Last week students in grades three through six had the opportunity to meet Erin Soderberg Downing, author of over fifty books. The students enjoyed her engaging presentation: learning about how she became an author, where she gets ideas for her stories, and what “ingredients” she adds to make them more interesting.
Each student in third and fourth grade received a signed book, and each fifth and sixth grader received Controlled Burn or When Life Gives You Lemons, all paid for by the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation. The foundation and the Decorah FEC–Family, Educator, and Community organization–also provided funding for the author’s visit.
Kate Rattenborg Scott, owner of Dragonfly books, started the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation as a way to fund authors’ visits. She remarked, “It warmed my heart to see students’ excitement in receiving their own copy of one of Erin Soderberg Downing books. One goal in starting the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation was to be able to bring authors into the northeast Iowa schools, and it was thrilling to have it happen and to see it so well received.”
Erin Soderberg Downing shared, “Visiting schools to talk about writing is one of the highlights of my job as a children’s book author…but I can honestly say that the time I spent with students and teachers in Decorah, Cresco, Postville, and Ossian was one of the highlights of my author visit career. Thanks to the generosity of the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation, I knew every kid would get to take home one of my books to read after hearing some behind-the-scenes stories about how I put that book together – and that extra level of connection with literacy is something truly special. What a wonderful way to strengthen the kids’ excitement for books and reading!”
A group of middle school students visited Dragonfly Books to deliver thank you notes to the foundation via Kate Rattenborg Scott. Harper Novak said, “It was really fun to visit the bookstore; it feels really magical inside.” Hanna Lensch added, “I’d want to go to Dragonfly Books anytime, any day. It’s so fun to be in there.”
After the author’s visit, one 4th grade teacher shared with Michaela Seeman, teacher librarian at Carrie Lee Elementary, “Thank you so much for introducing her books and her delightful author ‘personality’ to us! The kids are really enjoying the books. The characters and use of figurative language are refreshing additions to our literature collections.”
“I was awkwardly laughing out loud at some of the things she said,” remarked a 3rd grade teacher. “She was an absolute hoot! Her message(s) about being a writer resonated with many students, I’m sure. For being her eighth group in two days, you would’ve guessed we were her first. How awesome that each student received a signed copy of a book they chose.”
Another 3rd grade teacher commented, “Thank you to everyone who was involved in making the arrangements for Erin to come here, as well as for making it possible for every student (and classroom teacher) to receive a book! Erin’s presentation/visit today was absolutely wonderful! She was engaging, inspiring, authentic, and funny! I briefly got a chance at dismissal to discuss with my students how they felt about her visit, and it was all very positive. In all my years of teaching and author visits, Erin Soderberg Downing has been my favorite! What a great opportunity for our students/staff to have!”
Shannon Horton, DMS teacher librarian shared, “Author visits are really meaningful to our students, but they can be hard to make happen in rural locations with limited budgets. To have help with the logistics and funding from the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation is such a game changer for our community.”
DMS students visit Dragonfly Books to deliver thank you notes for the books they were gifted. DMS students introduce Erin Soderberg Downing Erin Soderberg Downing shares how she creates stories. Erin Soderberg Downing fields questions from Decorah students.
It is on to state for two Envirothon teams from Decorah High School following statewide regional competition. Decorah’s Team Skabush–Justin Berlage, Peter Essa, Nathaniel Myers, Nathan Swarbrick and Henry Weis–finished tied for second, six points behind the top scoring team from Muscatine. Team DNR finished alone in third place, just one point shy of second place. DNR members include Lucas Arendt, Connor Evelsizer, Gabriel Hiner, Anders Lovstuen, and Aidan Nalean-Carlson. By finishing in the top 15, these two teams have earned the right to compete at the state contest to be held on April 24that the Jester Park Nature Center near Granger, Iowa.
Envirothon challenges students to hone critical thinking skills and create inventive solutions to the complex local and global environmental and natural resource issues facing our world today, whether in the field or in the classroom. Five member teams test their knowledge and critical thinking skills to conduct hands-on investigations, solve real-life scenarios, and answer written questions covering five categories: Aquatics, Forestry, Soils, Wildlife, and a Current Environmental Issue.
The team who finishes first on April 24th will represent Iowa at the international contest to be held July 23-29, 2023, at Mount Allison University located in Tantramar, New Brunswick, Canada.
Seventy Decorah High School students participated in the regional contest, establishing a new state record for the number of Envirothon participants from one school. This group broke the previous record of 50 students set by Decorah in 2022.
