a dragon represented collaboration and growth. Purchasing our own dragon symbolized commitment and continuity Naming the dragon reflected a shared school pride and tradition taking root.
What
started with
old cardboard boxes & hockey sticks has now become a vibrant tradition woven into the fabric of our beloved Delbarton community.
And for me personally, the dragon’s evolution also tells another story. Over the years, organizing this celebration has become an unexpected journey of cultural rediscovery. Through conversations with families, researching traditions, learning about the foods, music, and customs, interpreting Chinese characters, and watching students embrace the celebration with genuine excitement, I found myself reconnecting with aspects of my heritage that I had never fully explored.
What began as volunteering for my son’s school became something even more meaningful It became an opportunity to bridge generations to honor where my family came from while sharing those traditions within a modern school community. I realized that cultural identity does not have to be all or nothing Even traditions that feel distant can be rediscovered through shared experiences, curiosity, and community.
Perhaps that is part of what makes our Delbarton Lunar New Year celebration so special It is not simply about honoring one culture It is about creating opportunities for students and families to learn from one another, celebrate together, and appreciate traditions outside their own experiences. In many ways, that spirit reflects the very best of what a school community can be if we listen to culture, traditions, our past, and where we come from.
Today, when Yao Ming winds its way through the crowd during our Delbarton Lunar New Year celebration, he carries with it years of memories, growth, and culture building. Students who once attended the event as middle schoolers and underclassmen now return as leaders helping to organize it Families who initially showed up out of curiosity are now engaged participants and eagerly anticipate the celebration each year. What started with old cardboard boxes and hockey sticks has now become a vibrant tradition woven into the fabric of our beloved Delbarton community And if that weren’t enough, somehow along the way, Yao Ming has also guided my own personal journey of listening to the past and rediscovering my cultural heritage All in all, I would call that a slam dunk!
VOLUNTEERING AS AN ACT OF LISTENING AND HUMILITY
BY HUNTER TERBORG ‘26
Steered at the Christmas Toy Drive in Paterson. Every year I look forward to the event due to the opportunity to join in service with my peers but most importantly I enjoy being able to spread joy throughout the center.
In my experience, the moments in which I can talk with the families and get to know them more is the most rewarding part of serving To that end, I believe listening and humility are two values which compel my immersion in community service at Delbarton.
my various service experiences have taught me the significance of understanding the people you are serving, consciously listening to others, and practicing humility...
In my opinion, the only way one can truly take the first step in sacrificing their own comfortability
to serve others is through listening The act of listening involves acting on the information you’ve received be it from reading a piece of scripture from a religious text or making a conscious effort towards service based on the suggestion of a teacher or friend
For example, I remember when I recommended my friend to volunteer with ACEing Autism, a service venture at Delbarton to teach kids and teenagers with autism how to play tennis. At first my friend was a little hesitant because he held no experience working with children with autism. After his first time attending, he continues to go because the experience offers him a new and fruitful perspective. My friend would have never engaged in this opportunity unless he made the diligent effort to listen and act on the suggestion This one instance is a reflection of the power of listening to those around us as the impact could entail being able to help others or experiencing something unfamiliar.
Another integral component of service and listening is humility. Humility is such an important part of listening and service because it compels you to halt your own desires and comfortability in the moment to benefit a broader community During my sophomore year retreat in Camden, I had the pleasure of volunteering at a community garden. While my peers and I were cleaning the plant beds, we began to feel tired and frustrated with the task At that moment, I wanted to give up but I realized sacrificing my own ease was more important to make it possible for the community garden to continue to supply fresh produce for families
My experience in the garden allowed me to understand that humility requires a level of empathy and embracing discomfort. Ultimately, my various service experiences have taught me the significance of understanding the people you are serving, consciously listening to others, and practicing humility even in the face of adversity.
LISTENING TO OUR INNER VOICE: PERSPECTIVES OF YOUNG DELBARTON MEN
At the heart of Delbarton School’s Benedictine Catholic character and
BY TANIA LAO-ARTHUR
values is the development of men who lead with integrity, compassion, and a respect for others, while being welcoming to all. As we continue to grow in our commitment to Delbarton School’s diverse and inclusive community, we recognize that this journey begins with the inner work of listening especially to the quiet, personal voice that helps us distinguish right from wrong, guides us in treating others with empathy, and encourages us to stand up for justice. This inner voice is essential not only for personal moral development but also for building a community where every student feels seen, valued, and heard In this spirit, we asked several young Delbarton men to reflect on the role their inner voice plays in their daily lives.
An inherent assumption in choosing Delbarton as a school-home for our sons is that they have strong guides in their spiritual and moral development. One indicator of such development is the influence of one’s “inner voice” - what we sometimes refer to as one’s conscience, gut feeling or intuition. Though unseen as compared to other more evident indicators of moral development, the silent inner voice exercises great influence over behavior. When asked about the meaning and influence of their inner voice, this is what our young men expressed.
