3-Take-and-Make: Marshmallow and Toothpick Challenge* 4-Yoga in the Park 4-Biking Field Trip* 5-Crafternoon: Salt Dough and Seed Art* 6-Baby Dance Party 9-Storytime in the Park 10-Take-and-Make: Sidewalk Art* 10-Dog Tales 11-Yoga in the Park 11-Biking Field Trip* 12-Chalk our Walk 13-Stroller Walk 16-Storytime in the Park 18-Yoga in the Park 19-Chalk our Walk 20-Stroller Walk 24-Dog Tales 25-Yoga in the Park
President Jenifer K. Ward has announced the appointment of Mary Duvall as vice president for development at Luther College. Beginning this summer, Duvall will provide leadership and mentoring to staff in the offices of development, alumni relations, and the Career Center.
“During the interview process, I observed how different groups meeting with Mary moved quickly from interviewing to actually starting the work together,” said Ward. “Her exceptional listening skills and knowledge of Lutheran values and approach to higher education, as well as specific familiarity with Luther College through family and colleague relationships, were all apparent and heartening. I welcome Mary to our leadership team and look forward to introducing her to our community.”
As vice president for development, Duvall will provide strategic direction for all aspects of the college’s fundraising and external engagement efforts and serve as a key member of the president’s cabinet. She will be tasked with formulating a future fundraising plan for the college that harnesses the momentum of successful 2022 campaigns including Giving Day and One Team Day.
“There is something truly special about Luther,” said Duvall. “The care and passion for this place is clear and I’ve witnessed first-hand the transformational power of Luther connections and a liberal arts education. My husband, Terry ’01, son Max and I are thrilled to join the Decorah community and I’m honored to serve in this capacity. I can’t wait to hear your stories of care for this institution and how, together, we can ensure equitable access, meaningful opportunities and bold outcomes for students today and generations to come.”
Duvall has 15 years of experience in non-profit management, including mission-driven fundraising for Lutheran organizations. She comes to Luther from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, where she has worked since 2015. Duvall began employment at the university as executive director of advancement, was promoted to associate vice president of advancement in 2018, and most recently she served as associate vice president of university relations. During her tenure at PLU, Duvall managed teams that grew the institution’s annual giving, built a newly integrated alumni engagement and career development team and led the division’s annual strategic planning process. Duvall also served on a variety of cross-campus committees, including PLU’s Diversity Committee which operationalized the school’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan.
Prior to her work at PLU, from 2007 to 2015, Duvall served in multiple capacities at Lutheran World Relief to expand their donor base, secure funding and, therefore, serve more people. The organization’s goal is to work with Lutherans and partners around the world to end poverty, injustice and human suffering.
Duvall earned her bachelor of arts degree in religion from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. She earned her master’s of nonprofit management degree from Hamline University in Saint Paul and a certificate of advanced leadership studies from St. Catherine’s University. She also was a recent Lutheran Educational Conference of North America (LECNA) Fellow, a program that provides a year-long leadership development experience organized around vocation and calling, sustainable leader development and visionary organizational leadership.
About Luther College
Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning, and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully, and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more atluther.edu.
Registration for Decorah Parks and Recreation for summer programs, activities, swim lessons and pool passes begins at 8:00am Monday, May 2. Registration can be completed online using credit/debit card or in the Park-Rec Office using cash or check.
Swim lessons begin the week of June 13. Additional information regarding swim lessons is available as a pdf or can be viewed on our Swim Lessons & Classes page.
Recreation programs and activities begin the week of June 6. A complete list of recreation programs and activities is available as a pdf or can be viewed online. Please note that children registering for summer programs and activities should register based on their grade level completed during the 2021-2022 school year.
Swim lesson and recreation classes are filled on a first come first served basis, register early for best availability.
