WASHOUGAL — Kindergartners in Washougal’s new dual-language classrooms are celebrating ¡Viva la Independencia! National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month through Oct. 15. On Sept. 15, pupils created their own flags of Costa Rica and Mexico. Students also viewed short, animated videos about the independence won in these countries, they danced and twirled in a traditional “gola” (skirt) and took part in their own Independence Torch Pass. The Torch Pass commemorates runners spreading the news of independence in 1821, from Guatemala through Central American countries, ending in Costa Rica.
“Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month gives students the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the history and countless contributions that people from Latin American nations have made,” explained teacher Kelly Borquist.
