Author: Decorah Community School District

Twenty-four students from Decorah were recently selected for participation in the 38^th annual Opus Honor Choir Festival.  Over 2,400 students were nominated by their directors for 720 positions in the four Opus Honor Choirs. Selections were made by means of a recorded audition.

This is the eighteenth year that Decorah had students audition for the Opus Honor Choirs. During the past 18 years more than 415 students from Decorah have been accepted through recordings submitted by Dean Beckman, Jason Rausch, and community youth choir directors. This year, sixteen students were selected from Decorah Middle School by recordings submitted by Dean Beckman. Eight students were selected by recordings submitted by Jason Rausch at the Decorah High School. The following students were accepted:

5^th Grade:  Clara Garcia-Prats and Ivan Maki

6^th Grade:  Gray Bassford, Liam Kueny, and Maximus Rinkol

7^th Grade:  Jorgan Lee-Juve, Lillianna Richmond, Abby Shaw, Haylyn Stowe,

and Hayven Stowe

8^th Grade:  Kenyon Bartels, Crosby Butler, Nathaniel Crose, Hanna Lensch, Veda Shimek, and Graham Torkelson

9^th Grade: Kylie Cord, Ella Evelsizer, Cooper Ewing, Derek Hrdlicka, Kaya Johnson, Claire Ko, Davis Walter, and Gavin Wilkins

In addition, three students were selected as solo finalists to audition to sing a solo or in a special small group at the concert: Crosby Butler and Nathaniel Crose were two of eight students selected from across the state in 8^th grade, and Kaya Johnson was one of five finalists selected in 9^th grade.

Guest conductors of the choirs include Jennifer Ghelf, 5th & 6th Grade Honor Choir; John Hayden, 7th & 8th Grade Bass Clef Honor Choir; Rachael Wragge, 7th & 8th Grade Treble Clef Honor Choir; and Meg Byrne, 9th Grade Mixed Honor Choir.

The 2024 Opus Honor Choirs will perform at 4:00 p.m. November 21st in C.Y. Stephens Auditorium in the Iowa State Center in Ames. The Opus Honor Choir Festival is made possible by the Iowa Choral Directors Association, Inc.

Decorah Middle School

Row 1:  Liam Kueny, Ivan Maki, Clara Garcia-Prats, Haylyn Stowe, and Jorgan Lee-Juve

Row 2:  Hayven Stowe, Maximus Rinkol, Crosby Butler, Nathaniel Crose, and Abby Shaw

Row 3:  Lillianna Richmond, Gray Bassford, Kenyon Bartels, Graham Torkelson, and Hanna Lensch

Not Pictured:  Veda Shimek

Decorah Ninth Grade

Row 1:  Kaya Johnson, Ella Evelsizer, Claire Ko, and Kylie Cord

Row 2:  Gavin Wilkins, Derek Hrdlicka, Davis Walter, and Cooper Ewing 

Decorah Middle School’s four Mock Trial teams competed in regional competition at
Waterloo on November 9 th . The two eighth grade Decorah teams advanced to the state
tournament that will be held in Des Moines, December 2-4.

One team headed to state consists of the following students: Simon Potvin, Isaiah
Bonnet, Ellis Thompson, Kylie Zoulek, Harper Menke, Sofia Hageman, Lula McAbee,
Veda Shimek, Crosby Butler, and Austin Bohner. The other team includes Nathaniel
Crose, Charly Courtney, Rosie Burkholder, Kelbi Schuman, Noah Alexander, Robert
Davis, Abby Stevens, Ruth Kueny, Edith Marable, and June Fassbinder.

Other participants who competed are as follows: Anya Volkman, Haylyn Stowe, Avery
Garcia-Prats, Brent Burkey, Amelia Krueger, Johnny Crose, Elliana Nyanjenga, Carter
Todd, Hattie Sauer, Theo Raabe, Lilly Richmond, Emma McFarlane, Anna Bailey, Iris
Wadsworth, Abby Shaw, Niva Anderson, Elsa Propson, Logan Kuennen, Kellan McGee,
and Eben Tripp.