The Decorah Municipal Swimming Pool will open for the season Tuesday, May 31. Swim pool passes can be purchased online or in the Park-Rec Office for a reduced rate through Thursday, May 26. New in 2022! Decorah Parks & Recreation will have a key card & scanner system at the pool for season pass holders. Please note that when purchasing a pool pass, a photo must be uploaded for each individual. Each person will be issued their own unique QR code (sent to their email inbox) to present for pool admission. Each person may also choose to stop by the Park-Rec Office after purchasing their pool pass online to be issued their own uniquely numbered card to present for admission. A lost card can be replaced for $5.00 and must be paid for at the Park-Rec Office.
More information including hours, daily admission fees, lap swim, water walking and aquacise classes can be found on the Swimming Pool Website.
Swim Pool Passes are available for purchase! Pool passes can be purchased online or in the Park-Rec Office for a reduced rate through Thursday, May 26.
New in 2022!Decorah Parks & Recreation will have a key card & scanner system at the pool for season pass holders. Please note that when purchasing a pool pass, a photo must be uploaded for each individual. Each person will be issued their own unique QR code (sent to their email inbox) to present for pool admission. Each person may also choose to stop by the Park-Rec Office after purchasing their pool pass online to be issued their own uniquely numbered card to present for admission. A lost card can be replaced for $5.00 and must be paid for at the Park-Rec Office.
More information about the 2022 Swim Pool season including pool hours, admission fees, and swim lessons can be found online.
The Live Healthy Iowa Kids Track Championships local track meet will be held at 4:30pm Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at the Decorah High School track. Youth ages 7 thru 14 as of December 31, 2022 are eligible to participate in this free event!
Registration is required and can be completed online. For a complete list of online registration instructions click here.
Registration can also be completed by filling out the PDF entry form and returning it via email (parkrec@decorahia.org) or in person to the Park-Rec Office no later than 4pm Friday, May 13.
1st place winners at the local meet will advance to the state championships in Marshalltown, Iowa on Saturday, June 18. More information is also available on the LIVE Healthy Iowa Kids Track Championship Website.
The Luther College chapter of Phi Beta Kappa has 45 new members including 41 seniors and four juniors. On Sunday, April 24, the students were inducted into the oldest and most respected undergraduate honors organization in the United States. Members are elected on the basis of broad academic interests, scholarly achievement and good character. The 2022 inductees include seniors:
· Riley Taylor of Ames, Iowa
· Sarah Hoehns of Cedar Falls, Iowa
· Clare Rolinger of Cedar Falls, Iowa
· Sam Schillinger of Cedar Falls, Iowa
· Sarah Damhof of Clearwater, Minnesota
· Jarod Phillips of Decorah, Iowa
· Heather Hostager of Dubuque, Iowa
· Frost Bowen-Bailey of Duluth, Minnesota
· Laurel Studt of Eau Claire, Wisconsin
· Hunter Hobbs of Fountain, Minnesota
· Kim Duc Chu of Hanoi, Vietnam
· Quang Anh Nguyen of Hanoi, Vietnam
· Quenton Max of Iowa City, Iowa
· Lindsey Parrott of Iowa City, Iowa
· Jake Sharafuddin of Iowa City, Iowa
· Fred Farrand of Kansas City, Missouri
· Isaac List of La Crosse, Wisconsin
· Sarah Benton of Le Mars, Iowa
· Lexi Orth of Madison Lake, Minnesota
· Siyabonga Mabuza of Malkerns, Swaziland
· Kirsten Loynachan of Marion, Iowa
· Hailee Gilliand of Minneapolis, Minnesota
· Owen Johnson of Minneapolis, Minnesota
· Jane Bremer of Minnetonka, Minnesota
· Ahmed Abdrabu Hamid of Yemen and Budapest, Hungary
· Sneha Verma of New Delhi, India
· Kirsten Melaas-Swanson of North St. Paul, Minnesota
· Jessi Labenski of Northfield, Minnesota
· Elena Dant of Owatonna, Minnesota
· Matt Benson of Park Rapids, Minnesota
· Kien Huynh of Hanoi, Vietnam
· Siri St. Louis of Rochester, Minnesota
· Emilie Gitter of Saint Paul, Minnesota
· Mary McTeague of Saint Paul, Minnesota
· Leif Saveraid of Saint Paul, Minnesota
· Catherine Vitt of Saint Paul, Minnesota
· Greta Anderson of Saint Peter, Minnesota
· Jill Richards of Solon, Iowa
· Logan Olson of Stacy, Minnesota
· Megan Grimm of Swisher, Iowa
· Ben Meyer of Urbandale, Iowa
And juniors:
· Marin Leone of Chanhassen, Minnesota
· Ghazal Alabtah of Palestine and Syria
· Sydney Clausen of Rochester, Minnesota
· Nathan Anderson of Saint Paul, Minnesota
The junior members will become student leaders in the organization during their senior year. They will be invited to chapter meetings and encouraged to participate in chapter activities, including the Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar events.
