Dine and Dialogue Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage

Bishop Lynch High School concluded its Dine and Dialogue series for the 2025-26 school year Wednesday evening with a celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, coordinated by the BL Belonging Board and the Asian American Club. The event welcomed students, families, and members of the broader Bishop Lynch community for an evening centered on cultural appreciation, conversation, and connection through shared experiences and a communal meal.

The program featured music, poetry, dance, and dining, highlighting the diversity and traditions represented across Asian and Pacific Islander cultures, a cultural group encompassing many of the world's largest ethnic populations. Asian American Club Vice President Alaina Oommen, Class of 2026, and President Mika Zandueta, Class of 2028, emceed the evening, which included Japanese Studio Ghibli musical selections performed by sophomores Evie Leu and Jamon Orogun, Chinese art songs performed by Evie's grandmother Mrs. Leu, a poetry recitation by freshman Yifan Zhang, a cultural fashion show and traditional folk dance performances by the Amihan Philippines Dance Society, of which BL robotics teacher Louie Floresca is a member.

The evening also included a panel discussion featuring Bishop Lynch parents Ellen Cayanan, managing director at Accenture and mother of Mika Zandueta; Anita Oommen, certified rehabilitation counselor and mother of Alaina Oommen; and Lilian Lee, corporate ESHS specialist at Texas Instruments and mother of freshman Alyson Lee. Panelists shared reflections on heritage, career experiences and the influence of Asian culture in their personal and professional lives while encouraging students to embrace their identities and perspectives.