Six Decorah teams finished in the top 15 of the 53 competing teams from across Iowa after the regional contests. However, only the two top finishing teams from the same school are allowed to move on to state competition because of the “Decorah Rule,” which has been in effect since 2007 after Decorah qualified four teams for that year’s state competition. Until that time, no school had ever qualified more than one team in the top 15 teams.
The other teams who finished in the top 15 but will not be able to represent Decorah because of the “Decorah Rule” are listed below.
Team Poisonous Platypodes–Hannah Arendt, Lily Sandhorst, Sylvia Sandhorst, Amelia Wadsworth, and Margret Zook–finished tied for sixth place, three points out of third.
Teams Leaf Me A-loam and Team Swamp Donkeys finished tied for 10th place. Team Leaf Me A-loam members are Phuong Doan, Mason Myers, Kellen Roffman, Elias Sassaman, and Jerald Thompson. Team Swamp Donkeys members are Sophia Christman, Ella Grouws, Grace Neal, Thea Schissel, and Annalise Skrade.
Team Langers–Lange Betts, Eric Hjelle, Benson Newhouse, Ethan Stravers, and Max Wilson– finished in 15th place. Team Eco for Deco finished in 16th place, just one point behind 15th. Team members are Natalie Goodner, William Hahn, Reid Kuehner, Andrew Olson, and Klaara Short.
The teams listed below gave it their best but did not finish as one of the top 15 teams.
Teams Original Eco for Deco and Shockwave Monkiezz finished just one point behind Eco for Deco. Team Original Eco for Deco are Leslie Campbell, Britann Mettille, Beau Newhouse, Hannah Schnitzler, and Chloe Sheffield. Team Shockwave Monkiezz members are Annaleissa Arnold, Caden Branum, Jensen Korsness, Libby Phillips, and Brynn Storhoff.
Team Spooky Ducks members are Evynne Downing, Andie Gegax, Ellen Rooney, Mairi Sessions, and Rorie Wiedow.
Team Mitochondria members are Riley Berns, Alex McGohan, Clara Hjelle, and Anastasia Simon.
Team Oh Canada members are Mara Branum, Elsa Christman, Mikayla Hiner, Nora Lesmeister, and Kaylie Wemark.
Team Slaying Salamanders members are Grace Blikre, Annika Keefe, Kamryn Steines, Ivy Sullivan, and Kera Walter.
Team Green Goblins members are Marri Feuerhelm, Raleigh Lensing, Will Robinson, and Alina Tallier.
Iowa’s Envirothon program is sponsored by the Conservation Districts of Iowa. The Envirothon program in Decorah is generously supported by the Winneshiek County Conservation Board and director Barb Schroeder, who adjusts work schedules to free up County Conservation employees Maggie Schwarz and John Kraus. Both Schwarz and Kraus were on Decorah teams who made it to the state Envirothon contest while in high school.
Envirothon adviser Larry Berland remarked, “Barb, Maggie, and John are vital cogs in our local Envirothon program success. They really enjoy sharing their stories as well as their environmental expertise at study sessions and outdoor activities. A huge thank you also goes out to the administrators and teachers at all levels in the district who have helped fuel the students’ desire to be involved in so many activities. Many teachers encouraged students to join the Envirothon program, and its outstanding success is directly proportional to their efforts.”
Berland continued, “With the exception of the ‘Decorah Rule,’ the Envirothon program is an exceedingly sound way to prime the interest of tomorrow’s necessary environmental experts. People say that sometimes things just work out for the best. I must say that my being involved with the Envirothon program proves that saying to be true. I have to be one of the luckiest guys around. On a regular basis, I enjoy the opportunity to meet with 70 awesome individuals who show up for Envirothon study sessions and outdoor adventures. These Decorah students’ concern and awareness of their natural environment is as much a part of their being as rommegrot and lefse are at Nordic Fest. They are destined to make a positive, we got your back, difference.”
Finishing in second place and headed to the state competition is Team Skabush. Photo ID (l-r): Nathaniel Myers, Justin Berlage, Henry Weis, Peter Essa, and Nathan Swarbrick Finishing third and headed to state is Team DNR. Photo ID (l-r): Aidan Nalean-Carlson, Anders Lovstuen, Gabriel Hiner, Lucas Arendt, and Connor Evelsizer
The Decorah High School Music Department participated in the Iowa High School Music Association State Solo and Small Ensemble Music Festival on Saturday, March 25 at Charles City High School. Other schools participating were Charles City H.S., Clear Lake H.S., Crestwood H.S., Forest City H.S., Hampton-Dumont H.S., and Waverly-Shell Rock H.S.
