This was the hottest, driest summer ever in Washington State. Forests were burning in British Colombia, with drifting smoke making it as far south as Shelton. But the West Coast Latvian Summer High School, “Kursa” closed its 42nd school year on August 5, thankfully on a relatively cool and clear day. This year, 18 young people from across the USA, Canada, and Latvia, attended Kursa. On the closing day, parents, relatives and friends gathered in the large hall of the West Coast Latvian Education Center for the traditional final program, written and directed by singing teacher Maija Riekstiņš, this year with the assistance of folk dance teacher Baiba Miķelsone.
The program began with a short blessing by Rev. Daira Cilnis, ethics and religion teacher. Suddenly, happy students, teachers and director Indra Ekmanis, all dressed in gorgeous folk costumes, came onstage. Maija Riekstiņš, began to play “Lec saulīte rītā agri”, which was sung by all, including the director herself. The folk dance “Visapkārt saule tek”, Baiba Miķelsone’s choreography, followed. The concert continued with folk songs: ,,Iebrauca saulīte ābeļu dārzā, deviņi ratiņi, simts kumeliņi”, ,,Saule savu pūru veda”, ,,Spīdi nu saulīte ābeļu dārzā”, ,,Ģērbies saule sidrabota”. ,,Nāc Dieviņi, nāc Laimiņa” was sung by the girls’ ensemble, the boys followed with ,,Šķērsu dienu saule tek”. ,,Saules meita jostu auda”, a folk dance by Baiba Miķelsone, followed. The sun was celebrated with song and dance from sunrise to sunset. Counselors and staff thrilled the audience with Jānis Ērglis’ dance, ,,Man deviņi bāleliņi”.
After the sun was celebrated, the moon took centerstage with songs ,,Aiz kalniņa mēnestiņis”, ,,Brīnumaina mēness nakts”. Closing the concert with deep emotion was ,,Saule, Pērkons, Daugava”. The program was joyful, the dance steps — easy… Much was accomplished in four weeks — what joy and youth! Each person contributed to the Kursa family. The audience ended the concert with long and loud applause.
Kursa director Indra Ekmanis, who received her doctorate from the University of Washington in June, congratulated Kursa students and thanked the teachers and staff for their hard work. She announced that Kursa students had taken the American Latvian Association Office of Education language exams (A1 and B1 levels), and in four weeks their overall scores had improved by an average of 28 points. Indra was proud of what the students had accomplished both in class, and personally. She was also happy that this year no students graduated from Kursa — which means they can return next year to continue their education and celebrate Latvia’s centennial together in “our little Latvia.” The director thanked all of Kursa’s supporters, including the Society Integration Foundation of the Republic of Latvia, Latvian Language Agency, Ministry of Education and Science, American Latvian Association, Latvian Association of the State of Washington, Oregon Latvian Society, Seattle ev. lut. Latvian congregation, Hawks of the Daugava, Printful and others.
After the address by the director, report cards were handed out and staff was introduced. Indra was particularly happy to introduce two new teachers from Latvia, Lelda Svenča, who taught Latvian language, and Baiba Miķelsone, who taught folk dancing. As a finale, everyone sang Kursa’s traditional “goodbye” song: “Rudens vējš.” Following the program, Kursa students, staff and guests joined hands around the flag pole to sing “Daugav’ abas malas” and “Pūt, vējiņi” as the students lowered the flag. Before leaving, visitors had the opportunity to join in lunch, view the artwork crafted by the students and chat about the lovely morning. See you all next year!
Text from the Latvian Association of the State of Washington newsletter “Informācija.”
IM un JCJ