This year’s competition is based on the fictional civil case set in Hawkins, Iowa. In the
case, the estate of Will Byers has filed a wrongful death claim against Hawkin’s House
of Horrors (H3), alleging that the company’s negligence led to a preventable tragedy.
The case centers on the unsafe design of the haunted house, which was located
dangerously close to a highway and included hazardous elements like strobe lights that

disoriented guests. The plaintiff argues that H3 failed to take reasonable safety
precautions, contributing to Will Byers’s death. H3 denies these allegations, claiming
they met all necessary safety standards and that Byers voluntarily assumed the risks
associated with the haunted house experience. The case will determine whether H3’s
actions were negligent, and if they were a substantial factor in causing Byers’ fatal
accident.

A large number of Decorah students earned outstanding witness and attorney
nominations from judges. Outstanding Attorney Award winners include Rosie
Burkholder, Kelbi Schuman, Robert Davis, Sofia Hageman, Simon Potvin, Kylie
Zoulek, Brent Burkey, Johnny Crose, Amelia Krueger, and Kellan McGee. Outstanding
Witness Award winners include Rosie Burkholder, Austin Bohner, Veda Shimek, Brent
Burkey, Theo Raabe, Elliana Nyanjenga, Iris Wadsworth, Emma McFarlane, and Lilly
Richmond.

“I am proud of how great the students competed. The day was filled with challenges, and
the students responded to each one to ensure their trials were successful,” commented
Mock Trial Coach Dana Hogan.

Many mentors and experts assisted the DMS students in preparing for Mock Trial
competition, including attorney Jeremy Thompson, attorney Andrew Casper, attorney
John Anderson, attorney Bekah Krueger, and attorney Jacob Stock. Retired Extended
Learning Program Teacher Carole Sand shared her mock trial expertise with students
through the season. Numerous high school students also volunteered as high school
coaches and mentors to assist students with writing and delivery. Teams are coached by
Dana Hogan and Scott Boylen. Mock Trial is part of the DMS Extended Learning Program.

DMS Mock Trial State Bound Potvin:

Row One: Simon Potvin, Isaiah Bonnet, Ellis Thompson, Kylie Zoulek

Row Two: Harper Menke, Sofia Hageman, Lula McAbee, Veda Shimek

Row Three: Crosby Butler, Austin Bohner

DMS Mock Trial State Bound Crose:

Row One: Nathaniel Crose, Charly Courtney, Rosie Burkholder, Kelbi Schuman

Row Two: Noah Alexander, Robert Davis, Abby Stevens, Ruth Kueny, Edith Marable, June Fassbinder

DMS Regional Mock Trial Volkman:

Row One: Anya Volkman, Haylyn Stowe, Avery Garcia-Prats, Brent Burkey, Amelia Krueger

Row Two: Johnny Crose, Elliana Nyanjenga, Carter Todd, Hattie Sauer, Theo Raabe

DMS Regional Mock Trial Richmond: Lilly Richmond, Emma McFarlane, Anna Bailey, Iris Wadsworth, Abby Shaw, Niva Anderson, Elsa Propson, Logan Kuennen, Kellan McGee, Eben Tripp

On Saturday, October 26 at Independence High School, 50 Decorah High School musicians participated in the Iowa All-State Music auditions. The students prepared difficult musical selections and then competed for spots in the All-State ensembles with students from East Central and Northeast Iowa, including Dubuque and Cedar Rapids area schools.

Sixteen students were selected as members of the 2024 ensembles:

Oliver Brummel, bass

Liam Chamberlain, bass

Spencer Christensen, tenor

Aitor Cuevas, trumpet

Mikayla Hiner, soprano

Kealy Hines, alto

Liam Huang, violin 

Caleb Krieg, bass

Andy Kruger, tenor

Naomi Kutz, Violin

Jameson LaBelle, tenor alt.

Madysen Lippe, viola

Nina Sessions, string bass

Lauren Severtson, violin

Gwen Thompson, soprano

Ezra Vorvick, string bass

The concert will be broadcast on Iowa PBS on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 28 at 7:00 p.m. This program is under the auspices of the Iowa High School Music Association and the Iowa Music Educators Association.  

