“”Dozens of upper-level German language students from Logan High School celebrated German heritage with elementary school students from four La Crosse elementary schools during this year’s Oktoberfest German Heritage Program.
“We like to use this day to build relationships between our high school students and our district’s elementary school students through German language and culture,” said La Crosse Schools German teacher Rita Murphy. “Our high school students really look forward to planning and running this event each year. It’s one of our highlights.”
The high school students shared their knowledge of the German language and traditions with over 250 third and fourth-graders from North Woods International, Northside Elementary, Summit Environmental, and Emerson Elementary Schools. The elementary students participated in activities including sports, games, songs, dances, food tasting, and crafts all related to German culture and celebrations.
“It’s important to teach these kids about Oktoberfest because it is such a big part of our city,” said Logan High School junior Isabella Braithwaite. “So many of the kids don’t know Oktoberfest’s history so we want them to understand the culture and tradition that surrounds it.”
The event is not just a chance though to share the history of the festival, but also an opportunity for the older students to share their experiences with their younger counterparts.
“We were part of the school’s three-week exchange program with Friedberg, Germany this past June,” said Logan High School junior Rachel Tully. “We want to share from that experience, teach them about German cultures and other cultures because learning about different cultures and people now when these kids are younger, is important. If that acceptance is ingrained in them now, as they grow up, they will more easily accept others and essentially make the world a better place.”
The German Heritage Program is held every year during Oktoberfest and hosted at the northside Oktoberfest grounds in Copeland Park.
Members of the Oktoberfest Royal Family were also in attendance to help with the celebration.””””[vc_gallery type=”flexslider_slide” interval=”0″ images=”14499,14478,14480,14479,14483,14494,14484,14487,14482,14497,14485,14495,14488,14489,14486,14493,14481,14490,14491,14492,14498,14496,14500″ img_size=”625×417″]””
