News Summary
Three 10th graders from River Bluff High School in Lexington achieved remarkable success at the CLASS National Chinese Talent Competition, taking home top honors in fine arts and showcasing their skills. Under the guidance of their dedicated teacher, the students celebrated a milestone for their school, highlighting the impact of cultural immersion in education.
Lexington Students Soar at National Chinese Talent Competition
In a delightful turn of events this April 2025, three talented students from River Bluff High School in Lexington have shown that hard work and creativity truly pays off. These bright young stars participated in the CLASS National Chinese Talent Competition and returned home with glowing achievements, marking a remarkable milestone for their school.
A Celebration of Culture and Skill
The competition, organized by the Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools, is already making waves in its second year. This year, the event showcased numerous skills, from fine arts to language proficiency, ultimately encouraging students to immerse themselves in Chinese culture and language. The trio of 10th graders, Maelle Wong, Braelyn Davis, and Sarah Fang, certainly made their mark, shining amongst their peers with impressive entries based on their learnings from the AP Chinese class and the district’s dual-language immersion program.
An Impressive Show of Talent
Emerging as a superstar in the fine arts category, Maelle Wong clinched the top spot, taking home the coveted first place. Not far behind, Sarah Fang dazzled the judges to secure the second position. This extraordinary achievement by Maelle and Sarah has painted a golden feather in the cap of River Bluff High School, as they are the first students from the institution to shine in this prestigious competition. With such achievements, it’s easy to celebrate the wonderful progress in students’ mastery of the Chinese language.
While Maelle dazzled the audience with her presentation, Sarah’s remarkable creation—a stunning traditional Chinese paper cutting art piece—draped the stage with cultural elegance and homage to the year of the snake. Her artwork is a perfect representation of both skill and appreciation for Chinese traditions, showcasing just how deeply they have embraced the culture.
The Teacher’s Vision
Behind this staggering achievement is their dedicated teacher, Rebecca Feng, who has been imparting knowledge in English and Chinese for over a decade. Her enthusiasm and unwavering support have undoubtedly played a key role in inspiring these students. Encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones, she urged them to participate in the competition, confidently believing in their potential. The fruits of her labor have certainly come to life with this remarkable victory.
Future Aspirations and Confidence Boost
The joy of victory has left our young achievers not just surprised, but also bubbling with excitement. Braelyn Davis expressed that participating in such a competition has been instrumental in developing valuable skills that will undoubtedly benefit her future aspirations to study in China. Encouraging students to embark on such enriching experiences fosters both cultural connection and personal growth, illuminating pathways to global adventures.
The students have proven that, when one hones their skills and fully immerses themselves in learning, the possibilities are limitless. Maelle Wong highlighted their collective achievement as not merely a win but a testament to their dedication and progress in mastering the Chinese language—an encouraging sign for all students striving for excellence.
Proud Moment for River Bluff High School
As the accolades sink in, the atmosphere at River Bluff High School is charged with pride and celebration for the trio. Their accomplishments not only highlight their individual talents but also shine a light on the cultural programs offered in the Lexington School District. With their ground-breaking achievement in the CLASS National Chinese Talent Competition, the future is indeed bright for these students, and we can’t wait to see where their newfound knowledge and confidence will take them next!
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Additional Resources
- WISTV: River Bluff High School Students Win National Chinese Talent Competition
- Lexington Chronicle: Lexington Local Crowned 2024 Miss South Carolina Teen
- WACH: Miss South Carolina’s Teen 2024 Crowned
- ABC Columbia: Clemson’s Davis Wash Crowned Miss South Carolina 2024
- Wikipedia: Chinese Language

Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.