Photo ID (l-r):

Front: Kealy Hines- 12, alto; Madysen Lippe- 11, viola; Gwenyth Thompson- 12, soprano; Mikayla Hiner- 11, soprano; Nina Sessions- 10, string bass; Lauren Severtson- 10, violin; Naomi Kutz- 10, violin

Back: Spencer Christensen- 10, tenor; Jameson LaBelle- 11, tenor alternate; Andrew Kruger- 12, tenor; Aitor Cuevas- 12, trumpet; Liam Chamberlain- 12, bass; Caleb Kreig- 12, bass; Oliver Brummel- 12, bass;  Liam Huang- 10, violin

Missing from photo: Ezra Vorvick- 12, string bass

Decorah Elementary Schools recently hosted a family STEAM event.  Nearly 400 participants were engaged with hands-on learning, discovery, and enjoyment of all things science, technology, engineering, art, and math.  

Event coordinator Shanna Putnam Dibble shared gratitude for all involved. “We would like to thank our amazing teachers and staff for volunteering and the following community partners for making this event a success: Decorah Bank and Trust, Keystone AEA, the Raptor Resource Project, Iowa State Extension and Outreach, the Humane Society of Northeast Iowa, Wartburg Science Department, Northeast Iowa RSVP Program, Winneshiek County Conservation, and Decorah High School. It was a phenomenal night of learning and fun!”

Ellie Burras and Putnam Dibble discover amazing animals from the Wartburg Biology Department.

Ellie Burras and Putnam Dibble discover amazing animals from the Wartburg Biology Department.

Students had a spectacular time with slime with Iowa State Extension and Outreach.

RSVP volunteers helped to make this event a success. Violet Butler receives encouragement with Penny Boat Challenges from volunteer Leona Hoth.

The Raptor Resource Project brought another intriguing animal and taught students about wild birds.

Students explored Coding. Anawrenn Trytten works on coding a robot.

There was a lot of engineering and building going on in the Free Build Room. Holly Hurst experimented with Ramps and Pathways.

On Saturday, October 19th, the Decorah Schools Special Olympics team traveled to
Cadillac Lanes in Waterloo to compete in the Northeast Iowa Regional Bowling
tournament. Competing and placing for Decorah High School were first place finishers
Donnie Hrdlicka, Kamryn Leuenberger, Paxton Remick and Wyatt Pleggenkuhle, as well
as second place finishers John Lippe, Haley Stinson, Peyton Rentschler, and Braden
Ramstad. While representing the Decorah School team, Wyatt Pleggenkuhle also was the
torch bearer for the opening ceremony.

Representing Decorah Middle School were first place finishers Daniel Bean, Aiden
Farley, Zoey Lollar, Sky Pasche, and Luke Thompson, as well as third place finisher
Johnathan Bean.

First place finishers have the opportunity to compete at the State Bowling event at the
same location on November 23.

Decorah Schools Special Olympics Coach John Dunt stated, “Our athletes have been
working hard to improve their scores all fall, and we had exceptional results at this event.
To make it even better, everyone had a fun time competing and making new friends.”

DHS SO Bowling Team:

Front (l-r): Kamryn Leuenberger, Paxton Remick, Peyton Rentschler
Back (l-r): Haley Stinson, Wyatt Pleggenkuhle, Donnie Hrdlicka, John Lippe, Braden Ramstad

DMS SO Bowling Team:

(l-r): Johnathan Bean, Aiden Farley, Sky Pasche, Zoey Lollar, Daniel Bean
Not pictured: Luke Thompson

The Decorah High School Drama Program is thrilled to present this year’s variety show Those Meddling Kids, an original production set against the vibrant backdrop of Paris during the Olympics. This lively performance will combine comedy, intrigue, and talent as the show’s characters–reminiscent of a famous mystery-solving gang and their loyal, snack-loving canine companion–unravel a suspenseful storyline while showcasing 18 unique student acts. Audiences can expect an unforgettable, family-friendly evening filled with music, dance, laughs, and plenty of surprises!

