Little Falls, NJ – January 29, 2025

In a heartwarming fusion of culture and community, Love Without Borders USA and the Autism Awareness Alliance (AAA) in Princeton brought the spirit of Lunar New Year to Banyan High School, a private, non-profit special education school dedicated to supporting students with learning differences. 

This event marked a meaningful milestone—AAA’s first-ever performance at a school exclusively serving autistic students. It represented a powerful leap forward in the group’s mission to promote inclusion, creativity, and cultural understanding through the arts. 

Led by Sean Xu, a junior at The Hun School of Princeton and Chair of AAA, the celebration welcomed over 200 students, parents, faculty, and volunteers. Despite the challenges of a regular school day, AAA collaborated closely with Banyan students and staff to tailor the event into a sensory-friendly, engaging, and truly unforgettable experience. 

Event Highlights 

• Student-led Mask Dance – Created and performed by Banyan students, the lighthearted routine humorously captured their principal’s expressive personality, drawing laughter and cheers from the audience.
  • Face Changing (Bian Lian) – Sean Xu’s stunning take on the traditional Chinese opera art form captivated the room, offering a powerful metaphor for transformation, identity, and emotional expression.
  • Live Magic by Joshy K – Volunteer magician Joshy K dazzled students with levitation and sleight-of-hand tricks that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. 

Voices from the Celebration 

Jonah, Banyan student performer: 
“This event pushed me out of my comfort zone. Wearing the traditional costume made me feel like I had stepped into history—it brought stories to life more than any textbook ever could.” 

Mayor James Belford Damiano, Township of Little Falls: 
“This is more than just a celebration—it’s about community, acceptance, and honoring what makes each student unique. I’m proud to witness such a meaningful gathering.” 

Sean Xu, Chair, Autism Awareness Alliance: 
“We are incredibly grateful to Banyan High School for their trust and partnership. Today was more than a cultural celebration—it was about building bridges through empathy, creativity, and mutual respect.” 
He added, “Eva and I did our homework. From the music and choreography to the structure of the entire event, everything was thoughtfully designed to be sensory-friendly. That’s a level of planning I had never considered before—and it’s something I’ll carry with me in every future project.” 

Eva Ermakova, co-host and volunteer leader, AAA: 
“From fundraising to coordination, this experience taught me lessons far beyond the classroom. Events like this truly cultivate empathy, leadership, and community connection.” 

Tom’s mother, reflecting on her son’s moment in the spotlight: 
“My son, who is autistic, loves spinning in place and rarely gets dizzy—maybe because of how his sensory system works. Today, he absolutely shined in the mask dance. The thunderous applause from the audience gave him a confidence boost we’ve never seen before.” 

Dev Monan, student volunteer, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South: 
“This wasn’t just a show—it was a celebration of love, identity, and resilience. For these ‘children of the stars,’ it was a moment to be seen, celebrated, and embraced for exactly who they are.” 

Despite his demanding academic schedule, Sean worked closely with his teachers to ensure the success of this event. His commitment continues—he is now spearheading a new partnership between The Hun School and Banyan High School for National Autism Awareness Month in April 2025. The initiative will focus on meaningful social connections and career development opportunities for autistic students.