Established in 2006 by Carl Huang, the Taiwanese American Association of Tallahassee (TAA) has played a key role in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between Taiwan and the United States. Earlier this year, in collaboration with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami (TECO in Miami), Huang invited Keelung Chung Cheng Junior High School(KCCJHSFST) for a cultural exchange in Tallahassee.

This year’s delegation, led by Principal Chung-Chiao Chiang, included four teachers—Chang-Shun Chien, Han-Ni Yu, Yi-Hsiang Chien, and Shao-Wen Wu—along with 25 students. They visited from September 23 to October 3, with their primary goals being to perform at the Asian Experience 2024 and visit sister schools in Tallahassee. Thirteen host families, organized by Carl Huang, graciously accommodated the group, providing them with an opportunity to experience American family life. The host families included Shanin Speas-Frost, Mary Ann Lindley and Charlie Nuzzo, Min Xia, Manju Kundra, Carl Huang, Lucy Ho, Steve and Janice Foley, Morgan Melton, Dr. Zhen-Xin Lin, Brad Thomas and Susan Cox, Nga Nguyen and David Miller, Martha Wirgau, and Susanne Spell.

The troupe arrived in Tallahassee late on September 24. Unfortunately, due to Hurricane Helene, most of the planned activities were canceled, with only two performances taking place at the School of Arts and Sciences on the morning of September 25. Despite this, the additional time allowed the group to bond with their host families and compare their experiences of U.S. hurricanes to Taiwanese typhoons.

Carl Huang worked to reschedule events, including a lunch at MASA Restaurant hosted by former Leon County Commission Chair Mary Ann Lindley. Lindley, on behalf of the mayor, presented each troupe member with a mini-Tallahassee city proclamation before Hurricane Helene struck. The host families then took the students on an improvised local tour. The KCCJHSFST traveled by bus at 9 a.m. on September 28 for enjoying an exciting trip before they return to Taiwan on October 3! Leon County Commissioner Rick Minor greeting them adds a nice local touch to their adventure, acknowledging their hard work and achievements.

For an electronic version of "The Story of Keelung Chung Cheng Junior High School Folk Sports Troupe in Tallahassee," click here

For photos of Keelung Chung Cheng Junior High School's visit to the U.S., click here