Trailblazing Graduates Revisit Bergeson Elementary to Inspire Current Mandarin Immersion Students

The first graduating class of the Mandarin Immersion Program from Capistrano Valley Unified School District recently visited Marian Bergeson Elementary School. This event, held on April 29, celebrated the achievements of this year's seniors and aimed to inspire the younger students in the program. Fourteen seniors from Capistrano Valley High School, along with their parents and staff, returned to the campus where their language education began.

During the visit, the seniors participated in activities with the elementary students. They spent time in a third-grade classroom, interacted with fifth graders, and took senior class photos in the playground. The seniors wore sweatshirts with the names of the universities they will attend, including Stanford, Cornell, and USC, showcasing their academic paths to the younger students.

Charlotte Komine, a long-time Mandarin teacher in the program, spoke about the visit's importance. She noted that the event celebrated the seniors' accomplishments and demonstrated the program's potential benefits to the younger students. The graduates' presence underscored the program's success in enhancing academic and professional opportunities.

William Pang, a graduating senior who will attend UCLA, shared his feelings of joy and nostalgia during the visit. He recalled the beginnings of his academic journey and his subsequent growth. Natalie La, another senior heading to UCLA for statistics and data science, reflected on how the program improved her academic abilities, cultural connections, and communication with her Mandarin-speaking grandmother.

Oliver, a third-grade student in the program, expressed his excitement about meeting the seniors and his future aspirations to use his Mandarin skills. The program, which started with classes taught predominantly in Mandarin, has adapted over time to balance Mandarin and English instruction effectively.

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