Volunteers of the Decorah Family, Educator, and Community Organization (FEC) as well as early childhood and elementary teachers and students participated in Spell-a-Thon 2022 in an effort to raise money for the Decorah Early Childhood and Elementary Schools.
Thanks to generous donations from Donlon Pharmacy & Toy Jungle, Dragonfly Books, Cardboard Robot, and The Sugar Bowl, students who participated were entered into drawings. The classrooms in each grade that collected the most pledges were awarded an ice cream party. In addition, the students who raised the most pledges and the most money at each school received a brand new $100 bill or a $25 cash prize with help from Decorah Bank and Trust.
In 2021 this event garnered approximately $38,900, and this year students and staff surpassed that amount, raising over $40,000. Some of the programs supported in the past two years with these funds include supplementing pre-kindergarten and elementary library collections and supplemental intervention texts, author visits, theater performances, college scholarships, and sponsorship of the Reading Games. The FEC funded over $6000 in teacher requests and plans to continue to support teachers and enhance learning materials for students this coming year.
Community members who would like to support Decorah schools by making a donation to the FEC Spell-a-Thon or by volunteering should contact Shanna Putnam-Dibble via John Cline Elementary School or follow the FEC on Facebook for additional information.
John Cline and Carrie Lee Spellathon drawing winners with prizes from Sugar Bowl, Dragonfly Books, Cardboard Robot, and Donlon Pharmacy & Toy JungleHenry Moeller earned $100 for top funds raised and most pledges. Lillian Timp earned $100 for top funds raised and most pledges. Mrs. Lutkenhaus’s 4th grade students celebrate with ice cream for being the top fundraisers in the 4th grade.
Recently, Decorah set a new mark for the highest number of participants at the Envirothon state contest held this year at Jester Park Nature Center located in Granger, Iowa. Twenty-five Decorah students in grades 9-12 filled out five teams eager to test their knowledge of aquatics, forestry, soils, wildlife and waste disposal at the state competition. Decorah’s five teams earned their participation in the state contest by each scoring as one of the top fifteen teams during regional competition.
Skabush team members Peter Essa, Nathaniel Myers, Henry Weis, Nathan Swarbrick, and Justin Berlage finished as the third best team in the competition by the narrowest of margins: less than one point to a team from Marshalltown. They also finished in a tie for first in the soil category with a FFA team from Muscatine.
Skabush also finished in a tie for first with Decorah’s Cook’s Critters–Grace Neal, Nadia Johnson, Thea Schissel, Alex McGohan, and Kera Walter–in the wildlife category. DNR (Decorah Nerd Republic) finished as the top point-getter in the forestry category. Members of the DNR team are Anders Lovstuen, Simon Kutz, Conner Evelsizer, Libby Phillips, and Gabriel Hiner.
Coach Berland remarked, “I would like to thank the school administration for their support of the Envirothon program. In addition, I could not have transported the students to the regional or state competitions without the help of Dale Wilharm and Ross Evelsizer. Ross, a past Envirothon participant who was a member of two state championship teams, also assisted in getting the students ready for the competition.”
Algona FFA finished as the top team at this year’s competition. They will represent Iowa in the International Envirothon competition to be held at Miami University located in Oxford, Ohio, July 24-30.
The Skabush team: (l-r): Nathaniel Myers, Justin Berlage, Henry Weis, Peter Essa, and Nathan Swarbrick.
The Decorah High School Music Department participated in the annual State Large Group Music Festival on Friday, May 6 at Waverly-Shell Rock High School. This is an adjudicated festival in which bands and choirs perform for a panel of three judges and receive one of five divisional ratings for their performance: Division I “Superior” rating, Division II “Excellent” rating, Division III “Good” rating, Division IV “Fair” rating, Division V “Poor” rating. The ratings are based on a point scale. Symphonic Band received a division I rating, Wind Ensemble a division II rating, Ninth Grade Choir a division I rating, Viking Chorus a division II rating, and Concert Choir a division I rating with two perfect scores.
On April 20th, ten 4th grade students from Carrie Lee Elementary Extended Learning Program led by Mrs. Kari O’Hara competed in the Noetic Learning Math Contest.
