Author: Decorah Community School District

DECORAH, Iowa — Decorah High School vocal music educator Jason Rausch has been named the 2025 recipient of the Robert M. McCowen Memorial Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Iowa Choral Directors Association (ICDA). The award was presented at the ICDA Summer Symposium earlier this month and recognizes extraordinary service and lasting contributions to choral music in Iowa.

“I was honored to receive the Robert M. McCowen Memorial Award from the Iowa Choral Directors Association at our Summer Symposium,” said Rausch. “The McCowen Award is the highest award given by the ICDA and recognizes service and dedication to choral music in Iowa. Over the years I have been so lucky to work with amazing students, singers and music educators, while having the wonderful support of family and friends. I am filled with gratitude.”

Jason Rausch has served as the vocal music director at Decorah High School since 2007, where he has led a thriving choral program with excellence and innovation. In addition, for the last eleven years he has been the director of the Decorah Chorale, an adult community choir. He holds degrees from Waldorf College and Luther College, as well as a Master’s degree in choral conducting from the University of Iowa.

A recognized leader in the field of choral music, Rausch is a Past-President of the Iowa Choral Directors Association and the founder and chair of the Iowa Choral Showcase. His work has included conducting the 2005 Seventh and Eighth Grade Boys Iowa Opus Honor Choir and representing Iowa in 2012 as a clinician for the collegiate repertoire choir at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) North Central Regional Conference.

Under his direction, the Decorah High School Concert Choir has earned regional and state accolades, including selection to perform at the ACDA North Central Regional Conference in 2014. The choir has also been featured as the guest choir at the 2016 Luther College Dorian Vocal Festival and the 2024 Wartburg College Meistersinger Honor Choir Festival.

Superintendent Dr. Tim Cronin shared, “Jason Rausch’s contributions to the Decorah Community School District and to the greater Iowa choral community have been remarkable. His passion, leadership, and excellence in music education continue to inspire both students and colleagues. We are thrilled to see his dedication honored in this meaningful way.”

The Decorah Community School District congratulates Mr. Rausch on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates the impact he continues to have on students, music education, and the broader choral arts community.

On Saturday, May 26, Decorah High School hosted its annual Prom, including the Grand March, which raised $1,316 through admissions. Students voted to distribute the proceeds among three local charities. The Northeast Iowa Humane Society, receiving the most votes, will be awarded $658. The Winneshiek County Celebration of Life and the Decorah Community Food Pantry will each receive $329.

(l-r): Lauren Luzum, Clara Hjelle, Lillian Olson, Ella Jacobsen, Jasera Tweten, Olivia Brynsaas, Liz Bucksa

On Wednesday, May 21, Decorah High School students participated in STEM Connect: a hands-on learning event designed to showcase how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are used in the real world.

Students engaged with representatives from a wide variety of organizations, including J B Holland, Winn Med Rehab & Sports Medicine, Geothermal Eco Options (G.E.O.), Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), Luther College, Iowa Rotocast Plastics, Collins Aerospace, the Decorah Fire Department, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Charles City FRC Team, the Iowa DNR, Iowa State University Extension & Outreach, DroneXperts, Winneshiek Energy Development, and Decorah EMT. Each offered interactive activities that demonstrated the practical applications of STEM in their industries.

The event was coordinated by Shannon Quandahl, Facilitator of Instructional Technology for the Decorah Community School District, who aimed to bridge classroom learning with real-world experience. With support from Maddie Putnam-Keck, Project Coordinator for Winneshiek County Development and Tourism, the team connected with local and regional businesses to bring this unique opportunity to life.

STEM Connect lived up to its name—giving students a chance to explore cutting-edge technologies and career paths while forming meaningful connections with professionals in STEM fields. Ninth grader Anastasia Leibold remarked, “I thought it was really fun because there was so much there. The drones were cool, and the simulations were really fun!” 

“Events like STEM Connect are exactly what rural communities need to spark interest in local career opportunities and build long-term connections between students and the industries around them,” said Maddie Putnam-Keck. “It’s amazing to see our schools and businesses come together to show students that they don’t need to leave the area to find meaningful careers because they’re already here.”

Organizer Shannon Quandahl remarked, “It is incredibly rewarding to see a vision come to life, and this success would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of many. I would like to extend a special thank you to Brad Hurst, Adam Riley, Liz Fox, Allysen Lovstuen, and Maddie Putnam-Keck, along with all the high school teachers, staff, and students who made the event possible. Another highlight of the day was the connection formed between our high school students and the youngest learners at John Cline Elementary. Through a shared reading experience, STEM-based activities, and time spent together at recess, students of all ages engaged in a joyful and enriching exchange. This unique collaboration created an opportunity for mentorship, curiosity, and meaningful interaction across school buildings. Thank you to Mr. Varney and the entire John Cline teaching team for embracing this idea and helping make it a reality.”

