Decorah Community School District’s Nutrition Department has received an additional Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Award for making improvements to the nutritional quality of the district’s school breakfasts.
Awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service in collaboration with Action for Healthy Kids, Decorah received the Breakfast Trailblazer Award for their work in moving breakfast menus in the direction of protein-rich foods. Nutrition Director and Culinary Specialist Chad Elliott tries to avoid serving grain-based desserts for breakfast in middle and high school–instead serving eggs, meats, and Country View Dairy yogurt and cheese in various dishes. For example, their breakfast burrito, which contains scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese rolled up in a tortilla and is served with salsa, has become very popular.
Although elementary students seem to enjoy any breakfast item that is accompanied by pancake syrup, Elliott is gradually adding more protein items to these elementary breakfast menus. For instance, a sausage patty is included on waffle day, and a lower in sugar local yogurt is offered on pancake day to encourage young students’ palates into consuming healthier protein-rich foods.
Elliott commented, “The phrase ‘Learning begins with nutrition’ has become our nutrition department’s battle cry. We want to serve our students a healthy and sustaining breakfast so they are ready to take on the day!”
“We congratulate Decorah Nutrition Department on this important achievement,” said Rob Bisceglie, Executive Officer & President for Action for Healthy Kids. “The Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards are an opportunity to showcase innovative school nutrition practices that provide children with access to nutritious school meals.”
Healthy school meals are an essential part of the school environment and a proven tool for improving a child’s health, growth, development, and educational outcomes. Learn more about the Healthy Meals Incentives at www.healthymealsincentves.org.
Kris Lowery, Decorah High School, making the very popular yogurt parfaits.
Paulette Darling, Carrie Lee Elementary, serving up some waffles.
The Decorah FFA competed at the 97th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference on April 13-15, 2025, at Iowa State University in Ames. Twenty-six Decorah FFA members attended this year’s conference, including Hadley Alexander, Brock Anfinson, Rylee Averhoff, Brinlee Courtney, Brooks Courtney, Madelynn Dahl, Jerikah Dodd, Kiele Eberling, Karlie Einck, Logan Frye, Lauren Holthaus, Jackson Irwin, Lyla Lovstuen, Mara Lovstuen, Gabe Monroe, Brandi Nehls, Jordyn Roberg, Eden Scheidel, Annika Schmelzer, Isabella Schnitzler, Jordan Sims, Taylor Sloan-Dahl, Bentley Smith, Derek Tieskoetter, Kamryn Werges, and Thea Zidlicky.
Results on State Qualifying Events
Karlie Einck, the 2024–2025 Secretary of the Decorah FFA Chapter, submitted the chapter’s secretary book for state evaluation, where it earned a gold rating and was named the state champion. Einck was recognized on the main stage and presented with a plaque.
Gabe Monroe, 2024-2025 treasurer of the Decorah FFA, submitted the Decorah FFA treasurer’s book. The book received a gold rating and was awarded third place. Monroe was recognized on the main stage during the second general session.
Five members also competed in the parliamentary procedure leadership development event. The team of Hadley Alexander, Brinlee Courtney, Jackson Irwin, Mara Lovstuen, and Gabe Monroe received a silver rating.
State Ag Skills Career Development Event
The Ag Communications team—Madelynn Dahl, Eden Scheidel, Isabella Schnitzler, and Bentley Smith—competed in a contest that required them to attend an agriculture-related press conference and develop a communications and media plan based on the information presented. The team earned a silver rating.
The Poultry Evaluation Team also earned a silver rating at their career development event. Team members Brock Anfinson, Brooks Courtney, Brandi Nehls, and Thea Zidlicky evaluated chickens and poultry products and were tested on general knowledge of poultry management.
The Farm Business Management Team members Rylee Averhoff, Kiele Eberling, and Lyla Lovstuen demonstrated their ability to apply economic principles and farm management concepts to analyze and make informed business decisions. They received a silver rating.
The FFA Greenhand Quiz, which assesses members’ knowledge of the FFA organization, was taken by Jordyn Roberg and Taylor Sloan-Dahl. Roberg earned a gold rating, and Sloan-Dahl received a silver rating.
