This week, first-graders at Tryon Elementary were able to meet children visiting from Spain because of the World Equestrian Games.

Next week starts Latin Appreciation month, and what perfect timing for the students to compare and contrast their daily lives to those of children from a Latin country.

Maria, Jaume and Ana, along with their English teacher, Lindsay Boix, and her son, Eduard, were able to share with the students how the climate, classroom set-up and daily schedule, homes and language differ back home compared to the U.S.

When asked what surprised them the most about the area, they commented about how horse statues are everywhere and how everything is larger.

The children are here because their parents, Maria Alvarez (two-time winner) and Jaume Punti (one-time winner) were competing in the WEG endurance race.

School for the children starts Sept. 12, so they are returning to the Barcelona area this week, weather permitting.

The first-graders hope to keep in touch with the children and their English teacher as pen pals.

– Submitted by Kimberly Granville