Local Student Run Organization Performs at Annual Fair Event

AYLUS performing at Charter Day

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – The Basking Ridge chapter of AYLUS, or the Alliance of Youth Leaders in the United States, spends most of its time volunteering in the Bernards community.

Over a week ago, the group performed at Bernards Township’s annual Charter Day event.

Madison Yu, communications director of the Basking Ridge chapter, said shows like these help the young kids on stage build more confidence.

It helps them with “getting more experience to showcase their talent and what they can do,” Yu said.

The AYLUS group at the event was made up mostly of Asian American elementary and early middle school students who sang and danced to both modern and Korean pop music.

Amy Heath attended the event to support a friend and said she loved the show.

“I think it’s really wonderful for them,” Heath said. “Just to let them know that they can achieve anything they want to.”

The Bernards Parks and Recreation Department selects performances ahead of time through an online submission form.

The department declined an interview but said in a email that they try to pick performers from in and around the Basking Ridge area.

Angelina Gao, president of the Basking Ridge chapter of AYLUS, hopes the performance will not only spread joy but also raise awareness about the chapter.

“It kind of shows that what we're doing is important and impacting everyone,” Gao said.

The chapter has grown from 35 members to more than 90 over the past few years, and the group hopes the performance will bring in more members.