On February 28, SMA Don Bosco Padang hosted its first ever AMINEF-Fulbright ETA WORDS Storybook and Storytelling Competition, run by ETA Amanda Cahn and counterpart Ibu Desy Angriani. The theme of this year’s competition was “The Future of Indonesia.” Fourteen 11th grade students created their own original storybooks, and then presented their stories in front of a panel of judges and many of their peers. Carina Hakim came in first place, Priscilla Adinda came in second, and Kanisius Jason Angriawan came in third. All of the students worked extremely hard and should be very proud of their efforts.

On a separate note, February 5 marked the Chinese New Year, the year of the pig. Because SMA Don Bosco Padang is home to many Chinese-Indonesian students, this holiday brought various celebrations to the community, from bazaars to markets to festivals.

These events included many cultural performances, such as the lion dance, dragon dance, and Minangkabau tari piriang (plate dance). The final event took place on February 19, when Amanda Cahn and Ibu Desy Angriani walked with their students in the front of the Cap Go Meh parade. The parade ended at a temple, where Roman candles and aerial fireworks were lit.

Amanda Cahn is currently teaching at SMA Don Bosco Padang, West Sumatra