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American Citizens of Taiwan Origin (ACTO) celebrated its 20th Anniversary on November 1 at the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center.

Among the guests were: Ambassador Connie Morella, Ambassador Nat Bellocchi, Congresswoman Donna Edwards, Michael Parsons of Congressman Chris Van Hollen’s office, Maryland Delegate Susan Lee, Deputy Representative Kuo-Yu Tung of Taipei Economic & Cultural Representative’s Office (TECRO), Deputy Director Hai-Hua Yang of Culture Center of TECRO, and many community leaders.

Two decades ago, a group of Taiwanese Americans formed ACTO, a non-profit organization dedicated to promote civil rights, equal opportunity, educational fairness, and social status in the U.S., while preserving its cultural heritage.

ACTO has striven to promote active participation of Taiwanese Americans in mainstream America. ACTO President Chin-Siu Lee Choi thanked all the present and past board members, volunteers, and friends for their commitment and support for ACTO. She said, “It’s been a pleasure to work with such a dedicated group of people,” praising their commitment and generosity.

The evening started with the singing of National Anthem by Dr. Yi-Cherng Lin and recitation of Pledge of Allegiance by Iris Yen. U.S. Congresswoman Edwards, Delegate Susan Lee, and Deputy Representative Kuo-Yu Tung of TECRO delivered remarks.

Mr. Tung commended the active participation of Taiwanese Americans in mainstream America, encouraged Taiwanese Americans to be responsible citizens and act on behalf of the welfare of the American society, thus setting a good healthy image for Taiwanese Americans. “Taiwanese Americans are excelling in all walks of life,” he said.

Ambassador Morella, former USenvoy to the OECD and former U.S. conresswoman. As a long time friend and supporter of ACTO, she congratulated ACTO’s many accomplishments by recounting its highlights over the past 20 years.

Grace C. Huang, 84, and Sophia Lee See Hsien Cheng, 74, co-founders of Tzu Chi Foundation of Greater Washington DC Region, were awarded the Outstanding Community Service Awards.

In 1990, Ms. Cheng introduced Ms. Huang to Tzu Chi, a foundation established in Taiwan contributing to better the welfare of people around the world, and providing international relief. They established a Greater Washington DC regional chapter in 1994, and have since been active in carrying out Tzu Chi’s mission of serving with compassion.

Outstanding Students were selected based on academic excellence, community service, and well-rounded character. This year, 39 students applied and 12 were selected. The recipients of 2008 ACTO Outstanding Student Awards were: En-Chi Grace Chang, Ge (Jacqueline) Chen, Danley Hsu, Victor Hsu, Jennifer Kuo, Raishay Lin, Crystal Lu, Kathy Pao, Charles Yeh, Sigrid Young, Justine Yu, and Shin-Yee Yu.

Dr.Grace Shu was appointed Chief Advisor to ACTO, James Cheng and Peter Su were appointed honorary advisors. The evening culminated with two beautiful dances from the Fairfax Chinese Dance Troupe, Chinese zither (guzheng) performance by Christina Sze, and a dance party.