Beijing: Michelle Kwan Captures the Hearts of Dandelion Students

On January 18, American Public Diplomacy Envoy, Michelle Kwan, along with United States Ambassador Clark T. Randt, Jr., Mrs. Randt and Dandelion Project volunteers, visited the Dandelion School in southwest Beijing.  The Dandelion School, led by Principal Zheng Hong, educates 380 junior high school students who are the children of migrant workers.  The school is supported by the dedicated efforts of the Dandelion Project, a grass-roots volunteer organization of women professionals in Beijing who provide support and assistance to women and children in need.  The school visit attracted wide media attention with cameras focusing in as Michelle Kwan cheerfully mingled with students, school leaders and Dandelion Project volunteers.  All of the students and volunteers expressed admiration for the figure skater turned college student who was recently named America’s first Public Diplomacy Envoy.  The students performed two beautiful songs for the delegation, “Dandelion”, the school’s alma mater, and “It’s a Small World”.  Afterwards, Michelle Kwan spoke to assembled students, faculty and volunteers and delivered a positive message about the value of having a dream and then working hard to achieve that dream.  She reminded students that they should also turn to their teachers, family and friends when they need extra help in reaching their goals. This message resonated with the hard-working students.

Michelle Kwan gave a signed copy of her biography to the Principal.  Additionally, on behalf of the Department of State, Michelle Kwan presented the school with a donation of school supplies and sports equipment and also presented DVDs donated by her corporate sponsor, Walt Disney.  Michelle Kwan’s first stop as a Public Diplomacy Envoy was a tremendous success and will no doubt leave a long-lasting and deep impression on the Dandelion students and volunteers as well as the wider Beijing community.