Students Make Meaningful Contributions to the Asian American Curriculum Project

At Notre Dame High School Belmont (NDB), we take pride in our students’ commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. Many of our Tigers are exemplifying the Hallmarks through their meaningful contributions to the Asian American Curriculum Project (AACP) in San Mateo, an organization dedicated to promoting understanding and appreciation of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures through educational resources, books, and community programs.

Freshman Amy Li has gone above and beyond in her work with AACP. Amy recently researched and wrote an insightful article for the AACP newsletter, highlighting various festivals celebrated across Asian countries. Her piece not only educated readers on the rich diversity of Asian traditions but also included  her own cultural celebrations. Her commitment to educate the broader community about these traditions showcases her pride and connection to her heritage which can be seen on campus through the Honor Your Roots Celebrate Your Heritage series put on by The Coalition for DEIB student leadership board in collaboration with the Global Connections Club and I am Diverse Club. Amy helped put on the Mid-Autumn Moon festival in fall semester and will be working on the Lunar New Year festival when we return. Through her writing and activities, Amy has fostered cultural awareness and understanding, embodying the spirit of Hallmark 4: “We commit ourselves to community service.”

In addition to her writing, Amy, alongside fellow students like sophomores Amy Sun and Shanntal Amurao and senior Olivia Caballero, has contributed to the organization by helping organize the AACP storefront, both physically and digitally. Their efforts have ensured that AACP’s resources remain accessible to educators, students, and the broader community. By taking on this important behind-the-scenes work, they have demonstrated Hallmark 5: “We embrace the gift of diversity.” Their dedication to serving a multicultural community and amplifying diverse voices is a testament to their leadership and compassion.

The work our students are doing with AACP not only enriches the San Mateo community but also strengthens their own understanding of the interconnectedness of cultures. It’s inspiring to see Notre Dame students living out the Hallmarks in such a meaningful way, fostering inclusion, education, and service. We celebrate Amy, Shanntal, Olivia, and all our Tigers making a difference through their work with AACP and other organizations. You are truly making the NDB community proud! Go Tigers! 

Upcoming Opportunity:

AACP has invited Notre Dame Belmont students to participate—both as audience members and as poetry writers and speakers in an upcoming poetry event at San Mateo Library on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 1 p.m. The theme of the event is "AAPI Poetry for Peace, Love, and Understanding." The event will feature SF Poet Laureate Genny Lim as the main guest speaker and include an open mic where audience members can share their poems. Co-sponsored by the Asian Law Caucus and Stop AAPI Hate, this event aims to foster dialogue and connection through the power of poetry. This is a wonderful chance for our students to engage creatively and continue promoting peace, love, and understanding within the community.