Luther College is one of a select group of private liberal arts colleges in the United States with a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. The society has fostered and recognized excellence in the liberal arts and sciences since 1776 and the society’s distinctive emblem, a golden key, is widely recognized as a symbol of academic achievement.
Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.
Each day, the Luther College Cafeteria offers fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy and proteins, some of which are sourced from nearby farms. Having access to local food is a luxury, but the pandemic has revealed it’s also a necessity in order to feed the campus community.
Disruptions in the supply chain in recent years have made it more necessary than ever to partner with local food producers. As a result, Luther College has managed to increase local food purchases by 19% in the 2021-22 academic year.
“Local food has been our savior,” said Wayne Tudor, general manager of Dining Services at Luther College. “The closer you are to the source, the fewer problems you’re going to have. Our local food partners have been one of the few stable things we can count on.”
Nearly 60% of dairy products in the Cafeteria are sourced in-state from places such as Andrew Erickson Dairy in Des Moines, Country View Dairy in Hawkeye and WW Homestead Dairy in Waukon. The Luther gardens help supply produce for campus events and Sno Pac Foods, based in Caledonia, Minnesota, provides the college with cost-efficient, organic vegetables year-round. Additionally, more than 98% of the coffee on campus is both locally roasted and fair trade certified due to Luther’s collaboration with Decorah’s Impact Coffee.
Most recently, Tudor has partnered with Ferndale Market Turkey Farm in Cannon Falls, Minnesota. As a result, all of Luther’s turkey is now free-range, antibiotic-free and locally sourced – just 115 miles away.
“Turkey is our champion,” said Tudor. “We went to 100% local and discovered new products we weren’t aware of before.”
These types of partnerships help Dining Services avoid various shortages and recalls. Sodexo Sustainability Intern Logan Olson ’22 recalled that just recently, dining staff received a notice that supplies of chicken, turkey and eggs would become harder to come by due to the bird flu. However, Luther is expected to be minimally affected by this shortage, thanks to our local producers.
Olson has also seen the impact of pandemic-related supply chain disruptions firsthand, noting how sourcing food locally can help to both lessen the impact of these problems and enhance the sustainability initiatives he has been working to promote.
“Certain items have become nearly impossible to order at times,” said Olson. “We are fortunate to have a network of local producers whose ability to provide food to Luther has been less disrupted by the pandemic. We also know that local food purchases are less carbon-intensive due to decreased transportation needs and they help boost our local economy. Now, we have also seen that they are incredibly reliable and resilient during challenging times.”
Tudor agrees with Olson’s sentiments, hailing local food as the “stabilizing factor” in a time of much uncertainty. Local products do not fluctuate in price as often or abruptly and have not been subject to fuel surcharges as commercial shipments have. It’s important to Tudor that local partnerships are not only environmentally sustainable, but that they are financially sustainable.
“We’re looking for long-term partnerships. Some of these places we’ve been working with for years, and it’s just fantastic,” said Tudor. “Half the joy in keeping things local is in the relationships you build. I’m a total believer in the small business and the family farm, it’s part of my heritage. It’s about supporting the whole community and it comes full circle.”
The journey doesn’t stop here. Luther College is constantly advancing its local partnerships and sustainable food purchasing goals in an effort to increase local dairy purchases to 75%, meat to 50% and produce to 25% in the coming years. Reducing food waste is also a primary concern. Sodexo, the food management company that partners with Luther College, aims to cut food waste in half by 2025.
