#SpartanSpotlight: 2023 Chinese Narcissus Festival Princesses Jacelyn Ho '20 & Kelly Yee '13

Maryknoll Alumni Office
For this installment of our Spartan Spotlight series, we highlight two alumnae perpetuating our local Chinese culture through pageantry: 1st Princess, Ms. Jacelyn Ho '20, and 2nd Princess, Ms. Kelly Yee '13. We had the opportunity to bring them back on campus to talk story, spend time with former teachers, and even pass out fortune cookies to our grade school students!
The Chinese Narcissus Festival was initially started in 1949 by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii to preserve and showcase Chinese art and culture while promoting local and international commerce. Traditionally, festivities were celebrated during the Lunar New Year and derived its name from the narcissus flower, symbolizing rebirth and good fortune.

The Narcissus Queen Pageant is an integral part of the festival as it represents a vast legacy of knowledge and preservation of Chinese heritage. Narcissus Queen Contestants undergo vigorous training and cultural classes of Chinese culture, guided by community members who are considered pillars of knowledge in their respective industries.

We’ve learned of a handful of alumni holding various Narcissus pageant titles throughout the years, and we want to thank everyone for continuing to help us reconnect our Alumni Office with other Spartans doing amazing things in the community!



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1526 Alexander St.
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: 808.952.8400