Written by Pingyao Lee and Grace Yao
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Ida Eva Zielinska
Costaño School of the Arts, an elementary school in the Ravenswood City School District in East Palo Alto, California – and one of the “happy campuses” Tzu Chi volunteers have partnered with for many years – held its first Excellent Attendance Awards ceremony in the school gymnasium on the evening of May 14, 2025.
Principal Ronda White selected 50 students with excellent attendance, defined as being absent no more than four day to recognize their commitment and discipline in their studies.
A Night of Celebration and Gratitude
The Excellent Attendance Awards ceremony was not only a warm gathering of the school and students’ families, but also highlighted the quiet dedication of Tzu Chi volunteers on campus. The volunteers had prepared salsa and chips, burritos, salads, and fruit, thoughtfully providing dinner for the participating families. Costano school provided cheerful music while students played with their awarded toys and balls around, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.
As the ceremony began, Tzu Chi volunteer Rebecca Yang delivered a speech on behalf of the foundation. Prizes were then awarded by age group, from transitional kindergarten and kindergarten through fifth grade. Each student received two certificates (one redeemable for two small gifts) and a small bouquet handmade by Tzu Chi volunteers. In turn, the children presented the flowers to their parents, saying, “Thank you for sending me to school every day.” It was a heartwarming moment.
After the ceremony, the photo area set up at the venue drew many families, who gathered to take pictures together and commemorate this special night.
Moving Forward with Principal White
Tzu Chi USA’s Northwest Region launched the Happy Campus program in 2009, which started with Brentwood Elementary School in East Palo Alto and subsequently moved to Belle Haven Elementary School in 2014. At that time, White was a teacher at Brentwood.
In 2019, Tzu Chi further expanded its services through the Happy Community program. The Ravenswood City School District applied to establish a food bank in East Palo Alto, selecting Costaño School of the Arts as its location. The district entrusted Tzu Chi with managing the on-site distributions.
Principal Ronda White expresses heartfelt thanks for everything Tzu Chi volunteers did to help make the event a success. Photos/Pingyao Lee
In the spirit of collective goodwill, Tzu Chi also welcomed local residents to participate in serving the community. As a result, in addition to Tzu Chi volunteers, local residents, Tzu Chi care recipient families, and students from the Tzu Chi Youth Bright Program, many of whom are high school students from care recipient families, also joined in supporting the food bank operations.
During the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the food bank relocated to Ravenswood Middle School, operating in a drive-through format to ensure safety. Once in-person activities resumed, Tzu Chi volunteers returned to the Costaño School of the Arts, where they reconnected with Ronda White, who had taught there and was promoted to interim principal the year before, and is now the principal.
For more than a decade, White has witnessed Tzu Chi’s deep commitment to the school district. From setting up the Panther Paw Store and organizing the Excellent Attendance Awards ceremony to providing consistent food bank services, Tzu Chi has remained a steady presence in both the school and the wider community.
During the Excellent Attendance Awards event, Principal White spoke with heartfelt emotion, saying, “Tzu Chi has been a big part of my school life. I was excited that Tzu Chi served dinner for the families, because it’s hard for the families to be here at night. The food was healthy; I love the healthy food you prepared.”
She also expressed gratitude for the thoughtfully prepared flower bouquets and the seamless organization by Tzu Chi volunteers. “It was great! We just had to provide names, and you guys were able to take care of everything. Even those of us who were working tonight could really enjoy the celebration, so we are appreciative of it, and I wouldn’t change a thing. It was awesome! Thank you so much!”
Parental Support Makes All the Difference in Attendance
Among the awarded students were second-grader Mateo Rubio and his fourth-grade brother, Abel Rubio. Mateo, who won the best attendance award for the first time, exclaimed joyfully, I’m beyond excited!”
Their older sister also maintained excellent attendance when she was a student in the Ravenswood City School District. Reflecting on why school matters, their father said, “Going to school is important. It helps shape their future and teaches them a sense of responsibility.” He added, “We have to teach our children to have good attendance so that in the future they will know to show up when they need to.”
However, he acknowledged that getting them to school isn’t always easy, saying, “Yes, sometimes the children say they’re too tired, especially on Mondays. But it is the responsibility of parents to send their children to school so they can have a better future.”
When the children say they don't want to go to school, we will tell them, ‘This is for your future. We don't want to see you living on the streets. There are many homeless people on the streets. We don't want you to become like that. That's why we insist on sending you to school.’ But at the end of the day, it’s going to be their decision.
Pride and Joy Shine on Award Night
Another third-grade student, Joshua Munini, also achieved perfect attendance. His sister Alexandra, who is in kindergarten, missed only one day after catching her brother’s virus. “I didn’t miss school all year,” Joshua said proudly. “The only time I got sick was on a weekend, which was really serious, and then I infected my sister.”
Their mother, Sheila, shared that she has been a Ravenswood parent for two years. “We are really lucky. They enjoy their studies and their friends. We feel we’re part of a really strong community here. So we’re grateful for the opportunity. And as you can see, they have a lot of joy in what they do.”
One of the reasons Joshua likes school so much is that he has friends, and he especially enjoys physical education class. His father added that he had also received an Excellent Attendance Award during his school days. The family’s dedication and perseverance were reflected in Joshua’s smile and his moment of pride.