Quandahl added, “STEM Connect Day truly reflected the power of community, creativity, and connection. It was a fantastic way to celebrate learning and close the school year on a high note.”

President of G.E.O. Larry Leliefeld commented, “The students presented themselves well, with interest, interaction, and good questions. We look forward to this event again in the future!”

NICC Virtual Reality

Winneshiek Energy Development

J B Holland Simulator

J B Holland

Decorah EMT

Collins Aerospace

Decorah Fire Department

Luther College

Charles City FRC Team

Winn Med Rehab & Sports Medicine

Iowa Rotocast Plastics

Decorah EMT

Mayo Rochester

Inspired by a California teen’s nonprofit called Pass the Bricks, Decorah teacher librarian Shannon Horton launched a local effort to recycle donated Lego bricks into custom kits for kids in need. With help from students, the bricks are cleaned, sorted, and rebuilt into one-of-a-kind sets.

The first donation of more than 25 kits was delivered to Postville Elementary students in May. Some sets were even tailored to the community, like a Postville Fire Department build. Rachel Sandhorst, counselor at Postville, shared, “My students loved picking out their favorite kit – a space ship or store or basketball court. The recipients are excited to take home their kits to play with this summer!”

What began as a Decorah Middle School mini-course project has now expanded, with Decorah High School National Honor Society members continuing the work each school year. Decorah is now one of three Iowa sites—and over 100 worldwide—participating in this effort to spread creativity through recycled Legos. More information can be found at https://www.passthebricks.org/

DHS National Honor Society members who participated in Pass the Bricks this year

Poolside Batman kit – one of many made by Amelia Pankow

DMS student Soren Zittergruen shows off his Overambitious Mini Figure kit

DMS student Charlie Peterson shows off his finished kit Battle of the Swamp

Decorah Eagles kit ready for donation

Decorah High School is proud to announce its 144th commencement ceremony, honoring the achievements of the Class of 2025. The ceremony will occur in the DHS main gym on Sunday, May 18th, at 2 pm, with doors opening at 12:30 pm. Family, friends, and community members are invited to help celebrate the seniors during this milestone event.

139 seniors will receive their diplomas, marking the culmination of their hard work, resilience, and commitment. The Class of 2025 has left a lasting mark on the school and community, excelling in and out of the classroom.

Among this distinguished class are four valedictorians—Natalie Goodner, McKenzie Riley, Lily Sandhorst, and Grant Zilka—whose academic achievements reflect years of dedication and perseverance. Davis Coppola, Mason Myers, and Kellen Roffman will also be honored as salutatorians, recognizing their outstanding scholarly accomplishments.

The class includes one National Merit Finalist and three National Merit Semifinalists, 72 Academic Medal recipients, 53 Academic Letter winners, six AP Scholars, and 15 Academic All-State awardees.

In addition, 24 students will be honored with the Silver Cord Award for completing over 200 hours of community service. Fifty-nine National Honor Society members made lasting contributions through peer tutoring, leading school events, hosting a stuffed animal sleepover for second graders, and creating Lego kits for younger children.

Forty graduates have completed rigorous Career and Technical Education programs, developing practical, hands-on skills in various trades and technologies. Nine seniors will also be recognized for their leadership in the Unified Champion Schools program, where they organized inclusive events such as a Unified basketball game at the boys’ state tournament, Unified relays at home meets, a Polar Plunge fundraiser, and Inclusion Week. 

Furthermore, four members of the Class of 2025 will enter military service, continuing their commitment to leadership and service on behalf of the nation.

In addition to the presentation of diplomas, the ceremony will feature performances by the Decorah High School Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Concert Choir, and speeches by three seniors, reflecting the diverse talents and voices of the Class of 2025.

Decorah High School invites all to join in this celebration of the Class of 2025 and how they have enriched the school and community. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to ensure seating.

On April 7th, thirteen 4^th grade students from Carrie Lee Elementary Extended Learning Program led by Mrs. Kari O’Hara competed in the Noetic Learning Math Contest. Peter Robinson and Kyle Joyce were the team winners and also won the National Honor Roll title. Brekin Halweg, Brantley Leibold, Ada Lyon, Lillian Rude, Harper Scott, and Koen Schwickerath received National Honorable Mention, awarded to approximately the top 50% of participating Mathletes. All other Decorah students received a participation certificate for their great effort.