In addition, Tudor hopes to start an education program about local foods, highlighting local producers and their products. He describes the dedication and pride that the entire Dining Services staff has in regard to how Luther’s food is produced and hopes to extend that sense of pride to the larger student body.
“We know all of our yogurt is local, all of our ice cream is local, but what does that mean to students? We all need to be asking the big question: Do you know how your food is produced? We do everything we possibly can to use raw products, no additives or preservatives, nothing but good seasoning and fresh herbs. Trying to keep food as unadulterated as we can possibly get it because we believe that’s the healthiest way to eat,” said Tudor.
About Luther College
Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 60+ academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.
Decorah High School has named Isaak Eichinger as the recipient of the Norman C. Bradish Scholarship for the 2021-2022 school year. Norman Bradish created a scholarship to be awarded to a male graduate of Decorah High School who possesses high academic ability and curiosity, is liked by peers and adults, and displays high standards of character. The recipient must agree to attend a non-religious college outside the state of Iowa. In addition, the student must remain unmarried until finishing his studies.
Eichinger will continue his education at Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin, majoring in Natural Resources. He has been very active at Decorah High School in sports and the fine arts, including cross country, track, band, choir, and speech. He has lettered in cross country, track, and choir and has earned academic all-state honors for cross country. He has also successfully completed numerous college credit and AP courses and is a member of the DHS chapter of National Honor Society.
Isaak Eichinger is the son of Mark and Michelle Eichinger.
The 85th annual Decorah FFA Awards Program was held in the Decorah High School auditorium on Thursday, March 24th, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. Approximately 300 guests were in attendance, including parents, family members, community sponsors, business leaders, and members. The Conduct of Meetings Team consisting of President Elora Schnitzler, Vice-President Hunter Quandahl, Secretary Austin Helgerson, Treasurer Jordan Sims, Reporter Derek Tieskoetter, Sentinel Rashell Lippe, and Advisor Kiele Eberling officially opened the awards program.
Chapter Vice President Grace Gerleman welcomed everyone in attendance. The 2021-2022 officer team then presented Greenhand FFA Degrees and Chapter FFA degrees. This year’s Greenhand FFA Degree recipients include Caiden Bruns, Kiele Eberling, Logan Frye, Kaid Headington, Austin Helgerson, Blaine Leidahl, Rashell Lippe, Hunter Quandahl, Elora Schnitzler, Jordan Sims, and Derek Tieskoetter.
The 2021-2022 Chapter FFA Degree recipients include Brooke Anfinson, Cade Averhoff, Annika Brynsaas, Olivia Christopher, Brody Courtney, Camren Darling, Braunwyn Darrington, Bryss Ehrie, Dahlyn Headington, Christopher Larson, Anders Lovstuen, Creed Monroe, Travis Nordheim, Jeramiah Rediske, Claire Schutte, Kayleigh Smith, Grace Stortz, Ciara Wedmann, Kolton Werges, Olivia Wyatt, and Mara Wyatt.
Chapter Sentinel Brendan Hunter then awarded the leadership awards to members who successfully served as leaders within the chapter by serving as an officer and/or a committee chairperson. Members receiving leadership pins for completing their first year of service include Cade Averhoff, Braunwyn Darrington, Annica Hansen, Alex Irwin, David Kreitzer, Maggie Lovstuen, Justin Nierling, and Dalton Zidlicky.
Members recognized for more than two years of leadership service to the chapter include Kyleigh Batterson, Brittney Ehrie, Karter Einck, Kaia Franzen, Grace Gerleman, Dalton Hemesath, Brendan Hunter, Melia Kruse, Rachel Mikkelson, Morgan Moen, Brayden Reiser, Chezny Ryant, Hannah Schnitzler, Sage Wedmann, and Addison Wemark.
