Asian Heritage Month ends

More than 100 students saw Asian Heritage Month come to a close Tuesday
night with a variety of performances in the Bovee University Center
Auditorium.

Several student groups, individuals and even a high school dance
team demonstrated an array of talents from the Asian culture.

Three members of the Tae Kwon Do Club performed a demonstration in
which they displayed various techniques.

“It was intense. It was fun to watch,” said Midland sophomore
Jennifer Moon. “I don’t think I would have the endurance.”

Kentwood freshman Randy Gist, Mount Pleasant freshman Shotaro
Hakoyama and his brother Tatsuki Hakoyama, a high school senior,
performed the demonstration.

“Something is going to break here, either my toe or the board. Let’s
hope it’s the board,” Shotaro Hakoyama said, before he broke two pieces
of wood with his foot.

Performances of Japanese, Indian and Hmong dances also highlighted
the night.

Four students from Everett High School in Lansing performed the
Hmong dance.

The event also included a fashion show, where students modeled
traditional Asian clothing.

“Our events have been spectacular,” said Sterling Heights senior
Marie Tam, the president of the Asian Cultural Organization.

Asian Heritage Month events have increased their attendance since
they began four years ago at Central Michigan University, Tam said.

Tam said the month is nationally celebrated in May, but because
students are not in school during that month, it takes place earlier.

“We have to kind of shift it before finals,” Tam said.

The events were sponsored by the Asian Cultural Organization,
Minority Student Services, 12 CARATS and the Student Budget Allocation
Committee.