Bowie High School introduced a new club about Chinese Calligraphy this year. The club takes place in room A205 from 4:30-5:30 pm on Wednesdays. Teacher Gayla Hayes sponsors the club with the help of the responsible student, Judy Zhu.

“I feel that [the club] will expand what they already know Chinese Calligraphy is a big part of Chinese culture,” club initiator Judy Zhu said. “China has been around for a while so they started out [their language] with drawings, and then they evolved into what they are now.”

Judy Zhu, originally from China with experience in the art of Chinese Calligraphy, hopes to see people learn more about Chinese culture, it’s history, symbols, and how to draw them.

“[The club] looked interesting and I wanted to know more about new things,” Sophomore Kristin Tran said. “My handwriting isn’t that great and I thought the club would improve it.”

The majority of the students had joined the club because they believed it was something new to master and experience. They also knew Judy personally and heard about the club from her. You can see their “Welcome” posters on the walls around the school.

“Well, I can’t say I know too much about Chinese Calligraphy, I sponsor the club for Judy, my former student. She was a good student and I trust that she can handle the club,” sponsor Gayla Hayes said. “She works with the students very well, and for every meeting, someone new comes, so she’s doing very good.”

Hayes, a former journalist, respects and trusts Judy with the club, as Hayes is there for adult supervision.

“We will do special activities during Chinese holidays,” Zhu said.“That’s why we have the mooncakes, one holiday had just passed.”

The club will celebrate their traditional holidays when they are able to during the club. They were celebrating one midst interview with mooncakes, a Chinese bakery product traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival, during the first week of October.

“I hope [to see people come] to learn about the culture, but mostly [if they’re] interest[ed] to learn new things, they are welcomed,” Zhu said.