Iowa FFA Degree
Nine members of the Decorah FFA earned the Iowa FFA Degree–the highest honor a member may receive from the state. Rylee Averhoff, Jerikah Dodd, Logan Frye, Lyla Lovstuen, Eden Scheidel, Annika Schmelzer, Jordan Sims, Derek Tieskoetter, and Kamryn Werges qualified by completing the three-circle model’s participation requirements: SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience), FFA, and Classroom/Laboratory.
State FFA Officer
DHS graduate Creed Monroe served this last year as the Iowa FFA State Northeast District Vice President. As a state FFA officer, Monroe collaborated with other officers, members, advisors, and stakeholders to advance the goals of the FFA organization. During the state FFA leadership conference, he facilitated a general session, gave a retiring FFA address, and collaborated with other members.
Additional Contest Results and Activities
The Decorah FFA Chapter earned a bronze rating in the National Chapter Award Program, a contest designed to encourage chapters to plan activities and carry them out successfully. Chapters are recognized for outstanding achievement in the areas of student development, chapter development, and community development. Brinlee Courtney accepted the award on behalf of the chapter during the third general session.
The Decorah FFA chapter was also recognized on the main stage for the ambassador award program. Lauren Holthaus accepted the award on stage during the first general session.
Members also took part in a variety of events that took place throughout the Iowa FFA Leadership Conference and attended the career show. Kamryn Werges participated in Massing of the Flags, Jackson Irwin participated in the State FFA Chorus, Gabe Monroe and Eden Scheidel served as a state courtesy corps members, and Karlie Einck and Gabe Monroe served as the chapter’s delegates and attended the state FFA association’s business session.
Twenty-six Decorah FFA members attended the 97th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference at the Iowa State University Campus in Ames.
Front Row: Jackson Irwin, Jordyn Roberg, Lyla Lovstuen, Brandi Nehls, Madelynn Dahl, Hadley Alexander, Jerikah Dodd
Decorah High School’s Special Olympics and Unified Champions groups, in partnership with Special Olympics Iowa, will host a Polar Plunge fundraising event on May 15th at Decorah High School to raise awareness for individuals with intellectual disabilities and support the Decorah Special Olympics and Unified Champions programs. This will take place over the lunch hours between 11am and 12:40 pm.
Special Olympics Iowa will bring a 2,500-gallon tank to Decorah for the event. Participants will take the plunge into icy waters to raise funds for local Special Olympics programs, which have expanded over the past year. These programs now offer a variety of activities and events that allow Decorah students with intellectual disabilities to compete in athletics while promoting social inclusion. Both programs aim to continue growing, providing even more opportunities in the future.
How to Participate and Donate To donate or register for the plunge, visit the event link and select an individual or team to support. You can also register yourself to take the plunge for a great cause. The four participating teams include School Staff, Students, Community, and Luther College. To donate to a specific participant, simply type their name into the designated box when prompted.
The Purpose of the Cool School Plunge The Polar Plunge is not just about fundraising—it is a symbol of community spirit and inclusion. DHS Principal Brad Hurst emphasized, “The Polar Plunge represents so much more than a spirited event—it embodies the heart of who we are at Decorah High School. As a Special Olympics Unified Champion School, we are deeply committed to fostering inclusion, empathy, and authentic connections among students of all abilities. The plunge provides a meaningful opportunity for our students, staff, and community members to unite behind a shared purpose: celebrating the dignity of every individual and demonstrating that we are willing to go to great lengths—yes, even into freezing water—to support one another. It’s a joyful and courageous expression of school spirit, but even more, it’s a testament to the culture of compassion and community we strive to build daily at DHS.”
DHS Teacher Andy Carlson echoed these sentiments: “Personally, I applaud our school district and John Dunt in particular for pushing to make our school more inclusive and for celebrating all of our student athletes. This is about giving everyone an opportunity to compete, especially our students with special needs. I believe that supporting our own chapter of the Special Olympics through fundraising is important because it provides our athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to develop physical fitness, build confidence, and experience the joy of competition just like everyone else. Hopefully this fundraising drive will ensure that these athletes will have access to more additional opportunities to compete in the future—all at no additional cost to them or their families. It also promotes inclusivity, raises awareness about the abilities of individuals with disabilities, and fosters a more accepting and supportive community. My hope is that by contributing, we can help to create life-changing experiences that further empower our athletes to reach their full potential both on and off the field.”
