Asian American Student Union Group Prepares for Hmong New Year

Preparations are underway as the Asian American Student Union (AASU) groups at East Ridge, Park and Woodbury high schools, alongside the Hmong Parent Advisory Committee (HPAC) get ready to celebrate Hmong New Year on Friday, Dec. 16.

East Ridge High School (ERHS) AASU members on Wednesday were putting together decorations, signs, programs and more for the event. 

Kami Ways, an ERHS AASU senior student leader said they have been planning the Hmong New Year celebration since the first week of school. “It’s stressful to get it done, but that’s what makes this so fun,” said Ways.

The event features traditional Hmong food, dance performances, music, art, games and a fashion show. “A lot of us students don’t know a lot about our Hmong culture so this event shows the important pieces of our lives,” said Ways. 

Jaylon Lee, another ERHS AASU senior student leader, says this event rivals the state event that is put on each year in November at the RiverCentre in St. Paul. “My favorite part about our event at SoWashCo Schools is the atmosphere. We have everyone from toddlers to people in their 80s attending,” said Lee. 

Although Hmong New Year is the biggest event AASU students take on each year, the group continues to meet throughout the school year and offer students an opportunity to connect.

“We go to a predominantly white school, so having this group offers us a chance to meet and hang out with students that are like me,” said Lee. Ways added, “The connection is key because you see the same faces and everyone gets closer. You can join sports, but they can get cliquey. AASU makes it feel like everyone is connected.”

Hmong New Year is a free event and open to the public. It is from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16 at East Ridge High School.