This is an adjudicated festival in which students receive one of five division ratings for their performance: Division I “Superior” rating, Division II “Excellent” rating, Division III “Good” rating, Division IV “Fair” rating, or Division V “Poor” rating. The ratings are based on a point scale.
It was a successful day for the DHS Music Department. Each judge is allowed to present one “Outstanding Performance” award for the performance they deem to be the most superior of the day. There were nine judges overall in the vocal, orchestra, and band categories, and three of them awarded this honor to DHS musicians. Receiving “Outstanding Performance” awards were Gabriel Hiner, vocal solo;Elias Vorvick, Trombone solo; and String Bass Duet: Sally Laybourn and Ezra Vorvick.
Receiving a Perfect Score were Elias Vorvick, Trombone; Mairi Sessions, Tuba; Alex McGohan, Marimba Solo, Timpani Solo, and Vibraphone Solo; Aidan Nalean-Carlson, Marimba Solo; Mallet Duet: Alex McGohan and Aidan Nalean-Carlson; Percussion Choir March of the Emperor;Connor Evelsizer, vocal solo; Madrigal Singers; and String bass Duet: Sally Laybourn and Ezra Vorvick.
Students were accompanied on piano by Dean Beckman, Mary Beth Bouska, Cathy Evelsizer, Chris Hadley, Miko Kominami, Linda Martin, Kayla Scholl and Nicholas Shaneyfelt.
Division I – Superior Ratings:
Solos (total: 53)
Flute: Mikayla Hiner; Clarinet: Rebecca Anderson; Alto Saxophone: Brenna Parker; Tenor Saxophone: Grant Zilka; Baritone Saxophone: Grant Zilka; Trombone: Elias Vorvick, Lucas Hanson; Tuba: Mairi Sessions; Timpani: Caden Branum, Alex McGohan, Aidan Nalean-Carlson, Michael Njus; Mallets: Natalie Goodner, Alex McGohan (Marimba), Alex McGohan (Vibraphone), Aidan Nalean-Carlson; Mixed Percussion: Beau Newhouse, Jerald Thompson;Piano: Natalie Goodner, Gabriel Hiner, Mikayla Hiner;Violin: Ella Grouws, Gabriel Hiner, Hope Stahl, Brock Taylor; Viola: Cedrik Beiwel, Ethan Stravers; Cello: Simon Kutz; Soprano: June Breitenbach-Dirks, Leslie Campbell, Mikayla Hiner, Kealy Hines, Sydney Kipp, Ada Lovelace, Brynn Storhoff, Gwen Thompson, Margret Zook; Alto: Jenna Hartz, Alex Kane, Sally Laybourn, Haley Stowe; Tenor: Connor Evelsizer, Andy Kruger, Michael Njus, Libby Phillips, Gareth Sweet; and Bass: Oliver Brummel, Gabriel Hiner, Jake Magner, Jack Sovern, Elias Vorvick, Ezra Vorvick, Max Wilson.
Ensembles (total: 31)
Woodwind Choir; Clarinet Choir; Saxophone Choir;Tuba Duet: Eli Vorvick & Sessions; Percussion Choir March of the Emperor; Percussion Choir Glitzville; Mallet Duet: McGohan & A. Nalean-Carlson; Percussion Quintet (Albert, Harman-Wood, Hougen, R. Kane, & B. Newhouse); String Duet: Laybourn & Ezra Vorvick; Kutz & Beiwel; Thompson & G. Hiner; Grouws & E. Stravers; Old English Airs Chamber Orchestra; Vocal Duet: Phillips & Grouws; Njus & D. Skrade; Njus & M. Wilson; Madrigal Singers; CC Chamber Singers; CC Chamber Choir; VC Chamber Choir; 9th Gr. Treble Clef 7 (Breitenbach-Dirks, M. Hiner, E. Christman, Klara Kelly, Albert, Pedlar, Wemark); 9th Gr. Bass Clef 9 (Duder, Malanaphy, Stemper, J. LaBelle, McElree, Mercado-Arneson, Harman-Wood, C. Johnson, Sassaman); VC Treble Clef 9 (Downing, Sheffield, G. Thompson, Brodbeck, Hines, A. Northup, L. Suhr, E. Johnson, Wadsworth); VC Bass Clef 11 (Hammel, Kruger, Beau Newhouse, Coppola, L. Hook, Krieg, Brummel, Chamberlain, J. Thompson, Sovern, Ezra Vorvick); CC Bass Clef 8 (L. Hanson, C. Kowitz, Njus, A. Jones, Eli Vorvick, A. Walter, Weis, M. Wilson); CC Bass Clef 7 (Evelsizer, Phillips, Sweet, G. Hiner, Magner, D. Skrade, Stammeyer); Senior Bass Clef Quartet (Njus, Sweet, Magner, M. Wilson); Senior Bass Clef Trio (Njus, Eli Vorvick, M. Wilson); CC Treble Clef 12 (E. Hook, Kipp, Storhoff, Lovelace, S. Sandhorst, A. Skrade, Grouws, A. Kane, Laybourn, Hartz, Stahl, R. Wiedow); CC Treble Clef 12 (Bruening, Campbell, Kipp, R. Suhr, S. Christman, Hageman, B. Hanson, Schwarz, Pritchard, Redenius, Stowe, Valkosky); and Mixed Trio (M. Hiner, G. Thompson, G. Hiner).
