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On October 5, 2024, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Hsi Lai Temple, in partnership with the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Los Angeles Chapter, held the awards ceremony for the “Winter Love Joy Scholarship Program.” The event honored exceptional students from the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (HLPUSD), as well as officers from the City of Industry Sheriff's Station, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Santa Fe Springs Area, and firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department-Station 91. Nearly 150 awardees were recognized in the temple's Main Shrine, with about 635 guests, including teachers, families, and friends, in attendance. The ceremony was conducted in both English and Spanish and live-streamed to the Auditorium and Conference Room.
The event opened with a performance of the national anthem by the Los Altos High School Choir, followed by an opening speech from Venerable Hui Dong, Abbot of Hsi Lai Temple. He highlighted the importance of the “Winter Love Joy” event, which had been held for 15 consecutive years before a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic, making this its 16th year. Venerable Hui Dong congratulated the students on their achievements, thanked the teachers for their dedication, and expressed deep appreciation to the first responders for their service. He also explained the meaning behind "Winter Love," emphasizing the need for inner peace and mutual respect in today's complex world.
Alex Wu, President of BLIA Los Angeles Chapter, also spoke, welcoming the community and reaffirming Fo Guang Shan's mission to cultivate talent through education and benefit society through charity, a vision set by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founding master of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order.
Ryan Serrano, Deputy Director for LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis of the First District, commended the students for their hard work and perseverance. He also presented Hsi Lai Temple and BLIA Los Angeles Chapter with certificates of recognition for their contributions to the community.
Lieutenant Ann Devane from the City of Industry Sheriff's Station, Captain Melissa Hammond of CHP Santa Fe Springs Area, and representatives from LAFD Station 91 were invited on stage to receive donation checks, presented by Venerable Hui Dong, Alex Wu, and BLIA elder supervisor Sharon Chang. Devane expressed her gratitude and extended blessings to the students, while Hammond led a round of applause to honor the students' accomplishments and shared how proud she was of their achievements.
Christine Salazar, President of HLPUSD Board of Education, expressed her appreciation to Hsi Lai Temple, the teachers, and the families for their ongoing support, looking forward to continued collaboration. Superintendent Alfonso Jimenez echoed her sentiments, thanking the temple for the opportunity to participate in the scholarship program again and reaffirming the school district's commitment to student success and development.
As the ceremony progressed, students from the district's 27 elementary, middle, and high schools, along with students from Buddha's Light Hsi Lai School, were called on stage to receive their awards. Guests of honor, including Venerable Hui Dong, BLIA LA Chapter executives, and donors, presented the scholarships as proud families cheered and waved supportive signs.
Entertainment throughout the event included performances by the Buddha's Light Hsi Lai School martial arts group, the Buddha's Light Youth Symphony Orchestra (BLYSO), a trivia game, and a magic show, all of which kept the students engaged and filled the audience with excitement and joy.
Notable guests included Nancy Loera, Vice President of HLPUSD Board of Education; Board Clerk Gino Kwok; and Mark Anderson, Executive Director of High School Education Services. Other attendees were Jay Chen, a member of the Mt. San Antonio College Board of Trustees; CHP Officer Brian O'Toole; Minh-Hoa Ta, President of the University of the West; and Vanessa Karam, Chief Student Services Officer. BLIA Los Angeles Chapter was represented by Vice Presidents Steven Chow, Connie Yip, and Echo Tsai, as well as Chief Elder Advisor Olivia Chow. Event sponsors included Frank Wu, Executive Director of the Hakka Foundation; Audrey Tang, Treasurer of the Los Angeles Association; and Helen Yu, Founder and CEO of LeReve Skin Institute.
Three student representatives delivered speeches. Annaliese Valencia shared how education has opened doors for her and inspired her to work hard. Raiden Sakamoto spoke about how learning extends beyond the classroom and expressed his hope to one day give back to society with the knowledge he gains. Luna Liang reflected on the challenges she overcame and emphasized that education is a powerful tool that can shape her future.
The ceremony concluded with Minh-Hoa Ta, President of the University of the West, thanking the first responders for their dedication and sacrifices while celebrating the students' immense potential. She shared that the University of the West embraces Venerable Master Hsing Yun's philosophy of holistic education and expressed her hope to be part of the students' future academic journeys.
(Photos by Angie Chu & Zi Wen Meng)
