New to campus this semester, the Asian Student Association is creating awareness of diverse cultures and celebrating Asian culture in the Lovejoy community.

“When my sisters and I first came to Lovejoy we did not have a Asian community that we could see,” said Rithik Tangella, sophomore and president of the ASA. “We moved from Plano which had an Asian majority.”

The club currently has 18 members with diverse backgrounds actively participating in their activities. The organization is working to learn about geography, cultures and ethnicities in general.

“I took the initiative to start this organization to promote unity and to promote Asian culture and allow anyone to join and celebrate this culture,” Tangella said.

The group is encouraging students to attend the Plano AsiaFest on Saturday, May 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. where the festival will showcase Asian food, games and activities. The club is also currently hosting a shoe drive for the Austin Street Homeless Shelter. Gently-used shoes can be placed in the designated bin in the commons.

“With the ASA we are trying to promote unity within our community,” Tangella said.