Delbarton boys consider their inner voice a guide for their behavior and decision making that is strongly influenced by family and faith/church, but also impacted by friends and cultural values, and to a lesser degree media and pop culture Though the “conversation” is not always straightforward and they sometimes feel conflicted, the boys acknowledge that ultimately their inner voice helps them to weigh the pros and cons of situations, prevents them from acting impulsively, and allows them to make more positive decisions.
This commitment to inner listening is what ultimately shapes a more just and compassionate community...
The boys acknowledge the importance of honoring their inner voice. Most make time and space to listen to the voice by being alone, whether spending that time walking or exercising, journaling, praying, driving or even sitting and doing nothing. These moments allow them to think and consider the messages they receive from their inner voice The boys expressed that the most important messages they have received in these moments guide them to avoid temptation, embrace their faith and remember that God is good and forgiving,
we welcome you!
PCDI invites you to be ALL IN with us as we build community at Delbarton There are so many wonderful volunteer opportunities that allow you to meet friends, strengthen bonds and form circles of support. Ready to share your talents and become part of the fabric of our school? Scan here to join 2026-27 PCDI committees All are welcome!
to remain open to others and nurture their brotherhood by helping others and to maintain a positive, inclusive environment.
Whether they understand it as conscience, intuition or other, we can rest assured that our young Delbarton men are indeed receiving the spiritual and moral guidance we hope for and they hear and heed the guidance of their “inner voice ”
As these reflections show, our students are not only cultivating strong moral character but also laying the foundation for inclusive leadership rooted in empathy, respect, and awareness of others By honoring their inner voice, they are learning to navigate a complex world with both courage and humility. In doing so, they are becoming young men who not only seek their own truth but also create space for the voices and experiences of others This commitment to inner listening is what ultimately shapes a more just and compassionate community, and beyond that, a more unified world
P‘26
C E L E B R A T I O N S
Each school year, DAP and PCDI host can’t-miss celebrations to build community and appreciate our wonderfully diverse Delbarton community From meaningful traditions to enriching exchanges, each celebration brings us closer together in unity and understanding
HISPANICHERITAGEMONTHCELEBRATION-
October2,2025
Our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration recognized and honored the rich histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Through learning, reflection, and celebration, we paid tribute to those who came before us while inspiring future generations to embrace diversity, pursue excellence, and make a positive impact in their communities This year’s celebration featured authentic Hispanic cuisine that highlighted the rich culinary traditions of various countries and regions, allowing attendees to experience the flavors and cultural significance of Hispanic food. Cultural displays, traditional dance performances, and live music showcased the artistry, heritage, and spirit of Hispanic communities. Our spirited annual Delbarton Copa soccer tournament further united students and families through friendly competition and a shared love of the game Overall, this celebration highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion within our school community By recognizing and appreciating different cultures and perspectives, we foster greater understanding, respect, and unity. As we honor our past, we strengthen the values that bring us together and inspire a future built on acceptance,opportunity,andmutualrespect.
-BillPierceP’30
DiwaliatdelbartonOctober23,2025
Thisyear'sDelbartonDiwalifestivalwastrulyspecial. Rightfromthestart,FatherMichael’sopeningaddress wasnotonlymeaningfulbutalsogenuinelyinspiring, setting the perfect tone for this outstanding event. Thefestivalwasvibrantfromstarttofinish,thanksto the hard work and dedication of all the students, parents,andfacultywhohelpedorganizeit Thecolors weredazzling,fromtheintricatefloraldecorationsto the bright and elegant dresses worn by guests. The foodwasflavorfulandrich,offeringaperfecttasteof Indian culture There was a great turnout, with everyone enjoying fun activities like cricket and Carom board games. The dances were lively and exciting,bothtowatchandtojoininon.Overall,the Delbarton Diwali Festival was a beautiful celebration of light, tradition, teamwork, and community spirit thattrulybroughteveryonetogether
-AaronPaul‘29
CELEBRATIONOFBLACKHISTORY&CULTURE-
February12,2026
Delbarton’s Black History and Culture Celebration on February 12thwasanextraordinaryoccasion,honoring100yearsofBlack influencewhilecelebratingtherichnessofBlackexcellence.This memorable day was made possible through the dedication and generosityofourstudents,parents,faculty,staff,andcommunity partners
Theprogramopenedwithaninspiringwelcomepoemandprayer fromFatherMichael,settingareflectiveandhopefultoneforthe day. Attendees experienced visually stunning displays of Blackauthoredbooksalongsidehistoricalexhibitsthathighlightedeach decade of a century of Black influence A beautiful showcase of traditional Nigerian clothing, modeled by our young students, addedbotheleganceandculturaldepth.