Division II – Excellent Ratings:
Solos (total: 33)
Flute: Amelia Pankow; Oboe: Ansel Kowitz; Trumpet: Aitor Cuevas; Mallet: Kealy Hines; Mixed Percussion: Liam Chamberlain, Jameson LaBelle; Piano: Gwenyth Thompson, Sylvia Sandhorst;Violin: Elsa Johnson Lydia Monreal, Sylvia Sandhorst, Haylee Stravers, Gwenyth Thompson, Kinsey White, Ramsey Zilka; Viola: Luke Arendt; Cello: Ada Lovelace; String Bass: Ezra Vorvick; Soprano: Elayna Hook, Greta Jones, Stella Pole; Alto: Ari Albert, Grace Blikre, Elliana Brodbeck, Ella Grouws, Bethany Hanson, Elsa Johnson; Tenor: Davis Coppola, Lucas Hanson; Bass: Liam Chamberlain, Ezra Harman-Wood, Caleb Johnson, Daniel Skrade.
Ensembles (total: 13)
Brass Choir; Flute Choir; Saxophone Duet: Breitenbach-Dirks & Christman; String Duet: E. Stravers & C. Kowitz, L. Jensen & Monreal, E. Stravers & A. Skrade, Gegax & Sassaman; String Quartet: (Grouws, S. Christman, E. Stravers & Lovelace), (S. Sandhorst, Kate Kelly, Woosley & Campbell); String Trio (Stahl, R. Zilka & Rix); Shenandoah Chamber Orchestra; 9th Grade Chamber Choir; VC Treble Clef 9 (B. Bentley, G. Jones, R. Kane, Goodner, Keefe, Zook, Bakken, Blikre, Steines).
Four Decorah Home School Assistance Program students participated in the National History Day district competition at NICC in Calmar on March 22. Two of these students’ projects qualified for the National History Day state competition in Des Moines on April 24th.
This year’s theme is Frontiers in History: People, Places, and Ideas. State qualifiers and their projects include Eva Kriemelmeyer for her individual performance titled Marie Curie: Frontiers in Radiation and Ruth Kueny for her performance Elizebeth Friedman: Crossing New Frontiers in Coding. Also participating in the district competition were Noah Kriemelmeyer with an exhibit titled Claude Monet: Crossing Frontiers in Visual Art and Lucas Fankhauser with a documentary “All Safe, Ladies and Gentlemen, All Safe”: Elisha Otis and the Invention of the Safety Brake.
PHOTO ID (l-r): Ruth Kueny, Eva Kriemelmeyer, Lucas Fankhauser, and Noah Kriemelmeyer
The 86th annual Decorah FFA Awards Program was held at the Decorah High School auditorium on Thursday, March 23rd at 7:00 p.m. About 250 guests were in attendance, including parents, family members, community sponsors, business leaders, and FFA members. The Conduct of Meetings Team, consisting of President Lyla Lovstuen, Vice-President Rylee Averhoff, Secretary Karlie Einck, Treasurer Thea Zidlicky, Reporter Jerikah Dodd, Sentinel Annika Schmelzer, and Advisor Ms. Bruvold officially opened the awards program.
