WARSAW — Eisenhower Elementary in Warsaw on Monday celebrated an impressive distinction, becoming only the fourth school in Indiana to be designated as an International Spanish Academy.

The honor is a highlight in the school district’s ten-year long dual language immersion program that will expand next year into Warswaw Community High School.

Monday’s gathering of students, teachers and staff featured the presence of Dr. Diego Blazquez, an education attache with the Embassy of Spain.

Blazquez said there is nothing more important than the immersion of languages and cultures of the two segments of society. Those who speak both will be able to communicate across much of the world, he added.

"From the highest level to the local level, we see this as something that's really worthy to do," Blazquez said.

Principal Jenna Moree said nearly 400 students are participating in the school's program and that there is a demand because students and families see the benefits it brings in terms of career opportunities.

"With them starting so young, they are able to develop the language in a different way than when you wait until high school to start developing a second language," Morre said.

Schools Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert said the program has been instrumental in enhancing students' language skills and cultural understanding in both the English and Spanish languages.

He told students that their participation will pay dividends in college and in future careers.

"With your Spanish proficiency, the sky is truly the limit and what you will be able to do with it," Hoffert said. "You'll have a higher Spanish proficiency than a lot of your high school Spanish teachers have."

Eventually,  Lakeview Middle School, Leesburg Elementary and Warsaw Community High School will be eligible to apply for the International Spanish Academy recognition. 

Monday's event included a showcase of student learning through a slideshow presentation and videos explaining the DLI program and long-term plans. Two sixth-grade students, Parker Sale and Cecilia King, also spoke about what DLI means to them.

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