Noetic Learning Math Contest is a national mathematics contest for elementary and middle school students. The goal of the competition is to encourage students’ interest in math, to develop their problem-solving skills, and to inspire them to excel in math. This spring, a total of 41,034 students participated in the contest. 4,567 students earned the prestigious National Honor Roll title, and 17,028 students earned the Honorable Mention title. The contest results demonstrate the students’ excellent problem-solving skills and math talents.  More detailed information about the Noetic Learning Math Contest can be found at http://www.noetic-learning.com/mathcontest

All Noetic Participants

Front Row: Ada Lyon, Peter Robinson, Koe Schwickerath

Middle Row: Lillian Rude, Brekin Halweg, Callen Ruckert, Louis Weber

Back Row: Marta Vogel, Silas Row-Heyveld, Kyle Joyce, Brogan BarnesNot pictured: Brantley Leibold, Harper Scott

Noetic Robinson and Joyce

Noetic Challenge Team Winner and National Honor Roll title holders Peter Robinson and Kyle Joyce

Join the Decorah High School choirs and orchestras for an exciting evening of music at their Spring Concert on Tuesday, May 13 at 7 pm in the DHS Auditorium.

Experience polished performances of each ensemble as they present their state festival repertoire, fresh from the weekend’s showing. Plus, witness the honoring of the incredible seniors as they take the stage one final time of their high school careers. Don’t miss this night of music, memories, and celebration!

DHS Concert Choir 24-25

DHS Orchestra

Decorah Community School District recently added its first propane-powered 77 passenger Blue Bird bus to its fleet—a move expected to result in both financial and environmental benefits.

Compared to a traditional diesel bus, the new propane (LP) model is projected to save the district approximately $4,000 annually in fuel costs. In addition, with no need for diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), no cold-weather plug-ins, and reduced routine maintenance needs, the district anticipates an additional $1,500 to $2,000 in annual savings on operations and upkeep.

Beyond cost savings, the environmental benefits are a major factor in the transition. Studies show that propane buses produce up to 96% fewer nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions than their diesel counterparts, helping to improve air quality and reduce the district’s environmental impact.

Two additional LP buses have been ordered from Blue Bird and are expected to arrive before the start of the next school year.

To support the expansion of its propane fleet, the district is currently installing an on-site LP fueling station. The station and tank were purchased from Farmers Union, which has also agreed to fill the current propane bus until the district’s station is up and running.

This investment marks a significant step in the district’s ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable and cost-effective transportation system.

Kevin Dotzenrod drives the North Winn/Bur Oak route and is more than happy to be the first LP bus driver for the district.

Decorah Community School District on-site LP fueling station

Decorah High School’s Envirothon teams delivered outstanding performances at the 2025 Iowa Envirothon State Competition, held April 28 at the Jester Park Nature Center and Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center.

Envirothon is an annual environmental and natural resources competition that challenges high school students to apply science, problem-solving, and teamwork to real-world ecological issues. Students rotate through hands-on stations focused on aquatics, forestry/prairie, soils, and wildlife, and present solutions to a current environmental issue—in 2025, “Roots and Resiliency: Fostering Forest Stewardship in a Canopy of Change.”

The team Load of Carp—Hannah Arendt, Mason Myers, Lily Sandhorst, Amelia Wadsworth, and Margret Zook—claimed first place with a score of 450 points. As state champions, they will represent Iowa at the National Conservation Foundation’s international Envirothon competition, taking place July 20–26 at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta.

Decorah’s second team Duff & Duffer also excelled, earning third place with 432 points—just one point behind second-place Marshalltown. Members include Reid Berns, Riley Berns, Carson Bohner, Reid Kuehner, and Grant Zilka. Together, Decorah’s teams dominated the competition, winning five of six event categories. Load of Carp took top honors in aquatics and wildlife, while Duff & Duffer led in soils, current issue, and oral presentation.

Advisor Larry Berland said, “In the fall of 2024, eighty students signed up to get a better understanding of their environment by taking part in Envirothon. Throughout the course of the year, Envirothon students have supported each other as they spent hours after school and on the weekends. The parents, teachers, and the Decorah community itself should all take pride in the students’ accomplishments, including at the recent regional and state competitions.”

The Iowa Envirothon program is sponsored by the Conservation Districts of Iowa, with support from partners including the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Conservation Education Coalition, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Iowa Department of Agriculture, and other conservation professionals.

To learn more about Iowa Envirothon, visit: https://www.cdiowa.org/get-involved/envirothon/ or https://iowaee.org/ee-science-in-iowa/envirothon/.

Load of Carp at Victory Bell: Lily Sandhorst, Margret Zook, Hannah Arendt, Amelia Wadsworth, and Mason Myers

Load of Carp at competition completing the wildlife test: Hannah Arendt, Lily Sandhorst, Amelia Wadsworth, Margret Zook, and Mason Myers

Duff and Duffer at Victory Bell: Grant Zilka, Reid Berns, Reid Kuehner, Carson Bohner, and Riley Berns.

Duff and Duffer at competition completing the forestry test: Reid Berns, Reid Kuehner, Grant Zilka, Riley Berns, and Carson Bohner.