Chapter President Creed Monroe welcomed everyone in attendance. The 2022-2023 officer team then presented Greenhand FFA Degrees and Chapter FFA degrees to the recipients, and Eden Scheidel presented the FFA Creed. This year’s twenty-four Greenhand FFA Degree recipients include Rylee Averhoff, Ryan Bigler, Mason Brumm, Henry Brynsaas, Karlee Bullerman, Jerikah Dodd, Karlie Einck, Nick Farley, Ayden Guevara, Jacob Hageman, Lauren Holthaus, Kaylee Larson, Raleigh Lensing, Lyla Lovstuen, Riann Oberbroeckling, Eden Scheidel, Annika Schmelzer, Tommy Sexton, Mitchell Stemper, Kaden Tarwater, Jake Teslow, Gracie Thompson, Kamryn Werges, and Thea Zidlicky
The 2022-2023 Chapter 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.
Brody Courtney and Travis Nordheim 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 Brooke Anfinson, Annika Brynsaas, Brody Courtney, Austin Helgerson, Anders Lovstuen, Creed Monroe, Travis Nordheim, Jeramiah Rediske, Derek Tieskoetter, Ciara Wedmann, Olivia Wyatt, and Mara Wyatt.
Members recognized for more than two years of leadership service to the chapter include Cade Averhoff, Kyleigh Batterson, Braunwyn Darrington, Rachel Mikkelson, Morgan Moen, Chezny Ryant, Hannah Schnitzler, and Addison Wemark.
2023 Decorah FFA Best Record Book Winners include Jeramiah Rediske, Jordan Sims, Raleigh Lensing, and Morgan Moen.
Addison Wemark and Kyleigh Batterson introduced the members who had perfect meeting attendance this past year. These members include Brooke Anfinson, Kyleigh Batterson, Ryan Bigler, Caiden Bruns, Annika Brynsaas, Henry Brynsaas, Karlee Bullerman, Brody Courtney, Camren Darling, Nick Farley, Blaine Leidahl, Lyla Lovstuen, Morgan Moen, Creed Monroe, Travis Nordheim, Jeramiah Rediske, Eden Scheidel, Carter Schmelzer, Hannah Schnitzler, Jordan Sims, Derek Tieskoetter, Addison Wemark, Kolton Werges, and Dalton Zidlicky.
Anders Lovstuen and Morgan Moen 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 Ryan Bigler, Henry Brynsaas, Karlee Bullerman, Jerikah Dodd, Nick Farley, Kaylee Larson, Raleigh Lensing, Lyla Lovstuen, Riann Oberbroeckling, Eden Scheidel, Annika Schmelzer, Tommy Sexton, Mitchell Stemper, Jake Teslow, Derek Tieskoetter, Kamryn Werges, and Thea Zidlicky.
Members receiving a scholarship certificate for being on the honor roll multiple years include Brooke Anfinson, Cade Averhoff, Kyleigh Batterson, Annika Brynsaas, Austin Helgerson, Alex Irwin, Anders Lovstuen, Maggie Lovstuen, Rachel Mikkelson, Morgan Moen, Creed Monroe, Justin Nierling, Travis Nordheim, Jeramiah Rediske, Chezny Ryant, Carter Schmelzer, Hannah Schnitzler, Elora Schnitzler, Jordan Sims, Kayleigh Smith, Ciara Wedmann, Addison Wemark, and Dalton Zidlicky.
Annika Brynsaas 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 Kyleigh Batterson, Maggie Lovstuen, Rachel Mikkelson, Morgan Moen, Carter Schmelzer, Hannah Schnitzler, and Addison Wemark.
Hannah Schnitzer and Rachel Mikkelson recognized this year’s members of the month. Members selected to be honored for their FFA accomplishments include Rachel Mikkelson, Ciara Wedmann, Morgan Moen, Eden Scheidel, and Chezny Ryant.
Creed Monroe and Jeramiah Rediske presented the top five fruit sales awards after announcing the chapter had sold a total fruit sales amount of $54,772. Members receiving fruit sales awards include 1st – Jordan Sims, 2nd – Braunwyn Darrington, 3rd – Morgan Moen, 4th – Karlie Einck, 5th – Karlee Bullerman, 6th – Maggie Lovstuen, 7th – Thea Zidlicky, 8th – Henry Brynsaas, 9th – Derek Tieskoetter, and 10th – Hunter Quandahl.