When asked why she was participating in the Cool School Plunge, DHS teacher Felecia DeJong explained, “I am choosing to take the plunge because I am so proud of the inclusive work our school is doing. It’s amazing to watch the work our staff and students have been putting into working toward becoming an official Unified Champions School. I want to do my part in helping drive this goal forward. I believe it’s important for all of our students to have the kind of opportunities that make them feel like they have a moment to shine.”
Expansion of Special Olympics and Unified Champions Programs The Decorah Schools Special Olympics program has traditionally competed in Bowling and Track at the regional level, with some athletes advancing to the State competition in Bowling. Additionally, students have participated in Unified Sports Days at Luther College and Wartburg College. The program is actively exploring additional activities to offer more opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities.
DHS Unified Champions, a new group launched last year with the encouragement of Special Olympics Iowa, pairs Special Olympic athletes with their peers. The group meets monthly to plan inclusive activities and leadership opportunities. The program’s growth has been remarkable, starting with Inclusion Week and the Unified Basketball game with varsity players last spring, and expanding to include a Unified Football game during Homecoming Week, a second Inclusion Week, a Unified Basketball game in Des Moines during the Boys State Tournament, and upcoming events such as the Unified Relays during a home track meet and a Unified Sports Day for elementary-aged special education students.
John Dunt, Coordinator of Decorah Schools Special Olympics and Unified Champions programs, shared his enthusiasm: “When Special Olympics Iowa contacted me about DHS becoming a Unified Champion School, I thought it would be a great opportunity for my athletes to become more involved. With the support of administration and our entire school community, it has grown into something I cannot even believe. The entire school, students and staff alike, get excited when we are doing something, and so many want to get involved. The levels of student involvement during our Inclusion Weeks and Unified games have exceeded my expectations. It goes to show the character of Decorah High School and the entire Decorah community.”
About Special Olympics and Unified Champions: Special Olympics Iowa supports individuals with intellectual disabilities by providing year-round sports training and competition. The Unified Champions program promotes social inclusion by bringing together students with and without intellectual disabilities to participate in sports and activities, fostering understanding, empathy, and a stronger school community.
For more information or to register for the Polar Plunge, visit the link or contact the DHS Special Olympics and Unified Champions groups at 563-382-3643.
The Decorah School Board has approved the administration’s recommendation to forgive the two snow make-up days originally scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 27 and 28.
Because the district operates on an “instructional hours” calendar rather than a traditional days-based calendar, it has the flexibility to forgive these days. Even with the cancellation of the two make-up days, the district will still meet the 1,080 instructional hours required by Iowa Code.
With this approved amended calendar, the last day of school for Decorah Community School students will be Friday, May 23.
Superintendent Dr. Cronin said, “Let’s make the most of these final weeks and finish the year strong.”
On Friday, , students in Decorah High School’s Advanced English 9 class competed at Iowa’s State Future Problem Solving (FPS) Bowl at Central College in Pella, Iowa. To reach the state level, students had to advance from the regional level. Future Problem Solving presents students with a fictional scenario set in the future. Students then analyze the scenario, using critical thinking skills to identify an underlying problem within the scene and problem-solving skills to generate a solution. The competition welcomes 4th through 12th grade students in several categories: global issues, community projects, creative writing, and storytelling. Students participating in FPS develop skills that are beneficial in both school and work environments, including leadership, communication, problem solving, creative thinking, and writing.
Decorah’s four teams competed in the global issues category, and Nils Peterson submitted a short story in creative writing. Future Problem Solvers received a scenario built around nanotechnology usage in the future. Over the course of two hours, students developed a solution to combat possible issues that could arise from the scenario.
