The mix of English and Spanish bouncing off the walls of the crowded corridors will fall silent. On Dec. 31, the United States turns the canal over to Panama, ending a relationship between the two countries that began with Panama's birth as a nation in 1903. They say they will miss the mix of American, Caribbean and Latin American cultures they found in Panama. Most of Balboa's 525 students are bilingual. Rap-flavored reggae in Spanish is the music of choice.
Friends follow the Latin custom of greeting each other with a kiss on the cheek.
A nice home only steps away from Balboa High. A housekeeper to free him from chores. Surfing on the weekends. Asked whether he was deprived of anything by going to school in Panama, Bowman said no, then reconsidered. We don't have fights.