The Decorah FFA Letter was presented by Addison Wemark and Travis Nordheim. In order to letter, members must be an active member in FFA and the community. This year twenty-one members lettered in FFA. These members include Brooke Anfinson, Kyleigh Batterson, Annika Brynsaas, Brody Courtney, Alex Irwin, Anders Lovstuen, Maggie Lovstuen, Rachel Mikkelson, Morgan Moen, Creed Monroe, Justin Nierling, Travis Nordheim, Jeramiah Rediske, Chezny Ryant, Carter Schmelzer, Hannah Schnitzler, Ciara Wedmann, Addison Wemark, Mara Wyatt, Olivia Wyatt, and Dalton Zidlicky.
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. Braunwyn Darrington announced the top record books for each class. They were senior Morgan Moen, junior Jeramiah Rediske, sophomore Jordan Sims, and freshman Raleigh Lensing.
Derek Tieskoetter and Morgan Moen presented the Star Greenhand award to Karlie Einck. They also presented the Star Chapter Farmer award to Addison Wemark, the Star Agribusiness award to Justin Nierling, and the Star Chapter Placement award to Morgan Moen.
Kyleigh Batterson congratulated this year’s proficiency award winners, which include the following: Annika Brynsaas (Agriculture Sales Placement), Justin Nierling (Agriculture Services), Jeramiah Rediske (Beef Production-Entrepreneurship), Anders Lovstuen (Dairy Production Entrepreneurship), Chezny Ryant (Dairy Production-Placement), Ciara Wedmann (Equine Science), Addison Wemark (Swine Production-Entrepreneurship), and Morgan Moen (Swine Production-Placement).
Anders Lovstuen and Brody Courtney thanked the senior class for their leadership over the years and congratulated them on all their accomplishments. This year’s 2023 Decorah FFA seniors who were recognized include Kyleigh Batterson, Alex Irwin, Maggie Lovstuen, Rachel Mikkelson, Morgan Moen, Justin Nierling, Chezny Ryant, Carter Schmelzer, Hannah Schnitzler, Addison Wemark, and Dalton Zidlicky.
Annika Brynsaas presented the Star FFA Alumni and Supporters awards to Blake Courtney, Kenzie Hovden, and Isaac Luzum. Brody Courtney, Creed Monroe, and Kyleigh Batterson then recognized our 2023 Friends of Agriculture Award Recipients. The 2023 Friends of Agriculture award recipients include Mr. Brad Hurst and Mrs. Dana Hogan.
The 2022-2023 Chapter officers then presented the Honorary FFA Degree. The Honorary membership is for 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 Mrs. Lori Crum and Mrs. Jackie Reckward.
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 an update. There also was a live auction to raise money for Decorah FFA Senior Scholarships through the Decorah FFA Alumni and Supporters.
After watching the year in review video, introduced by Kyleigh Batterson, the new officer installation took place before the banquet was adjourned. The 2022-2023 officers installed the following 2023-24 officers: President – Creed Monroe to Creed Monroe, Vice President – Brody Courtney to Brody Courtney, Secretary – Addison Wemark to Annika Brynsaas, Treasurer – Anders Lovstuen to Anders Lovstuen, Reporter – Morgan Moen to Jeramiah Rediske, Sentinel – Hannah Schnitzler to Travis Nordheim, and Assistant Officer – Kyleigh Batterson to Derek Tieskoetter. The officer team performed the closing ceremonies and concluded the banquet with the Pledge of Allegiance.
