The Confucius Institute at UT Dallas held the selective competition of "Chinese Bridge" successfully in DFW on March 31, 2012. After each secondary school and university pre-selection and recommendation, 18 players competed in JO Performance Hall at UT Dallas. Neha Jain from Carroll High School won the first prize of the group of secondary schools. Goehl Cameron recommended by UNT won out. They will take part in the Houston Contest held by Houston Consulate General on April 22.

The contest began at 9:00 in the morning. The contestants from different schools gathered here to show their achievements of studying Chinese language and culture accompanied by their parents and Chinese advisors. Assistant director of the Confucius Institute gave welcome speech and Dean Kratz addressed his congratulations to all the contestants and guests. Prof. Tian Xiangbin, the co-director, Mr. Shao Xiaoming, the crosstalk actor, Ms. Chen Xinsheng, the senior Chinese teacher, Dr. Wan Xuemei and Dr. Fang Lihan were invited to be the judges. The competition was divided into three parts such as Chinese speech, Q/A Chinese cultural knowledge, and talent show. The first, second, third, and honorable mention awards are set up for all the contestants. Outstanding Advisor Awards have been added this time.

The contestants from the Confucius Classrooms at Coppell Independent School District are younger than others and study Chinese language less than one year but they have shown their solid Chinese foundation. Their paper cutting and their Chinese songs have been enjoyed by the audience. Drew Korschun from Carroll High School has performed his four tongue twisters and praised by everybody. Jacob Jake Galant recommended by St. Mark's School has performed his Chinese cooking skill with playing diabol and video coordinately. Park So Mi, the Korean girl from Coppell High School, has given us a vivid speech about cultural difference between China and Korea. Damien Jermanie Fralin's speech "I Dream of Beijign" represents the American students' yearning for China. Neha Jain has praised the great function of Chinese language as the bridge and friendship between China and America in her speech. She has answered the questions about Chinese culture fluently and the Chinese song Friends shows her talent. Therefore, she has won the first prize in Secondary School Level. Goehl Cameron from UNT describes the history of the diplomatic relations and the friendship between China and USA in his speech. The Chinese song An Ormosia by Eric Obodo of UTD wins the continuous applause.

All the judges and directors of the Confucius Institute awarded certificates, trophies, and plaques for the contestants and outstanding advisors. Director Gu concludes this competition and praises Ms. Hu Xueyan's hard work for the planning and arrangement, Chen Yuehong and Yang Bingfeng's support to the event, Wang Mengjue and Sun Yiqun's wonderful host and the volunteer Chinese teachers' help. The best contestants will take part in the semi-finals of "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for American Southern part to be held by Chinese Consulate General in Houston on April 22.