The celebration continued with captivating performances by the WhitneyHoustonDancers,whilelivelymusicfromJevaunandDJ Charles energized the atmosphere and brought the community togetherinjoy.FromthevibrantmodelingoftraditionalNigerian fashion to the sharing of flavorful cultural dishes, each element contributedtoarichandimmersiveexperience Mostimportantly, theeventfosteredmeaningfulconnectionsandembodiedthetrue spirit of our community, reinforcing our mission to cultivate a cultureofbelongingatDelbarton.Welookforwardtowelcoming youtonextyear’scelebrationandfuturePCDIevents
-TaniaLao-ArthurP‘26
INTERFAITHFAST&FEAST-March2,2026
Our Delbarton school community convened for our distinguished InterfaithFastandFeastthatunderscorestheimportanceofdiversity, unity,andmutualrespectamongourDelbartoncommunitymembers Initiated by Mr Zack Tabor, this annual event continues to thrive underhisleadershipasheinspiresongoinginterestandparticipation.
The event included enlightening presentations, student reflections, light musical selections, authentic foods, and shared traditions representingawiderangeoffaithsandbackgrounds Attendeeshad the opportunity to gain insight into the meaning of Islamic fasting practices during Ramadan, while acknowledging the common values that bind us kindness, compassion, service, and understanding. The atmospherewascharacterizedbypositivity,curiosity,andrespectas participants engaged in meaningful dialogue and celebrated each ther'suniqueidentities
e successful organization of this event exemplified our school’s going dedication to cultivating an inclusive and welcoming ironment where every individual feels valued and respected. dents demonstrated exemplary leadership, collaboration, and tural awareness throughout the planning and execution of the p ogram. Families and guests expressed appreciation for the opportunity to foster connections across different cultures and faith traditionsinapurposefulmanner.Thiscelebrationnotonlyenhanced relationships within the school community but also served as a compelling reminder that unity is achievable through empathy, education,andsharedexperiences.
Thisyear’sLNYeventwasafestivecelebrationwithdeliciousand authentic Asian cuisine from Sage Dining and Szechuan Delight, alongwithbubbleteafromTinicoo Ms Lovedaydeliveredawarm welcome to guests, and Mr Martinez offered grace, setting an inviting tone. Students Mason Chu, Henry Clyan, Eric Feng, and ZacheryWanpresentedanengagingoverviewofLunarNewYear historyandtraditions,includingthesignificanceoftheYearofthe Horse This was followed by a trivia game with prizes and the officialnamingoftheDelbartonDragon-“YaoMing”,chosenby votefromthestudentbody,whichbroughtgreatenthusiasmand energytotheroom.
InternationalFestival-MaY6,2026
The International Night brought the Delbarton community together to showcase the school's diverse backgrounds and celebrate the rich tapestry of global heritage Students offered meaningful, reflective prayers and recited poems in French, Italian, Arabic, and Spanish, showcasing the languages taught by the school's Foreign Languages Department. Delectable foods from various international cultures were offered to taste and savor The international playlist transported attendees to various corners of the world, fostering an atmosphere of joy and connection. This harmonious gathering embodied the spirit of unity, as people from diverse cultures shared stories and celebrated the unique contributions each culture brings toDelbarton
Mrs YangplayedmusiconthetraditionalChineseinstrument,the erhu,blendingtraditionalandmodernstyles.Herdancingpartner followed with a breathtaking performance and invited students and faculty to join in a fun dance demonstration! Students and faculty showcased their Green Wave competitive spirit in our annual ping pong tournament while others engaged in games of Mahjong.
The event concluded with the dragon parade accompanied by musiciansMasonChuandPrestonShiperforming“GongXiGong Xi,” a beloved traditional Chinese piece, adding a festive and celebratory finale to the evening. Overall, the event was a resoundingsuccess,bringingjoyandLunarNewYearspirittoall whoattended
-ShirlyWuP'27
Considering Psalm 133:1, "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity," the event served as a poignant reminder of the power of collaboration and mutual respect among cultures. The event illustrated that when individuals unify, amazing possibilities arise, transcending boundaries and deepening understanding The night concluded with a celebration of senior D.A.P. (Diversity Among Peers) students for their participation in the club during their time at Delbarton As participants embraced the joys of shared experiences, they were reminded of the rich blessings of living harmoniously This celebration inspired attendees not only to appreciate their own cultural identities but also to respect and honoroneanother’straditions,underscoringthatunityfosterspeace, joy,andstrengthinourincreasinglyinterconnectedworld.
-MaryseManasse-RomainP’28
THANKS FOR ANOTHER GREAT YEAR!
Thank you to all of our amazing PCDI volunteers, for your
engagement, collaboration, commitment, and positive energy throughout the course of the year We would also like to acknowledge the hard work, passion, and commitment of outgoing board member, Jonathan Yee (Vice President). Thank you for your dedication to our Delbarton community through your four year tenure on our board and five years actively volunteering with PCDI!