At the awards ceremony, Decorah’s successes were revealed. The team of Nils Peterson, Kaya Johnson, Charlotte LaBelle, and Matthew Burkholder was declared state champions in Global Issues. This group now has the exciting opportunity to compete at the FPS 2025 International Conference, held in Bloomington, Indiana, this June. Nils Peterson received 2nd place in the state middle division for his short story entitled “Hanz’s Vertical Farming Fiasco.” Pranav Caton and Sophia McGee received 4th place in a skit performance presenting their solution to the nanotechnology scenario. Those two, along with Raelyn Newhouse, earned 6th place in the state for their global issues submission. Advanced English 9 teacher Addie Sadler shared, “I am so proud of my students and the hard work they have put into this contest. It is not easy, but they persevered and won! This is an excellent group of future leaders.”
Photo ID DHS FPS State (l-r):
Rachel Weis, Raelyn Newhouse, Kaya Johnson, Charlotte LaBelle, Isaac Bentley, Max Goodner, Oak Pasche, Matthew Burkholder, Oscar Grimstad, Pranav Caton, Nils Peterson, Poppy Bellrichard, Leah Garcia-Prats, and Sophia McGee.
DHS FPS First Place Winners (l-r):
Matthew Burkholder, Nils Peterson, Charlotte LaBelle, and Kaya Johnson
On Saturday, April 19th at Silvercrest Country Club, Decorah High School’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) will be hosting a “Birdies for Business” 18-hole four person best shot golf tournament. The proceeds of this event will support students who hope to attend the FBLA National Leadership Conference competition in Anaheim, California, this summer. The entry fee is $120 per team, with registration beginning at 9:00 am and a shotgun start at 10:00.
FBLA advisor Alyssa Marso stated, “DHS FBLA members worked very hard and came home with ten national qualifiers from the state-level competition! The qualifiers are hoping to attend the national-level competition in Anaheim, so the proceeds of this tournament could go a long way in supporting their efforts. We have space for up to 24 teams in the tournament, so the more teams we get registered, the better.”
From Sunday, March 30th to Tuesday, April 1st, 23 Decorah High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) state qualifiers attended and competed at the Iowa FBLA State Leadership Conference hosted at the Cedar Rapids Convention Complex. The conference included competitive events, seminars, workshops, and many networking opportunities. The students’ hard work and preparation paid off: the team came home with ten national qualifiers and five state champions. The DHS national qualifiers hope to represent the state of Iowa and compete at the FBLA National Leadership Conference, held in Anaheim, California, from June 29 to July 2.
At the state-level competition, first-place winners include Hunter Quandahl in Client Service; Oliver Bollinger and Ian Giddings in Digital Video Production; Mitchell Stemper in both Financial Statement Analysis and Organizational Leadership; and Austin Helgerson in Supply Chain Management.
Others earning a national qualifying spot in events include third place finishers Oliver Bollinger, Ian Giddings, and Mitchell Stemper in Data Analysis; and Jaidyn Duvel, Savannah O’Reilly, and Sophia Fahey in Website Design. Fourth place winners are Cashton Riehle in Client Service, Kelby Kerndt in Entrepreneurship, and Jackson Pipho in Financial Statement Analysis.
The top ten place winners in each competitive event were recognized during the awards ceremony, and DHS was well-represented. Earning a fifth-place finish were Kelby Kerndt, Addy Lukes-Smith, and McKenzie Tollefson in Broadcast Journalism. Seventh place finishers include Hunter Quandahl in Agribusiness; and Jenna Leuenberger, Kahri Oberbroeckling, and Keaton Riehle in Introduction to Social Media Strategies. Eighth place awards went to Erika Valdez in Introduction to Event Planning and Austin Helgerson and Cashton Riehle in Sports & Entertainment Management. Earning ninth place were Keaton Riehle in both Introduction to Business Presentation and Introduction to Business Communication, Dak Sabin in Personal Finance, and Jackson Pipho in Securities and Investments. Tenth place winners were Austin Helgerson in Accounting II and Jaidyn Duvel in Personal Finance.
Other students who attended the State Leadership Conference include Bryan Ajzac, Gavin Luzum, Brynnah Hanson, Grant Remington, Sara Johanningmeier, and Kennadi Schuman.