2023 Decorah FFA Best Record Book Winners (l-r): Jeramiah Rediske, Jordan Sims, and Morgan Moen. Absent from photo is Raleigh Lensing. 2023 Decorah FFA Friends of FFA Award Recipients (l-r): Mrs. Dana Hogan and Mr. Brad Hurst
2023 Decorah FFA Honorary FFA Degree Recipients (l-r): Mrs. Jackie Reckward and Mrs. Lori Crum 2023 Decorah FFA Letter Recipients: Row 1 (l-r): Anders Lovstuen, Morgan Moen, Ciara Wedmann, Chezny Ryant Row 2 (l-r): Jeramiah Rediske, Rachel Mikkelson, Olivia Wyatt, Addison Wemark, Mara Wyatt Row 3 (l-r): Maggie Lovstuen, Kyleigh Batterson, Annika Brynsaas, Creed Monroe, Justin Nierling, Alex Irwin Row 4 (l-r): Dalton Zidlicky, Brooke Anfinson, Carter Schmelzer, Hannah Schnitzler, Brody Courtney, Travis Nordheim2023 FFA Academic Achievement Recipients:Row 1 (l-r): Rachel Mikkelson, Maggie Lovstuen, Kyleigh Batterson Row 2 (l-r): Addison Wemark, Hannah Schnitzler, Carter Schmelzer, Morgan Moen2023 Decorah FFA Star FFA Alumni and Supporters Recipients (l-r): Blake Courtney, Kenzie Hovden, Isaac Luzum 2023 Decorah FFA Star Award Recipients (l-r): Justin Nierling, Karlie Einck, Addison Wemark, and Morgan Moen 2022-2023 Decorah FFA Proficiency Award Winners Row 1 (l-r): Morgan Moen, Anders Lovstuen, Chezny Ryant Row 2 (l-r): Annika Brynsaas, Justin Nierling, Jeramiah Rediske, Addison Wemark, Ciara Wedmann The 2022-2023 Decorah FFA Officer Team: Row 1 (l-r): Anders Lovstuen, Treasurer; Brody Courtney, Vice President; Creed Monroe, President Row 2 (l-r): Kyleigh Batterson, Assistant; Morgan Moen, Reporter; Hannah Schnitzler, Sentinel; Addison Wemark, SecretaryThe 2023-2024 Decorah FFA Officer Team: Row 1 (l-r): Anders Lovstuen, Treasurer; Derek Tieskoetter, Assistant; Jeramiah Rediske, Reporter Row 2 (l-r): Creed Monroe, President; Brody Courtney, Vice President; Annika Brynsaas, Secretary; Travis Nordheim, Sentinel
On March 22, several 8th grade Decorah Middle School students participated in the regional National History Day (NHD) competition held at NICC. Twelve students were recognized as finalists in the competition and will participate at the NHD state meet in Des Moines on April 24th. This year’s theme was Frontiers in History: People, Places, and Ideas.
State Qualifiers and their projects include the following:
Individual Performance
1st Place:Jillian Volz: Martha Matilda Harper: A Frontier in Franchising
Individual Documentary
1st Place:Noah Potvin: Star Trek: Frontier in Diversity
Group Documentary
1st Place:Nina Sessions and Kaelyn Kuhn: Julia Child
Individual Exhibit
1st Place:Jayden Lundtvedt: Valentina Tereshkova: Frontier in Female Cosmonautics
3rd Place:Thatcher Brown: Froelich Tractor: Frontier in Modern Tractors
Special Award–Iowa History: Thatcher Brown
Individual Websites:
1st Place:Naomi Kutz:Jane Bolin: Leading the Frontier for Equality in Law
2nd Place:Olivia Rissman:Henrietta Lacks and the HeLa Cells: The Microscopic Frontiers of Modern Science
1st Place:Olivia Volkmann:Running Past Frontiers: Roberta “Bobbi” Gibb’s 1966 Boston Marathon
2nd Place:Myla Leitz: Loving vs. Virginia
3rd Place:Emma Cline:Newsboy Strike of 1899
NHD State Qualifiers (l-r): Thatcher Brown, Noah Potvin, Olivia Rissman, Jillian Volz, Naomi Kutz, Jayden Lundtvedt, Emma Cline, Myla Leitz, Olivia Volkmann, Grace Stockman, Kaelyn Kuhn, and Nina Sessions All of the 8th graders who participated in NHD Regional competition.
After guiding his sixth-grade students to explore thermal energy and the transfer of energy on the molecular level, Decorah Middle School science teacher Scott Boylen created an engaging way for them to display their learning: they would create a cup system designed to keep liquids cold or warm and present their prototypes to a panel of adults–Shark Tank style.
The benefits for students engaged in this project are numerous:
Students authentically communicated their learning and why it mattered in real life.
They gained genuine experience in personal and professional communication. They were involved in real/live discussions about data, using science terms and vocabulary, listening and responding in real time to questions, and being very genuine in the process. They were engaged actively in communicating like real-life scientists.
Students learned about the real-world impacts of scientific concepts, especially thermal energy transfer. Many of them developed and communicated a deep level of understanding of the science involved in working to slow the transfer of energy between molecules in cup systems designed to keep liquids warm or cold.
They showed a great deal of creativity and design by using engineering principles and their imaginations.
Students overcame any fears they had about public speaking and presented to a group of adults, including parents and their peers, in a semiformal setting. They created and presented information in ways that were engaging and informative.
