BHS PTSA General Meeting Recap

Filmmaker Della Chen & PTSA Speaker Update

The Ballard HS PTSA would like to share our deepest condolences to the Chen-Gilchrist family. Della passed suddenly on February 23 in a tragic car accident. Della was a gifted storyteller, artist community leader full of love, light and joy. Della was also extremely generous with her time and resources providing FREE film and lesson plan access to all SPS K-12 schools through the Ethnic Studies section on Schoology. We are grateful to have had Della and daughter Georgia at the Feb. PTSA General meeting and screening of her documentary film: “She Marches In Chinatown.” 

Many have reached out asking how they can assist Della’s family. If you would like to contribute there is a  Go Fund Me  honoring Della and supporting the Chen-Gilchrist Family.
~ Your Ballard High School PTSA 

Thank You All For Attending The PTSA General Meeting

Thank you for all those who braved the snowy weather to attend the PTSA General Meeting and screening of “She Marches in Chinatown”. This moving and educational documentary showcases the Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team – their unique history in Seattle and how they have made a difference in the lives of generations of Asian-American girls. A highlight in Seattle’s parades, the drill team is now in it’s 73rd year. The film was so rich and full, it left our audience wanting more! 

A huge THANK YOU to Filmmaker, Della Chen and BHS Senior and Drill Team Captain, Georgia for taking the time to answer questions from students during the daytime showing and again for our evening guests!

Special Event & Guest Speakers at the BHS PTSA General Meeting

The Ballard HS PTSA presented the documentary film on Feb. 13, 2025: “She Marches in Chinatown” a powerful 30-minute documentary by local director, Della Chen, about The Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team. Della and the current Drill Team Captain, Georgia, answered audience questions.

Director’s Statement

When I was a teen in the 80’s I always wanted to be a part of the The Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team but regretfully never did. Born and raised a first-generation Seattleite, my family enthusiastically looked forward to the annual Seafair Torchlight Parade. Seeing The Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team perform gave our family this kind of Asian connection to an American tradition. These girls were bad-ass. When my daughter turned 11, I suggested she consider joining the drill team so I could vicariously live through this experience. Her initial reaction was she realized she didn’t have many Asian friends in her school or neighborhood in North Seattle (besides her cousins). As a parent, I started learning more about the drill team’s background and history and as a visual artist I was astounded that this story has never been told in a film. With the rise in Anti-Asian hate and the climate of the world, I want this film to make an impact on this generation, to take better care of our blending cultures and community. Ruby Chow is my inspiration. An unintimidated, American born Chinese woman that cared about her community and made a difference. She, was bad-ass. Learn more on the Chenanigans Films website.

Any questions reach out to the BHS PTSA Family & Community Engagement (FACE): Victoria Watson; bhs.ptsa.face@gmail.com