Chinese delegation welcomed to the Capital Region |

More than 30 students, teachers and faculty from Tianjin, China came to the Capital Region on Tuesday to further a better understanding and knowledge between U.S. and Chinese youth.

"We are very glad to be here. We want to have a deeper conversation with your school and to discuss our education systems," said Tianshun Chen, co-principal of Tianjin High School No. 41 and leader of the delegation.

The delegation offered gifts and expressed an interest in sharing ideas and practices during an hour-long ceremony. The ceremony was attended by education leaders from around the Capital Region.

Capital Region BOCES District Superintendent Charles Dedrick, Questar III Board of Education President Robert Gibson, Tech Valley High School Chief Academic Officer Dan Liebert and numerous other dignitaries welcomed the delegation. Area superintendents who attended the ceremony were Brian Sherman of Schoharie, Bob Horan of Schodack, and Kate Farrell of Catskill.

"When I was a teacher, we never dreamed of learning the Chinese language. Today, we have students learning the Chinese language every day," said Dedrick, a former history teacher.

On Tuesday afternoon, adults and some of the students from the delegation went to Catskill to visit students and school leaders. Other students from Tianjin enjoyed lunch by Questar III culinary students and spent the day at TVHS.

The entire delegation will attend the Bethlehem-Shenendehowa basketball game at Bethlehem Central High School on Tuesday night.