On May 9, Minnetonka Schools hosted the Midwest Chinese Bridge Competition for students in grades K–6, welcoming competitors from across the Midwest. The event provided young learners with an opportunity to demonstrate their Chinese language skills and cultural knowledge.

“The competition offers students a valuable platform to showcase their Chinese language proficiency, build confidence in public speaking, and engage in cross-cultural learning with peers,” said Lilian Dang, Chinese Immersion teacher and Director of the Minnetonka Chinese Immersion Center.

Thirty Minnetonka students advanced from the school-level competition to the Midwest preliminary competition, and eight students went on to compete in the Midwest finals alongside 22 other students from across the region. “I am incredibly proud of our immersion students and teachers for their dedication and courage,” Dang said.

According to Dang, the top winner from the Midwest competition may be recommended to participate in the global finals in China. “All expenses—including international airfare, accommodations, and local transportation—for the student and one guardian are fully covered by the host organization in China,” she explained. “It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime cultural and educational experience for our students and their families.”

Hosting the Midwest Chinese Bridge competition marks an important milestone for Minnetonka Schools. “It reflects the strength and growth of our Chinese Immersion Program and positions our district as a leader in global education,” Dang noted.

Among the standout performers was Excelsior fifth-grade Chinese Immersion student Soliana Emmanuel, who placed in the top three. A student from another district was selected to represent the Midwest’s 11 participating states at the global competition in China. Congratulations to all competitors!

Minnetonka High School Immersion Students Compete at the Chinese Bridge Competition in Chicago

At the end of May, Minnetonka Chinese Immersion students brought home an impressive collection of awards at the Chinese Bridge Midwest Secondary School Speech Contest in Chicago, showcasing their exceptional Chinese language skills, cultural knowledge, and public speaking talents on a regional stage. The Chinese Bridge Speech Contest is one of the world's most prestigious competitions for students learning Chinese. The event promotes language proficiency, cultural understanding, and global citizenship while connecting young learners from diverse backgrounds.

Competing against some of the Midwest's most accomplished Chinese language learners, seven Minnetonka students earned top honors, demonstrating the strength and excellence of the district's Chinese Immersion program.

Award recipients included:

• Gold Medal
  • Willa Brubaker (MHS)
  • Emma Luthra (MME)
  • Dingyu Zheng (MMW)
• Silver Medal
  • Mingchi Mathur (MHS)
  • Connor Malsam (MMW)
• Bronze Medal
  • Leana Shelendich (MHS)
  • Kenneth Laurence (MHS)

In addition to earning a gold medal, Willa Brubaker was selected to represent the Midwestern United States at the World Chinese Bridge Contest in China this fall, a prestigious honor awarded to only a select group of students. Her achievement highlights the outstanding dedication, talent and global readiness of Minnetonka's Chinese Immersion learners.