DMS student Charly Courtney shared, “I thought that the Shark Tank activity was super fun and was a great way to learn about thermal energy. When we started creating our cups, we had to think about why this would make our cup better, or why is this keeping it cold/hot?”
“The sharks got to ask questions when we finished, which I thought was cool because we got to work on social skills, speaking skills, what we were learning in science to answer the questions, and why that answer was right and support it with evidence,” Courtney added. “In all I thought it was a really cool way to test us and was super fun to do and create the cups.”
“My expectation for the ‘Shark’ part of this project was to not be too intimidating,” Boylen remarked, “but to ask the students to do some level of explaining and thinking around the science behind what they had done.”
The presentations revealed the students’ understanding of the concepts Boylen taught: the students were well prepared for the questions the panel asked, demonstrating their knowledge of science concepts in their answers.
Boylen added, “I was pleased that the ‘Sharks’ asked questions that offered my students the chance to do some thinking on their feet and to learn from that experience. They also learned some self-confidence and that they are awesome curious beings with a world full of wonders in front of them.”
Photo ID (l-r): Nathaniel Crose and Noah Alexander explain the science behind their cup prototype. Photo ID (l-r): Tristan Hanson, Brogyn Duvel, and Hayden Wenthold field questions from the “Sharks.” Photo ID (l-r): Jaedyn Hageman and Karlyn Alstad field questions from the “Sharks.” Photo ID (l-r): Dahlynne Borsheim and Addison Birdsell look over a cup design. The entrance to Scott Boylen’s classroom – Scott Boylen on right addressing students.
Decorah High School and Middle School have received $5000 of football equipment courtesy of the National Football League, the NFL Players Association and USA Football. The equipment comes from Decorah High School alumnus and current Denver Bronco linebacker Josey Jewell earning the NFL Way to Play Award as result of goal line tackle by Jewell in the Bronco’s week 18 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The NFL Way to Play initiative seeks to recognize the excellence demonstrated by NFL players who exemplify proper technique to make impactful plays. Jewell’s tackle of Chargers’ running back Austin Ekeler was chosen as an outstanding play demonstrating proper technique. A panel of former NFL Hall of Fame players, including Merril Hoge, Ronnie Lott, Willie McGinest, Orlando Pace, Michael Robinson and Bobby Taylor made the selection.
With the grant, Decorah Schools received new shoulder pads for the middle school program, helmets for the high school program and Tacklebar safety harnesses for grades 7-12. The purchases will help improve safety for all athletes involved in the football program.
Jewell made a visit to a recent morning weight room session to visit with some of the student-athletes who will use the equipment in the coming year. He commented, “I am honored to have been able to make a tackle that allows me to give back not only to the Decorah Football program, but also offers some financial support for all of the programs the students of Decorah Schools participate in. The foundation of being fundamentally sound in all of my activities was developed during my time in middle school and high school at Decorah. Those lessons have contributed greatly to the success I have been fortunate enough to have collegiately and professionally.”
Decorah High School and Middle School have received $5000 of football equipment courtesy of the National Football League, the NFL Players Association and USA Football. The equipment comes from Decorah High School alumnus and current Denver Bronco linebacker Josey Jewell earning the NFL Way to Play Award as result of goal line tackle by Jewell in the Bronco’s week 18 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The NFL Way to Play initiative seeks to recognize the excellence demonstrated by NFL players who exemplify proper technique to make impactful plays. Jewell’s tackle of Chargers’ running back Austin Ekeler was chosen as an outstanding play demonstrating proper technique. A panel of former NFL Hall of Fame players, including Merril Hoge, Ronnie Lott, Willie McGinest, Orlando Pace, Michael Robinson and Bobby Taylor made the selection.
With the grant, Decorah Schools received new shoulder pads for the middle school program, helmets for the high school program and Tacklebar safety harnesses for grades 7-12. The purchases will help improve safety for all athletes involved in the football program.
Jewell made a visit to a recent morning weight room session to visit with some of the student-athletes who will use the equipment in the coming year. He commented, “I am honored to have been able to make a tackle that allows me to give back not only to the Decorah Football program, but also offers some financial support for all of the programs the students of Decorah Schools participate in. The foundation of being fundamentally sound in all of my activities was developed during my time in middle school and high school at Decorah. Those lessons have contributed greatly to the success I have been fortunate enough to have collegiately and professionally.”
Denver Broncos linebacker and DHS alum Josey Jewell (center) with some recipients of new equipment made possible by the NFL’s Way to Play Award Initiative