Chapter Assistant David Kreitzer introduced the members who had perfect meeting attendance this past year. These members include Caiden Bruns, Annika Brynsaas, Olivia Christopher, Brody Courtney, Brittney Ehrie, Karter Einck, Dylan Elsbernd, Kaia Franzen, Grace Gerleman, Dalton Hemesath, Brendan Hunter, Alex Irwin, Melia Kruse, Anders Lovstuen, Maggie Lovstuen, Landen Marlow, Morgan Moen, Creed Monroe, Travis Nordheim, Hunter Quandahl, Jeramiah Rediske, Chloe Reiser, Jordan Sims, Gavin Sims, Emmit Stemper, Grace Stortz, Derek Tieskoetter, Sage Wedmann, Addison Wemark, Kolton Werges, and Dalton Zidlicky.
Kyleigh Batterson and Addison Wemark presented scholarship pins and certificates to all of the Decorah FFA members who made the honor roll this past year. Members receiving this honor and a pin include Bridget Bentley, Doug Bentley, Kiele Eberling, Austin Helgerson, Kallie Mincks, Justin Nierling, Elora Schnitzler, Jordan Sims, and Dalton Zidlicky.
Members receiving a scholarship certificate for being on the honor roll multiple years include Brody Anfinson, Brooke Anfinson, Cade Averhoff, Kyleigh Batterson, Lacie Bjergum, Annika Brynsaas, Olivia Christopher, Brody Courtney, Braunwyn Darrington, Brittney Ehrie, Karter Einck, Dylan Elsbernd, Kaia Franzen, Grace Gerleman, Dahlyn Headington, Dalton Hemesath, Brendan Hunter, Alex Irwin, Ryan Johanningmeier, David Kreitzer, Melia Kruse, Anders Lovstuen, Maggie Lovstuen, Rachel Mikkelson, Morgan Moen, Creed Monroe, Travis Nordheim, Jeramiah Rediske, Brayden Reiser, Chloe Reiser, Chezny Ryant, Carter Schmelzer, Hannah Schnitzler, Claire Schutte, Gavin Sims, Kayleigh Smith, Emmit Stemper, Grace Stortz, Ciara Wedmann, Sage Wedmann, Addison Wemark, and Mara Wyatt.
Creed Monroe presented the Academic Achievement Awards. The senior academic awards are awarded from the Iowa FFA Association and are presented to the seniors with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5. Recipients who received a certificate and a medal include Karter Einck, Dylan Elsbernd, Kaia Franzen, Grace Gerleman, Dalton Hemesath, Brendan Hunter, Ryan Johanningmeier, Melia Kruse, Brayden Reiser, Gavin Sims, Emmit Stemper, and Sage Wedmann.
Morgan Moen and Hannah Schnitzler recognized this year’s members of the month. Members selected to be honored for their FFA accomplishments include Melia Kruse, Ryan Johanningmeier, Brittney Ehrie, Addison Wemark, and Olivia Wyatt.
Chapter Vice-President Grace Gerleman presented the top five fruit sales awards after announcing the chapter had sold a total fruit sales amount of $52,946.00. Members receiving fruit sales awards include 1st– Gavin Sims, 2nd– Brittney Ehrie, 3rd– Braunwyn Darrington, 4th– Cade Averhoff, 5th– Morgan Moen, 6th– Karter Einck, 7th– Melia Kruse, 8th– Brody Courtney, 9th– Travis Nordheim, and 10th– Kaia Franzen.
The Decorah FFA Letter was presented by Brody Courtney. In order to letter, members must be an active member in FFA and the community. This year twenty-eight members lettered in FFA: Brody Anfinson, Kyleigh Batterson, Lacie Bjergum, Brody Courtney, Brittney Ehrie, Karter Einck, Dylan Elsbernd, Kaia Franzen, Grace Gerleman, Annica Hansen, Dalton Hemesath, Brendan Hunter, Ryan Johanningmeier, David Kreitzer, Melia Kruse, Anders Lovstuen, Landen Marlow, Rachel Mikkelson, Morgan Moen, Creed Monroe, Brayden Reiser, Chezny Ryant, Hannah Schnitzler, Gavin Sims, Emmit Stemper, Sage Wedmann, Addison Wemark, and Carson Wemark.
Each FFA member has a requirement to keep records on either a job placement, agribusiness ownership, or a livestock or crop project. Members then submit their record books for evaluation. Kaia Franzen announced the top record books for each class. They include senior Dalton Hemesath, junior Morgan Moen, sophomore Jeramiah Rediske, and freshman Jordan Sims.
