Dr. Henry & Sylvia Wong Foundation

Sylvia Wong, the Grand Marshall of the Stockton Chinese New Year parade and CCSS Citizen of the Year, smiles as she stands inside a black Ford Mustang convertible.

Sylvia Wong Named CCSS 2017 Citizen of the Year

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On a lively Saturday, March 5, 2017, the City of Stockton, California, came alive with the grandest Chinese celebration in the Central Valley, featuring a spectacular festival and a dazzling parade. Amidst the joyous festivities, Sylvia Wong was honored with the esteemed title of Citizen of the Year by the Chinese Cultural Society of Stockton (CCSC). Sylvia was also named the Grand Marshal of the event, marking a momentous occasion in her illustrious journey of community service and dedication.

Dressed in an elegant turquoise, long, Chinese-style dress, Sylvia radiated grace and poise as she led the parade, embodying the spirit of cultural pride and unity. Her presence as both Citizen of the Year and Grand Marshal echoed the legacy of community service previously established by her husband, Dr. Henry Wong, who received the same prestigious award in 2010.

As part of the celebration, Sylvia had the honor of riding in a black Ford Mustang convertible, graciously driven by a volunteer. With waves and smiles given to the crowd, Sylvia’s participation in the Chinese New Year Parade was a testament to her unwavering commitment to community engagement and cultural celebration.

Following the parade, Sylvia delivered an inspirational speech inside the Stockton Memorial Civic Center, captivating the audience with her heartfelt words of wisdom and encouragement. Her address set the stage for a quick talk by Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs.

Sylvia’s journey to becoming Citizen of the Year is a testament to her remarkable resilience and determination. She was born in Hong Kong and raised by her mother after her father’s passing. Her journey toward academic and professional success was marked by perseverance and hard work. From her early days as a dedicated teacher to her distinguished career in real estate, Sylvia has had an unwavering dedication to excellence. As a record-breaking real estate broker, she has left an indelible mark on Stockton and beyond.

Below is an article written about Sylvia that was included in the official guidebook for the 2017 Stockton Chinese New Year Festival and Parade.

article about Sylvia Wong, CCSS 2017 Citizen of the Year

You can also download the above article as a PDF (2.2 MB):

sylvia-wong-ccss-citizen-of-the-year-2017Download
Sylvia Wong's son takes a photo of her standing with her two grandsons outside on a tiled walkway by the Stockton riverfront.
Sylvia Wong is wearing a long, turquoise, Chinese-style dress while standing next to her two grandsons and daughter-in-law.
Sylvia Wong sits next to a red human-powered carriage that have two people sitting inside it. The driver is looking at a phone. A sign on the front of the carriage reads "Jene Wah Inc.: A Multi-Service chinese Seniors Agency."
The black Ford Mustang Convertible (probably from 2007) that Sylvia rode in had a fabric sign taped to the back with a single Chinese character and a California license plate that read PNYRYDE.
Volunteers from the Concord Kung Fu Academy prepare to enter the Chinese New Year Parade. They are holding a long pink, green, and black dragon and wearing white kung fu tops with orange pants.
Sylvia Wong standing in the rear of a black 2007-era Ford Mustang Convertible, with one of her grandsons sitting and looking out the side
As the Mustang Convertible drives the wrong way on a one-way street as part of the Stockton Chinese New Year Parade, Sylvia Wong stands and smiles in the middle of the vehicle.
The volunteers from the Concord Kung Fu academy walk in front of the Stockton Central Library while holding a yellow, orange, white, and pink dragon.
The volunteers from the Concord Kung Fu Academy dance in a circle while holding a dragon in front of a stage set up in front of the Stockton Memorial Civic Center. A sign in front of the stage reads Chinese New Year Celebration.
Plaque honoring Sylvia Sin Shing Wong as the Chinese Cultural Societ of Stockton's 2017 Citizen of the Year
Sylvia Wong wearing a long shiny turquoise Chinese-style dress speaking to the crowd on stage inside the Stockton Civic Memorial Center. She is standing next tow red banners with Chinese characters.