Hsi Lai Temple “Winter Love & Joy” Program Lighting Hope with Love

Reported by Angie Chu, The Life News Agency, Los Angeles, USA

The “Winter Love & Joy Scholarship Program,” hosted by Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple and organized by the Los Angeles Chapter of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA), held its award ceremony on October 25 at Hsi Lai Temple. Outstanding students from the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, along with officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Santa Fe Springs Area Office, the City of Industry Sheriff’s Station, and Fire Station 91, were honored. A total of 135 recipients from 27 schools received awards.

Nearly 600 guests—including parents, educators, and community leaders—filled the venue. The bilingual (English and Spanish) ceremony was simultaneously broadcast in the Dharma Hall and Assembly Hall, creating an atmosphere of gratitude and joy.

The ceremony opened with the Los Altos High School Choir performing the U.S. national anthem. Venerable Hui Dong, Abbot of Hsi Lai Temple, remarked in his address that the program is not only a recognition of academic achievement, but also an act of compassion that unites the community and spreads caring. He emphasized, “Even if students have not yet reached their ideal academic goals, as long as they strive diligently and maintain positive character, they deserve recognition.” 

Venerable Hui Dong paid special tribute to police officers, firefighters, and highway patrol personnel for their fearless dedication to safeguarding community safety. He noted that true education goes beyond the accumulation of knowledge, stressing the importance of cultivating compassion, tolerance, and respect. “Only through caring and inclusiveness can hearts find peace and society remain harmonious,” he said.

Tsai Yueh-Chin, President of BLIA Los Angeles Chapter, shared that the “Winter Love & Joy” program has continued for more than two decades, delivering Buddha’s Light compassion throughout the community through scholarships and appreciation funds. She encouraged students by saying, “Let there be love, not hatred. May you continue to move forward with gratitude and build your dreams with love.” She also expressed heartfelt thanks to public safety personnel for their long-standing service and called on everyone to stay connected through kindness to create a safe and happy community.

The ceremony began with the presentation of “Winter Love & Joy Appreciation Funds” to Glenn Emery, Chief of the City of Industry Sheriff’s Station; Lieutenant Stephanie Hamilton of the CHP Santa Fe Springs Area Office; and Jeffrey Wilk, Captain of Fire Station 91, recognizing their outstanding contributions to public safety.

Chief Emery expressed gratitude for the long-term partnership with Hsi Lai Temple and BLIA, which has strengthened community unity. Lieutenant Hamilton and Captain Wilk noted that the funds help improve equipment and training, while also inspiring students to face challenges with courage and perseverance. School district representative Dr. Angela Lin thanked Hsi Lai Temple for its enduring support of education and encouraged students to remain curious and eager to learn.

Musical performances were featured throughout the ceremony by the Buddha’s Light Youth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mr. Shota Hanai. The orchestra performed three pieces—España Cañí, Sleepers Wake, and Ode to the Triple Gems—with lively rhythms and uplifting melodies that energized the audience. A quiz session with prizes added fun and laughter, allowing students to experience the warmth of Buddha’s Light in a relaxed and joyful setting.

Distinguished guests included members of the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District Board of Education, Adriana Quinones, Vice President of the Board of Trustees; Alitzah Wiener, Vice President of the Hacienda Heights Improvement Association (HHIA); Vanessa Karam, Director of Student Affairs at University of the West; BLIA Los Angeles Supervisor Wu Shuai-Lun; and program sponsors including Kenny Chang, CEO of KCal Insurance, and Li Shih-Chang, Treasurer of BLIA Los Angeles Chapter.

Speeches by three student representatives became a highlight of the event. Elementary school student Alexander de Santiago shared that the scholarship affirmed the values of “integrity and hard work.” Middle school student Kevin Tang spoke about his passion for technology and engineering, aspiring to use innovation to benefit society. High school student Alessandra Cortez delivered a heartfelt message, explaining that caring for her younger brother during his battle with cancer inspired her dream of becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon. “This scholarship brings me closer to my dream, and I will use what I learn to help those who suffer,” she said.

Her mother, Carrie, expressed deep pride in her daughter and gratitude to Fo Guang Shan and BLIA for their encouragement. The shy, yet touching moment when Alessandra’s younger brother cheered for his sister became one of the most heartwarming scenes of the ceremony, bringing the event to a perfect close.

Photo captions: Photos 01–09 by Zhicheng Zhang; Photo 10 by Angie Chu.