‘A more integrated place’: Local students share how they celebrate Lunar New Year in their community

This year marks the Year of the Dragon , one of the Chinese Zodiac animals, representing strength, courage and good luck.

For the Orlando community, it’s a time to come together, even if you are unfamiliar with Asian cultures.

Colin Poon , co-president of REACH of Central Florida and an Apopka High School senior, said more non-Asian people are going to festivities.

Through word-of-mouth and the prevalence of Asian culture in mainstream media, all students have seen an increase in the number of people participating, volunteering, joining REACH or just watching the events. “To me, that’s what diversity means,” Wong said. “Bringing my culture and spreading it to people of different cultures, and making our community a more integrated place.”.