IU Health South Region President Denzil Ross, First Grade Dual Language Immersion Teacher Madie Gil, Huntingburg Elementary School Principal Megan Anselment, Southwest Dubois County School Corporation Director of Curriculum Melissa Boeglin, and ROI President and CEO Tina Peterson pose for a photo during the Indiana Uplands Regional Innovation Awards on Oct. 2 at French Lick Resort. Southwest Dubois County School Corporation’s Dual Language Immersion Program received the 2026 Regional Welcoming Award.
Moving to a new town, county, state, or country can be intimidating.
Efforts to embrace new residents with the signature hospitality of the Indiana Uplands, where neighbors help one another and communities work to build strong connections, deserve recognition.
Southwest Dubois County School Corporation is doing its part to help roll out the welcome mat to new Uplanders through its Dual Language Immersion Program at Huntingburg Elementary School. For its efforts to foster a welcoming environment for multilingual families while preparing students for success in an increasingly connected world, the program received the 2026 Regional Welcoming Award during Regional Opportunity Initiatives’ Annual Report to the Region on Oct. 2.
Students in the Dual Language Immersion Program spend half of the school day learning in English and the other half learning in Spanish. Through instruction delivered by a team of English- and Spanish-speaking teachers who collaborate across all subject areas, students meet the same academic standards as their peers while developing bilingual and biliterate skills.
The program helps foster an environment where multilingual families feel accepted and welcomed.
In return, students are equipped early on with the language, communication, and cultural skills essential to today’s global economy.
The impact of the program is reflected in the words of the individual who nominated it for the award:
“As a parent, I have watched my own children thrive in this program. They are developing not only bilingual and biliterate skills but also confidence, curiosity, and an appreciation for different cultures. It has reinforced our decision to build our lives here in Southwest Dubois County.”
Beyond preparing students for success in an increasingly connected world, the program sends a powerful message about embracing diversity as a strength.
By helping multilingual families feel welcomed and supported, the Dual Language Immersion Program also helps employers remain competitive in attracting and welcoming talented employees and their families to the region.
Through language, learning, and connection, Southwest Dubois County School Corporation is helping ensure that current and future Uplanders feel welcome from the moment they arrive.
About the Award
The Regional Welcoming Award honors individuals or organizations that have implemented innovative strategies to attract and retain diversity and newcomers in the regional workforce.