The stage banner used at the city’s recent Cherry Blossom Festival was made by Kumiko Gale’s Japanese language students at Bayside Middle School. The students learned how to write Japanese characters in class. The banner translates as “Cherry Blossom Festival” along with the school’s name in English and Japanese.

Each year Gale has volunteered her students’ work to be displayed at the celebration of Japanese culture held at Redwing Park. The Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation, the Sister Cities Association of Virginia Beach, and the Japan Education Culture Center Inc. sponsor the event.