Brendan Hunter presented the Star Greenhand award to Rashell Lippe. He also presented the Star Chapter Farmer award to Melia Kruse, the Star Agribusiness award to Creed Monroe, and the Star Chapter Placement award to Grace Gerleman.
Anders Lovstuen and Creed Monroe congratulated this year’s proficiency award winners. This year’s chapter proficiency winners include the following: Grace Gerleman (Agriculture Education), Travis Nordheim (Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance), Justin Nierling (Agriculture Services), Jeramiah Rediske (Beef Production-Entrepreneurship), Dalton Hemesath (Dairy Production-Placement), Sage Wedmann (Equine Science), Karter Einck (Poultry Production), Brittney Ehrie (Small Animal Production and Care), Addison Wemark (Swine Production-Entrepreneurship), Morgan Moen (Swine Production-Placement), and Kaia Franzen (Veterinary Science).
Creed Monroe thanked the senior class for all their leadership over the years and congratulated them on all their accomplishments. This year’s 2022 Decorah FFA seniors who were recognized include Brody Anfinson, Lacie Bjergum, Brittney Ehrie, Karter Einck, Dylan Elsbernd, Kaia Franzen, Grace Gerleman, Annica Hansen, Dalton Hemesath, Brendan Hunter, Ryan Johanningmeier, David Kreitzer, Melia Kruse, Landen Marlow, Kallie Mincks, Brayden Reiser, Gavin Sims, Emmit Stemper, Sage Wedmann, and Carson Wemark.
Chapter Treasurer Sage Wedmann shared how Dalton Hemesath and Karter Einck were such influential people through not only FFA but also everything they did with their leadership skills and positive attitudes.
Grace Gerleman presented the Star FFA Alumni and Supporters awards to Paul and Janet Hunter, Keith and Brenda Kreitzer, Brandi Lange, Jeremy Franzen, Bill Wedmann, and Kelly Sorenson. Kaia Franzen then joined Grace Gerleman to recognize the 2022 Friends of Agriculture Award Recipients Betsy Ratashak-Vogel and Keith Bruening.
The 2021-2022 Chapter officers then presented the Honorary FFA Degree. The Honorary membership is awarded to any farmers, school superintendents, principals, members of boards of education, chapter advisors, teachers, staff members in agricultural education, business people, and others who are helping to advance agricultural education and the FFA and who have rendered outstanding service. They may be elected to honorary membership by a majority vote of the members present at any regular meeting or convention. This year’s recipients were Matt Hemesath, Mary Hemesath, Ryan and Michelle Einck, and Myles and Connie Gerleman.
Chapter Advisor Joni Bruvold thanked all the volunteers and individuals who have supported the chapter throughout the last year. Following Ms. Bruvold’s speech, the newly formed Decorah FFA Alumni and Supporters officer team came to the stage to provide background information on this new organization.
After watching the year in review video, introduced by Sage Wedmann, the new officer installation took place before the banquet was adjourned. The 2021-22 officers installed the following 2022-23 officers: President – Dalton Hemesath to Creed Monroe, Vice President – Grace Gerleman to Brody Courtney, Secretary – Karter Einck to Addison Wemark, Treasurer – Sage Wedmann to Anders Lovstuen, Reporter – Kaia Franzen to Morgan Moen, Sentinel – Brendan Hunter to Hannah Schnitzler, and Assistant Officer – David Kreitzer to Kyleigh Batterson. The newly elected officer team thanked the retiring officer team and the 2022 Decorah FFA senior class for their leadership and dedication to the organization. The officer team performed the closing ceremonies and concluded the banquet with the Pledge of Allegiance.
