Washougal board picks new school name: Columbia River Gorge Elementary

Washougal — A name has been chosen for the new elementary school set to break ground in Washougal in June: Columbia River Gorge Elementary. The Washougal School District Board of Directors deliberated between three suggestions before the decision was made by a 4-1 vote. Eighty-four suggestions were submitted by the community before The Facility Naming Committee whittled it down to the final three. “Ultimately, the board felt that because the elementary school is located at the beginning of the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area that the name gave it a real sense of place and would be immediately recognizable by most adults and kids,” said Elaine Pfeifer, WSD board member. “It also honors the significance of the Columbia River Gorge to Washougal in both our past and our future.” The school colors and mascot will be chosen by the new student body of Columbia River Gorge Elementary.