Those Meddling Kids performances are Thursday, Nov. 14, Friday, Nov. 15, and Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the DHS auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. They will be available for purchase online at decorahschools.ludus.com beginning Friday, Nov. 1 and in the DHS office. The box office will also open an hour before each show with house doors opening 30 minutes before showtime. 

Through the generosity of the Decorah Performing Arts Boosters, one adult ticket and children’s tickets are available for families who would like to attend the show but do not have the resources to purchase tickets. Please contact Shanna Putnam-Dibble at shanna.putnamdibble@decorah.school for assistance in obtaining tickets.

The original script was written by Elliana Brodbeck, Oliver Brummel, Liam Chamberlain, Davis Coppola, Greta Jones, Ansel Kowitz, Andy Kruger, Beau Newhouse, Noah Potvin, Jack Sovern, Kamryn Steines, and Grace Stockman. They will perform alongside additional cast members June Breitenbach-Dirks, Elsa Christman, Mikayla Hiner, Nora Lesmeister, Gwen Thompson, Ezra Vorvick, and Margret Zook.

Students presenting variety show acts include Ariana Albert, Karmyn Bakken, Lulu Bellrichard, Bridget Bentley, Reid Berns, Riley Berns, Elizabeth Bjork, Grace Blikre, June Breitenbach-Dirks, Elliana Brodbeck, Quade Bruening, Oliver Brummel, Kennedy Carlson, Andy Carolan, Liam Chamberlain, Spencer Christensen, Elsa Christman, Emma Cline, Davis Coppola, Aitor Cuevas, Livia Dix, Evynne Downing, Simone Downing, William Duder, Marri Feuerhelm, Natalie Goodner, Tommy Hammel, Ezra Harman-Wood, Mikayla Hiner, Kealy Hines, Camryn Holland, Landyn Hook, Derek Hrdlicka, Jackson Irwin, Caleb Johnson, Elsa Johnson, Kaya Johnson, Greta Jones, Annika Keefe, Klara Kelly, Yoseph Ko, Ansel Kowitz, Caleb Krieg, Andy Kruger, Kaelyn Kuhn, Chester Kvamme, Jameson LaBelle, Nora Lesmeister, Jayden Lundtvedt, Caden Malanaphy, Mack McElree, Teagan Menke, Alexander Mercado-Arneson, Noah Milburn, Keaton Nalean-Carlson, Beau Newhouse, Clarence Nimrod, Carlton Nordschow, Abby Northup, Stella Pole, Noah Potvin, McKenzie Riley, Olivia Rissman, Will Robinson, Grady Sabelka, Elias Sassaman, Vivian Searcy, Lauren Severtson, Chloe Sheffield, Gavy Smith, Jack Sovern, Kamryn Steines, Grace Stockman, Leah Suhr, Colin Thompson, Gwenyth Thompson, Jerald Thompson, Sydney Thompson, Jillian Volz, Ezra Vorvick, Amelia Wadsworth, Kera Walter, Kaylie Wemark, Addison Wicklund, Margret Zook, and Grant Zilka. 

Crew members are Hannah Arendt, Isaac Bentley, Ava Hanson, Marley Harmening, Jay Hawthorn, Kealy Hines, Camryn Holland, Evan Madsen, Carlton Nordschow, Grady Sabelka, Lily Sandhorst, Leah Suhr, Kera Walter, and Margret Zook, under the leadership of Stage Manager Karmyn Bakken and Assistant Manager Nathan Rhodes.

Directors for Those Meddling Kids are Chris Hadley, Jason Rausch, Karen Trewin, and Kristen Underwood.

The 39th Annual Northeast Iowa Holiday Craft and Bake Sale will take place on Saturday, November 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Decorah High School, 100 Claiborne Drive, Decorah. This popular community event is free and open to the public.

Attendees will have the chance to enter a raffle for a brand-new TV, with tickets available at the door for just $2 each or three for $5. In addition, free door prizes will be distributed.

As one of the largest craft sales in the tri-state area, the event will showcase nearly 80 vendors offering a wide variety of handmade crafts, unique gifts, and perfect holiday shopping options. A concession stand will be available throughout the day, offering snacks, beverages, and treats to enjoy while attendees browse.