2022 Decorah FFA Best Record Book Winners: (l-r): Jordan Sims, Jeramiah Rediske, Morgan Moen, and Braden Hemesath accepting on behalf of Dalton Hemesath2022 Decorah FFA Friends of FFA Award Recipients (l-r) Betsy Ratashak-Vogel and Keith Bruening 2022 Decorah FFA Honorary FFA Degree Recipients (l-r): Matt Hemesath, Mary Hemesath, Connie Gerleman, Myles Gerleman, Michelle Einck, Ryan Einck
2022 Decorah FFA Letter Recipients: Row 1 (l-r): Melia Kruse, Kyleigh Batterson, Rachel Mikkelson, Chezny Ryant, Anders Lovstuen Row 2 (l-r): Karlie Einck on behalf of Karter Einck, Morgan Moen, Brody Courtney, Sage Wedmann, Lacie Bjergum Row 3 (l-r): Keagen Einck on behalf of Karter Einck, Annica Hansen, Creed Monroe, Brayden Reiser, Addison Wemark, Hannah Schnitzler Row 4 (l-r): Kaia Franzen, Brittney Ehrie, Braden Hemesath on behalf of Dalton Hemesath, Ryan Johanningmeier, Landen Marlow, Gavin Sims Row 5 (l-r): Brody Anfinson, Grace Gerleman, Dylan Elsbernd, Brendan Hunter, David Kreitzer, Emmit Stemper, Carson Wemark 2022 FFA Academic Achievement Recipients: Row 1 (l-r): Braden Hemesath on behalf of Dalton Hemesath, Karlie Einck on behalf of Karter Einck, Melia Kruse, Brayden Reiser, Gavin Sims Row 2 (l-r): Keagen Einck on behalf of Karter Einck, Dylan Elsbernd, Kaia Franzen, Emmit Stemper Row 3 (l-r): Sage Wedmann, Grace Gerleman, Brendan Hunter, Ryan Johanningmeier2022 Decorah FFA Star FFA Alumni and Supporters Recipients: Row 1 (l-r): Paul Hunter, Janet Hunter Row 2 (l-r): Brandi Lange, Jeremy Franzen, Bill Wedmann, Kelly Sorenson, Brenda Kreitzer, Keith Kreitzer 2021-2022 Decorah FFA Top 5 Fruit Sales (l-r): Morgan Moen (5th), Cade Averhoff (4th), Braunwyn Darrington (3rd), Brittney Ehrie (2nd) and Gavin Sims (1st) 2021-2022 Decorah FFA Proficiency Award Winners Row 1 (l-r): Kaia Franzen, Sage Wedmann Row 2 (l-r): Karlie and Keagen Einck on behalf of Karter Einck, Brittney Ehrie, Addison Wemark, Morgan Moen Row 3 (l-r): Grace Gerleman, Travis Nordheim, Justin Nierling, Jeramiah Rediske, Braden Hemesath on behalf of Dalton Hemesath2021-2022 and 2022-2023 Decorah FFA Officer Teams: Row 1 (l-r): Morgan Moen, Anders Lovstuen Row 2 (l-r): Kyleigh Batterson, Hannah Schnitzler, Brody Courtney, Creed Monroe Row 3 (l-r): Addison Wemark, Grace Gerleman, Sage Wedmann, Kaia Franzen Row 4 (l-r): David Kreitzer, Brendan Hunter
The Decorah FFA competed at the 94th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference on April 11th and 12th at Iowa State University in Ames, participating in six contests. Twenty-four Decorah FFA members attended this year’s conference, including Kyleigh Batterson, Annika Brynsaas, Brody Courtney, Kiele Eberling, Brittney Ehrie, Dylan Elsbernd, Kaia Franzen, Grace Gerleman, Brendan Hunter, David Kreitzer, Melia Kruse, Rashell Lippe, Anders Lovstuen, Morgan Moen, Creed Monroe, Travis Nordheim, Jeramiah Rediske, Hannah Schnitzler, Kayleigh Smith, Sage Wedmann, Ciara Wedmann, Addison Wemark, Mara Wyatt, and Olivia Wyatt.
Results on State Qualifying Events
Sage Wedmann, the 2021-2022 treasurer of the Decorah FFA, submitted the Decorah FFA treasurer’s book for the state evaluation. The book received a gold rating and was awarded as the state runner up. Wedmann was recognized on the main stage and was presented with a plaque.