The FBLA website states: “FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.” DHS FBLA adviser and business teacher Alyssa Marso commented, “Many thanks go out to area businesses and individuals who generously offered financial support to make it possible for DHS students to participate in the State Leadership Conference!”
FBLA State Champions: Hunter Quandahl in Client Service, Ian Giddings and Oliver Bollinger in Digital Video Production, Mitchell Stemper in both Financial Statement Analysis and Organizational Leadership, and Austin Helgerson in Supply Chain Management
FBLA National Qualifiers: Hunter Quandahl, Austin Helgerson, Jaidyn Duvel, Savannah O’Reilly, Kelby Kerndt, Jackson Pipho, Cashton Riehle, Ian Giddings, Oliver Bollinger, and Mitchell Stemper
The Decorah High School Music Department participated in the Iowa High School Music Association State Solo and Small Ensemble Music Festival on Saturday, March 29, at Independence High School. Other schools participating were Anamosa, Benton Community, Center Point-Urbana, Independence, Vinton-Shellsburg, Dubuque Wahlert, Waukon, West Delaware, and Cedar Rapids Xavier. 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, and 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 festival. Of the overall nine judges in the vocal, orchestra, and band categories, six of them awarded this exceptional honor to DHS musicians. Receiving “Outstanding Performance” awards include Grant Zilka: Baritone Saxophone Solo, Natalie Goodner: Vibraphone Solo, Gwen Thompson: Vocal Solo, Mikayla Hiner & Gwen Thompson: Vocal Duet, Junior Treble Clef Ensemble, and Concert Choir Chamber Singers.
Receiving a Perfect Score for their performance include Grant Zilka: Baritone Saxophone Solo, Aitor Cuevas: Trumpet Solo, Gwen Thompson: Vocal Solo, Kealy Hines: Vocal Solo, Mikayla Hiner & Gwen Thompson: Vocal Duet, and Senior Treble Clef Ensemble 9.
Students were accompanied on piano by Dean Beckman, Mike Ellingsen, Chris Hadley, Lani Himegarner, Xiao Hu, Miko Kominami, Linda Martin, Jessica Paul, David Severtson and Nicholas Shaneyfelt.
Division I – Superior Ratings:
Solos
Marimba: Natalie Goodner, Kealy Hines, Olivia Rissman, Grace Stockman, Jerald Thompson; Vibraphone: Natalie Goodner; Soprano Saxophone: Grant Zilka; Alto Saxophone: Grant Zilka; Tenor Saxophone: Grant Zilka; Baritone Saxophone; Grant Zilka; Flute: Jay Hawthorn, Mikayla Hiner, Olivia Volkmann; Piccolo: Jay Hawthorn, Sophia McGee; Trumpet: Aitor Cuevas; Oboe: Ansel Kowitz; Violin: Spencer Christensen, Liam Huang, Naomi Kutz, Lauren Severtson, Gwenyth Thompson; Cello: Lulu Bellrichard, Andie Gegax; String Bass: Nina Sessions, Ezra Vorvick; Soprano: June Breitenbach-Dirks, Mikayla Hiner, Kealy Hines, Greta Jones, Gwen Thompson, Jillian Volz, Margret Zook; Alto: Emma Cline, Amelia Wadsworth; Tenor: Spencer Christensen, Lawrence Christman, Andy Kruger, Jameson LaBelle; and Bass: Oliver Brummel, Davis Coppola, Derek Hrdlicka, Noah Potvin, Jack Sovern, Davis Walter, Ezra Vorvick.