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. More than 31,739 students representing 700 school teams across the country took part in this spring’s contest.
Brent Burkey was the team winner and won the National Honor Roll title.
The following students received National Honorable Mention, awarded to approximately the top 50% of participating Mathletes: Logan Kuennen, Cohen Berland, James Zook, Conner Robinson, Cannon Hartl, Iris Wadsworth, and Carter Todd. All other students received a participation certificate for their great effort.
O’Hara commented, “Congratulations to all the winners! The contest results demonstrate the students’ excellent problem-solving skills and math talents. They also show that the students can rise to the occasion and can meet the challenge.” More detailed information about the Noetic Learning Math Contest can be found at http://www.noetic-learning.com/mathcontest
All Noetic Participants and Honorable Mention Recipients: Front row (l-r): Cohen Berland, Carter Todd, Brent Burkey, Logan Kuennen, Cannon Hartl Back row (l-r): Harrison Wedeking, Conner Robinson, James Zook, Elsa Propson, Iris Wadsworth Team Winner and National Honor Roll Recipient Brent Burkey
Decorah High School’s Fall 2021 production of “Tarzan, The Stage Musical” received Outstanding Musical Production and Outstanding Ensemble honors from the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards (IHSMTA). A group of cast members will perform an excerpt from the show at the 2022 IHSMTA Showcase on Saturday, June 18 at the Des Moines Civic Center. The Awards Showcase will be live streamed at IowaPBS.org.
“Being selected among the top high school musicals in the state is a tremendous honor for our cast, crew, orchestra, and director team, and we are extremely proud,” said Karen Trewin, producer/choreographer/co-director.
Cast members Dylan Muhlbauer (Tarzan), Sally Laybourn (Kala), and Libby Phillips (Terk) were each recognized for Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role. This qualifies them for the IHSMTA’s “Triple Threat” Award, which recognizes outstanding work in singing, acting, and dancing. During the showcase they will receive individual coaching on a solo, work with a New York City-based choreographer and music director, and collaborate with other high achieving students from other schools. They will also audition to represent Iowa at the National High School Musical Theater Awards in June in New York City and audition to receive a full-tuition scholarship to attend a weeklong summer Broadway Intensive Camp in Des Moines in July.
Also receiving honors was Jensen Korsness (Leopard) for Outstanding Featured Dancer. Ella Grouws (Young Tarzan) received Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role.
“Our cast, crew, and musicians worked hard and came together as a company to offer what we felt was a great experience for our audiences,” remarked Jason Rausch, music director/conductor. “We attended the showcase four years ago and were really impressed with the IHSMTA. We’re looking forward to working together again and seeing our students’ efforts recognized in Des Moines.”
The production staff for “Tarzan” also includes Chris Hadley, technical director; Anya Lovstuen, stage manager; Mark Potvin, set designer/fly captain; and Kristen Underwood, co-director/costume designer. Sponsoring the fly system installed for the show were Decorah Bank & Trust, Decorah Music Boosters, The Depot Outlet, and Hacker Nelson & Co.
Decorah High School has participated in the annual adjudicated program since 2017 and was recognized for its productions of “Shrek” in 2017-18 and “Tuck Everlasting” in 2019-20. The showcase was canceled in 2020.
Decorah High School produces fall musicals every two years with a student variety show offered during alternate years.
Ada Lovelace (Jane) and Dylan Muhlbauer (Tarzan). (Photo by Parker Deen) Libby Phillips (Terk) (Photo by Parker Deen) Sally Laybourn (Kala) (Photo by Parker Deen) DHS full cast and crew of “Tarzan, The Stage Musical.” (Photo by Parker Deen)
Decorah FFA had three members compete in district FFA Ag Mechanics contest held at Northeast Iowa Community College on . Twenty-six FFA teams from throughout Northeast Iowa competed in this contest. Students took a knowledge exam and completed hands-on activities including electrical wiring, carpentry, MIG welding, skid loader and lawn mower maintenance, and parts identification. Justin Nierling, Carter Schmelzer, and Dalton Zidlicky received 9th place overall as a team.
Decorah FFA’s Ag Mechanics team (l-r): Dalton Zidlicky, Justin Nierling, and Carter Schmelzer.
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)
