SPOKANE, Wash — Nineteen eighth graders at Ruben Trejo Dual Language Academy will graduate Thursday, marking a historic milestone as the school’s first class to complete their entire education from kindergarten through eighth grade at the institution.
The graduating students represent nearly a decade of dedication to bilingual education in Spokane Public Schools, having started their academic journey when the dual language program was still establishing its foundation.
Beritt Gwinn, one of the graduating students who has attended the school since kindergarten, reflects on her nine-year experience with pride and accomplishment.
“The work was always challenging but fun to do. I loved learning Spanish and I’m really proud of how good I am now compared to when I started. Obviously, I learned another language over those nine years,” Gwinn said.
The educational model at Trejo Dual Language Academy immerses students in Spanish-dominant instruction during their early years. From kindergarten through third grade, students receive 80% of their curriculum in Spanish. The program then transitions to an equal 50-50 split between English and Spanish instruction for the remaining grades.
This approach has created strong bonds among classmates who have shared the unique experience of bilingual education together.
“I’ve known them my whole life. I think even though a lot of us are different, we have a really good community in our classroom. I like that I’m able to spend time with all of them and I’d consider everyone a good friend,” Gwinn said.
While many graduates will attend different high schools, Gwinn noted that four or five of her classmates plan to continue their education together at Lewis and Clark High School.
Principal Mauricio Segovia expressed pride in the students’ achievements and the language skills they have developed through the program.
“I feel so proud of many of them because they demonstrate this language skill that makes me feel we have done a good job supporting the development of these students in our public school district,” Segovia said.
The Ruben Trejo Dual Language Academy stands as the only school of its kind within Spokane Public Schools. The success of this first graduating class demonstrates the effectiveness of bilingual education in preparing students for an increasingly connected world.
Segovia hopes the program’s success will allow more students in the district to develop bilingual skills through their public education.
The graduation ceremony represents not only an academic achievement for the students but also validates the dual language education model that Spokane Public Schools has invested in developing over the past decade.
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