Ensembles
Flute Choir; Millennium Percussion Choir; Saxophone Quartet (Zilka, E. Christman, Breitenbach-Dirks, D. Walter); Percussion Quintet (Hines, Chamberlain, Rissman, Stockman, N. Goodner); French Horn Duets: Sandhorst & Wadsworth; Flute Duet: Hawthorn & Volkmann; String Duets: Severtson & Kutz, Davis & Brown, Sessions & Vorvick, L. Bellrichard & Sessions; Violin Quartet (Weis, Opheim, P. Bellrichard & C. Ko); Cello Quartet (L. Bellrichard, Cline, Harmening & Hahn); String Ensemble (Huang, Christensen, C. Riley, Franzen, Kuennen & Vorvick); Royal Chamber Orchestra; Elegie Chamber Orchestra; Vocal Duets: M. Hiner & G. Thompson, Brummel & Kruger, G. & C. Thompson; Madrigal Singers; CC Chamber Singers; VC Chamber Choir; Ninth Gr. Bass Clef (L. Nalean-Carlson, Peterson, Sabelka, Ewing, M. Goodner, Hrdlicka, Burkholder, D. Walter, Wilkins); Ninth Gr. Treble Clef (Evelsizer, Carlson, Dowden, Cord, C. Ko, McGee, C. LaBelle, R. Newhouse, K. Johnson); Sophomore Treble Clef (Lundtvedt, Severtson, Volz, Volkmann, Searcy, Stockman, Timm, Cline, A. Hanson, Rissman); Junior Treble Clef (Breitenbach-Dirks, Hiner, E. Christman, Klara Kelly, Albert, Lesmeister, Wemark); Junior Bass Clef (Malanaphy, J. LaBelle, Duder, Mercado-Arneson, Milburn, Nalean-Carlson, Harman-Wood, C. Johnson, Sassaman); Senior Treble Clef 6 (E. Downing, Suhr, Bakken, Wicklund, C. Holland, Brodbeck); Senior Treble Clef 9 (C. Sheffield, G. Thompson, Zook, Jones, Hines, E. Johnson, Blikre, Steines, Wadsworth); Senior Bass Clef (Kruger, B. Newhouse, Hammel, Brummel, D. Coppola, Chamberlain, Krieg, Vorvick, Sovern); Vocal Trio (Hiner, G. Thompson, C. Thompson); and Vocal Quartet (Kruger, Brummel, Chamberlain, Vorvick).
On March 19th, several 8th grade Decorah Middle School students participated in the regional National History Day competition held at NICC. Twenty students were recognized as finalists in the competition and will participate at the NHD state meet in Ames on April 28th. This year’s theme is “Rights and Responsibilities in History.”
State Qualifiers and their projects include the following:
Individual Performance
Ruth Kueny: Nellie Bly: Advocating for Human Rights Through Investigative Journalism
Group Performance
Charly Courtney and Kelbi Schuman: Mildred Fish-Harnack: Restoring Rights in Germany
Individual Documentary
Sofia Hageman: American Indian Boarding Schools: Identity Erasure
Nathaniel Crose: The United States Constitution: Pioneering Freedom of Expression in Civil Society
Per Weir: Island Trees Board of Education v. Pico
Group Documentary
Robert Davis and Leonard Nimrod: Women Code Breakers of Arlington Hall
Individual Websites:
Rosie Burkholder: Rosie the Riveter
Noah Alexander:Company K of the First Michigan Sharpshooters: The Brave Native American Men, and Post-Civil War Struggles
Individual Exhibit
Harper Menke: Amelia Bloomer and the Fight for Women’s Rights
Group Exhibit
Jacksyn Fromm, Hayden Wenthold, and Carter Rissman: Texas Western
Austin Bohner and Sam Johanningmeier: Daniel Inouye: Fighting for the Rights of Americans
Group Website:
Lula McAbee and Jaedyn Hageman: The Removal of Homosexuality From the DSM
Individual Paper:
Kylie Zoulek:The Murder of Gertrude Bestor
Kenyon Bartels: The Rural Electrification Act of 1936
Photo ID (l-r):
Front Row: Kenyon Bartels, Noah Alexander, Nathaniel Crose, Jacksyn Fromm, Austin Bohner Middle Row: Sam Johanningmeier, Carter Rissman, Hayden Wenthold, Kelbi Schuman, Charly Courtney, Ruth Keuny, Lula McAbee Back Row: Robert Davis, Leonard Nimrod, Rosie Burkholder, Harper Menke, Sofia Hageman, Kylie Zoulek, Jaedyn Hageman Not pictured: Per Weir