Karter Einck and Grace Gerleman submitted the Decorah FFA secretary’s book. The book received a gold rating and placed 3rd in the state evaluation. Gerleman accepted the plaque on the main stage during the first general session.
The Parliamentary Procedure Team consisting of Annika Brynsaas, Brody Courtney, Anders Lovstuen, Creed Monroe, and Kayleigh Smith demonstrated the proper use of the gavel and following parliamentary procedure. The team received a silver rating.
State Ag Skills Career Development Event
The Farm Business Management team–Dylan Elsbernd, Brendan Hunter, David Kreitzer, and Sage Wedmann–received a gold rating. This career development event is designed to provide the students an opportunity to display their agricultural knowledge and skills in the area of farm management.
The FFA Greenhand Quiz was taken by Kiele Eberling and Rashell Lippe. This is a quiz based on members showcasing their knowledge about the FFA organizations. Eberling received a gold rating, and Lippe received a bronze rating.
The poultry evaluation team, consisting of Travis Nordheim, Ciara Wedmann, Mara Wyatt, and Olivia Wyatt, received a silver rating. The team evaluated different classes of poultry products and took a poultry management examination.
The Decorah FFA also had members who earned individual awards and degrees. The Iowa FFA Degree is the highest honor a member may receive from the state. FFA participants who qualify have completed the three-circle model’s minimum participation requirements: SAE, FFA, and Classroom/Laboratory. This year three members of the Decorah FFA received this honor: Brittney Ehrie, Melia Kruse, and Morgan Moen.
Proficiency Awards
Decorah FFA had two finalists for their proficiency this year. Dalton Hemesath placed second in Dairy Production Placement, and Kaia Franzen placed second in Veterinary Science. Hemesath’s proficiency was recognized during the second general session, and his plaque was accepted on his behalf by Decorah FFA member Brody Courtney. Franzen was recognized during the third general session for her proficiency. These awards are based on supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) and the skills developed through these experiences.
Additional Contest Results and Activities
The Decorah FFA Chapter received 14th place, earning a gold rating and qualifying for nationals, in the National Chapter Award Program. The National Chapter Award program is a contest designed to encourage chapters to plan activities and carry them out with a successful program. Chapters are recognized for outstanding achievement in the areas of student development, chapter development, and community development. Grace Gerleman accepted the award on behalf of the chapter during the second general session.
Members also took part in a variety of events that took place throughout the Iowa FFA Leadership Conference, and they attended the career show. Morgan Moen played the oboe in the state FFA band. Creed Monroe and Addison Wemark served as the chapter’s delegates and attended the state FFA association’s business session.
Row 1 (l-r): Melia Kruse, Annika Brynsaas, Rashell Lippe, Brody Courtney, Jeramiah Rediske, Creed Monroe, Anders Lovstuen Row 2 (l-r): Brittney Ehrie, Morgan Moen, Ciara Wedmann, Olivia Wyatt, Mara Wyatt, Kyleigh Batterson, Addison Wemark, Kiele Eberling Row 3 (l-r): Dylan Elsbernd, David Kreitzer, Brendan Hunter, Sage Wedmann, Kaia Franzen, Grace Gerleman, Hannah Schnitzler, Travis Nordheim, Kayleigh SmithSage Wedmann received 2nd Place at state in the FFA treasurer’s book competition.Grace Gerleman (pictured) and Karter Einck received 3rd place at state for the FFA secretary’s book. Morgan Moen, Brittney Ehrie, and Melia Kruse (left to right) received their Iowa FFA Degrees at the State FFA Leadership Conference in Ames. Kaia Franzen received 2nd place at state in the veterinary science proficiency.Dalton Hemesath received 2nd place at state in the dairy production placement proficiency. Brody Courtney accepted the plaque on stage at the state FFA leadership conference on Dalton’s behalf.Dalton Hemesath received 2nd place at state in the dairy production placement proficiency. (See photo above)
The Live Healthy Iowa Kids Track Championships local track meet will be held at 4:30pm Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at the Decorah High School track. Youth ages 7 thru 14 as of December 31, 2022 are eligible to participate in this free event!