Hosted by the Decorah Performing Arts Boosters, the sale directly supports the music, speech, and drama programs at Decorah Community Schools. Proceeds help cover student entrance fees and admissions to contests and festivals throughout the year, providing valuable opportunities for student growth and achievement.

The Decorah Performing Arts Boosters is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.

Decorah High School will host a Veterans Day breakfast and program for veterans and their families on Monday, November 11.  

Coffee will be served in the high school cafeteria starting at 7:30 a.m., and breakfast will be served to veterans and their family members beginning at 8:30 a.m. 

The Veterans Day program will be held in the high school auditorium at 9:45 a.m. The VFW Color Guard will post the colors, and the DHS Wind Ensemble and the DHS Concert Choir will perform throughout the program. 

An essential part of the breakfast and program is recognizing military men and women connected to Decorah. Those who would like to submit a photo of a family member who has served or is serving in the military to be added to the “Wall of Veterans” should bring a copy of a photo (no larger than a 5 x 7) to the Decorah High School office. Pictures can also be emailed with information to denise.gulrud@decorah.school. The following information should be included:

Name of person

Military branch

Years served or serving

Wars or conflicts fought in

The deadline to submit photos and information is Friday, November 1st. Those with questions can contact Denise Gulrud at Decorah High School at (563) 382-3643 or denise.gulrud@decorah.school.

Parking will be available in the lot on the west side of the high school. Veterans and their family members can enter through either the auditorium doors or the doors off the west parking lot. 

The Decorah High School Vocal Music Department will present a fall choral concert at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 21 in the DHS Auditorium. The concert will feature four choirs: Ninth Grade Treble Clef Choir, Ninth Grade Bass Clef Choir, Viking Chorus, and Concert Choir.

Choirs will perform pieces by Laura Farnell, Andrea Ramsey, Tracy Wong, Melanie DeMore, Sarah Quartel, José Maurício Nunes Garcia, Alice Parker, Rosephanye Powell, and Ralph Vaughan Williams. In addition, arrangements of the Irish folksong “Mairi’s Wedding” and “Dear Theodosia” from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton will be featured.

The choirs are under the direction of Jason Rausch and Dean Beckman. Collaborative pianist is Lani Himegarner. Additional instrumentalists include Oliver Brummel, Liam Chamberlain, Natalie Goodner, Lauren Severtson, and Ezra Vorvick.

DHS Concert Choir

For its exemplary record of leadership, service, and efforts to improve the school and community, the National Honor Society (NHS) awarded the Decorah High School chapter of NHS the Service Award of Excellence.

Service is a strong aspect of the Decorah NHS chapter, with events occurring throughout the year. Last fall NHS members created a Krusty Krab cafe for families to attend before the Saturday matinee performance of “SpongeBob the Musical.” This included themed food, a photo booth with character cut-outs, art activities, and colorful decorations. DHS received Special Recognition for Community Engagement from the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards for the Krusty Krab lunch event sponsored by the chapter.

Members also volunteer at Holiday Lights and have started “Pass the Bricks,” a program where students collect and recycle Legos to create new kits to donate to community members. In addition, at least three times a year, the NHS hosts a social during lunch. The entire student body is invited to play games and connect with others. They also created the Stuffed Animal Sleepover Project for students in second grade at John Cline Elementary. Furthermore, NHS members have supported the Special Olympics Unified Champion initiative by helping with events, creating the design for a school-wide t-shirt, and hosting a shootout at the Unified Champion basketball game, with all proceeds going toward Special Olympic equipment purchases.

“Over the years, our strong NHS leaders have developed a system of committees that has led to more participation, greater commitment, and more meaningful ways to contribute to our school and greater community. Our current members are building on that foundation with new ideas and energy,” stated advisors Shannon Horton and Liz Fox.

The NHS Chapter Pillar Awards are prestigious recognitions to celebrate the outstanding achievements of NHS chapters across the country. NHS is supported by its parent organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), which also oversees the National Association of Student Councils.

 “Receiving an NHS Chapter Pillar Award reflects the extraordinary commitment of students who are making a real difference in their school and community,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “The Decorah High School chapter shows what’s possible when young people come together to lead, serve, and inspire others.”