The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District’s Chinese Program will welcome Chinese language learners from across the state for the Wisconsin 2026 State Chinese Contest on Nov. 14. Middleton High School will host the statewide contest, which is open to students in 4K through college.
The competition is project-based and focused on real conversation. Students will choose a topic they care about, give a short presentation, and participate in friendly conversations with judges and peers.
The contest includes two divisions: Heritage (Chinese spoken at home) and Non-Heritage (learning at school). It also includes four levels from beginner to advanced to make sure that students are placed in groups of comparable age and ability.
The contest was formerly held at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where several MCPASD students participated. This is the first year it will be hosted at Middleton High School.
“This year, the contest is also introducing a talent presentation option, which allows students to connect their Chinese language skills with their personal interests and talents,” said Middleton High School Mandarin teacher Qin Tian, who is helping organize the competition. “I love this addition because language learning is about more than memorizing vocabulary or preparing for a test. It is also about expressing ourselves, sharing our passions, and connecting with others through language and culture.”
Tian said that hosting the competition will make it more accessible to students in Dane County and help grow Chinese language education locally.
“Since last school year, I have been in conversations with the board members of the Wisconsin Association of Chinese Language Teachers about the possibility of bringing part of the contest to Middleton High School,” Tian said. “We have a strong Chinese language program here, and there are many Chinese language learners in our surrounding communities, including Middleton, Verona, and Madison. I am very grateful to the board for their trust and the Middleton High School administration team – especially Bobbie Reinhart, Barry Holloway and Lindsay Pangman – for their tremendous support in making this possible.”
Tian has strengthened the District’s Chinese language programming and earned accolades for her teaching and community involvement. She was named to Madison365’s 2026 list of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Asian American Leaders and earned the 2026 Heartland Chinese Teacher Award.
The language competition is an extension of Tian’s efforts to offer immersive cultural experiences outside of the classroom, including an educational trip to Taiwan with 34 students in June as well as annual Lunar New Year celebrations.
“This contest is a wonderful way for students to see what is possible as they continue their language-learning journey,” Tian said. “They can learn from older students, set goals for themselves, and realize that their Chinese skills can keep growing year after year.”
Tian emphasized that ”students do not have to be perfect to participate” in the competition.
“Every student is at a different stage of learning, and every step forward matters,” Tian said. “Whether students enjoy speaking, presenting, performing, or exploring Chinese culture, there are meaningful ways for them to participate and shine.”
She hopes the contest will encourage students to continue learning Chinese as a bridge to new friendships, cultures and opportunities.
“I hope students leave the contest feeling more confident, inspired, and motivated to continue learning Chinese,” Tian said.
Oct. 31 is the registration deadline for the competition. Visit MCPASD Chinese Program’s Facebook page to learn more, and register for the contest online.