Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer

April 10, 2023

BLIA Florida Chapter was invited by Orange County Public Schools(OCPS) to participate in the Community Outreach Recognition Event - Crystal Awards on March 31.  The OCPS manages the 8th largest school district in the United States, with a total of 202 high schools and primary schools and more than 200,000 students. BLIA Florida Chapter is the only representative of Buddhism among the 24 faith-based committees under the Foundation for OCPS.
BLIA Florida Chapter is the only representative of Buddhism among the 24 faith-based committees under the Foundation for OCPS. photo／The Merit Times

Abbot Yong Han of Guangming Temple instructed that Master Miao Yi represented him to attend the event  with Lin Xiangyin, president of the western branch, attended the event.  Scott Howat, Chief Communications Officer & President of the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools, attended the ceremony and paid tribute to Master Miao Yi, and asked Master Miao Yi to convey to Abbot Yong Han that OCPS is particularly grateful to BLIA Florida Chapter for their support over the years. Howat said that Guangming Temple is a charitable, religious, and educational organization, and he hoped OCPS and BLIA Florida Chapter to keep in touch and interact in the future. Hw also promised to participate in the Buddha's Birthday celebration in Guangming Temple in May.

Master Miao Yi met with Kevin Wellmaker, the music director of the ceremony, at the venue. Master Miao Yi interacted with the children of the youth orchestra, and appreciated and affirmed the children in particular.  Master Miao Yi also invited Kevin Wellmaker to take  stuedents of Castle View Elementary School to Guangming Temple for outdoor teaching and music and art interactions.

Master Miao Yi also invited Kevin Wellmaker to take stuedents of Castle View Elementary School to Guangming Temple for outdoor teaching and music and art interactions. photo／The Merit Times


OCPS held the award ceremony to thank social groupsand partners who donated to 202 schools under OCPS and offered help voluntarily. The participating groups and individuals covered various industries. The BLIA Florida Chapter implements the mandate of charity and welfare society, and served as a member of the religious committee for a long time.  BLIA Florida Chapter also spponsored Rock Lake Elementary School, becoming the only Buddhist representative in Florida who was praised and invited. It can be viewed as the best example of Humanistic Buddhism entering the community and serving the society.