Language learning is more than just a class, but immersion in a new culture. The National Chinese Honor Society (NCHS) is a new club that aims to support Chinese language learners and promote interest in Chinese culture and studies. The club welcomes any student who is currently enrolled in a Mandarin class.

The founders are juniors Allison Hu, Cheryl Hung, Yueyue Wang and Anika Rigby (Rigby is a reporter for the Cardinal Times). They created this chapter of NCHS because they see a lack of community for learners of Chinese.

“[We] bring more opportunities to people who are learning Mandarin,” said Wang. “There are also other experiences outside of school for Mandarin-speaking students.”

One focus of the club is to promote traditional Chinese fashion, especially during Chinese holidays. The club also hopes to partner with Lan Su Chinese Garden, where members of NCHS will be able to volunteer by hanging lanterns or manning an information stand.

The club’s first challenge is coming up with the $40 fee to register a new chapter of NCHS. Each student member must also pay an additional $4 to join the club.

“Since this is actually our very first year that Lincoln has ever done this, it costs a bit more money,” explained Hu. “We’re going to have a fundraiser.”

The National Chinese Honor Society meets every Friday A-day at lunch.