On April 8th, fifteen 4th grade students from Carrie Lee Elementary Extended Learning Program led by Mrs. Kari O’Hara competed in the Noetic Learning Math Contest. Cassius Sadler and Sam Bills were the team winners and also won the National Honor Roll title.
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 39,078 students participated in the contest, where 4,355 students earned the prestigious National Honor Roll title, and 16,069 students earned the Honorable Mention title.
The following students from Carrie Lee received National Honorable Mention, awarded to approximately the top 50% of participating Mathletes: Brandon Bailey, McCoy Bonnet, Hunter Goedken, Elle Hanson, Eli Lyon, Ida Sauer, Ellery Schwickerath, Quinn Soland, and Ivan Maki. All other students received a participation certificate for their great effort.
O’Hara remarked, “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.”
The Decorah Elementary Family, Educator, and Community Organization (FEC) recently hosted a Spell-a-thon fundraiser that raised over $36,000 for Decorah early childhood and elementary buildings. This money will go towards funding classroom materials, field trips, guest visitors, classroom and library books, family events, and teacher appreciation festivities.
The FEC runs the Scholastic Book Fair, creates the Elementary yearbook, and hosts additional family events including the Back-to-School Pool Party, Winter Dance Party, Playdate in the Park, and end of year ice cream party at Sugar Bowl.
FEC President Shanna Putnam Dibble stated, “We are extremely grateful for the FEC volunteers who made this fundraiser possible and to all of our families and community members who made it a success. These funds play a crucial role in supporting our efforts to increase student engagement while providing access to high quality learning experiences.”
The FEC is looking for new members to serve on the committee or to volunteer at events throughout the 2024-2025 school year. Follow the FEC on Facebook or contact Shanna Putnam Dibble at shanna.putnamdibble@decorah.school to learn more.
FEC Winter Dance Party
The FEC funds Decorah Apparel for all kindergarten and third grade students to ensure all students can show their Viking Pride!
The FEC funded a pizza party during the Kindergarten “Friendsgiving”
The Decorah High School Music Department participated in the annual State Large Group Music Festival on Friday, May 3 at Decorah High School. This is an adjudicated festival at which music ensembles 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. The DHS Concert Band, Concert Choir, Orchestra, and Viking Chorus all received division “I” ratings from the three judges, and the Ninth Grade Choir received a “II” rating.
“We are impressed with the growth our students made over the year, and this culminating performance was an acknowledgment of their dedication to high-level music making,” said the DHS music faculty.
The band is conducted by Dustin Bliven and Matt Cody, the choirs by Jason Rausch, and the orchestra by Nicole Cody.
Decorah High School’s Fall 2023 production of The SpongeBob Musical received Outstanding Musical Production, Outstanding Ensemble, and Outstanding Student Orchestra honors from the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards (IHSMTA). A group of cast members will perform an excerpt from the show at the 2024 IHSMTA Showcase on Thursday, May 30, at the Des Moines Civic Center. The Awards Showcase will be live streamed at IowaPBS.org.
“SpongeBob was an amazing experience for all of us, and we’re so proud that our company was recognized for their contributions,” says Karen Trewin, producer, co-director, and choreographer. “Being selected among the top high school musicals in the state is a tremendous honor for our cast, crew, orchestra, and director team.”
Cast members Libby Phillips (SpongeBob SquarePants) and Gabriel Hiner (Squidward Q. Tentacles) were recognized for Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role. Both auditioned and qualified for IHSMTA’s “Triple Threat” Award, which recognizes outstanding work in singing, acting, and dancing. They will receive individual coaching on solo pieces, work with a New York City-based choreographer and music director, and collaborate with other high achieving students from other schools during the showcase. They will also audition to represent Iowa at the National High School Musical Theater Awards in New York City.
Four cast members received Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role: June Breitenbach-Dirks as Sandy Cheeks; Oliver Brummel as Patrick Star; Davis Coppola as Patchy the Pirate; and Ezra Vorvick as Sheldon J. Plankton.
“Our students consistently astound us with their dedication to delivering exceptional performances,” says Jason Rausch, music director. “We emphasize the power of storytelling–weaving together music, character, and technical precision to create memorable experiences for our audiences. Seeing our students’ efforts acknowledged is truly gratifying.”
DHS also received Special Recognition for Community Engagement for the Krusty Krab lunch event sponsored by the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society.
The production staff for The SpongeBob Musical also includes Karmyn Bakken, stage manager; Chris Hadley, technical director; Jensen Korsness, choreographer; and Kristen Underwood, co-director/costume designer.
The SpongeBob Musical is the fourth production honored by IHSMTA since DHS started participating in the adjudicated program in 2017. The program was canceled in 2020. Decorah High School produces fall musicals every two years with a student variety show offered during alternate years.
Libby Phillips as SpongeBob SquarePants Photo by William Connor
Gabriel Hiner as Squidward Q. Tentacles Photo by William Connor
June Breitenbach-Dirks as Sandy Cheeks Photo by William Connor
Oliver Brummel as Patrick Photo by William Connor
Davis Coppola as Patchy the Pirate Photo by William Connor
Ezra Vorvick as Sheldon J. Plankton
Photo by William Connor
Pit Orchestra for SpongeBob Squarepants Photo by William Connor
The “Whole Town” Outstanding Ensemble Photo by William Connor
The SpongeBob Musical – full company Photo by William Connor
The 87th annual Decorah FFA Awards Program was held at the Decorah High School auditorium on Thursday, at 7:00 p.m. About 200 guests were in attendance, including parents, family members, community sponsors, business leaders, and members. The Conduct of Meetings Team consisting of President Gabe Monroe, Vice-President Braden Hemesath, Secretary Madelynn Dahl, Treasurer Andrew Carolan, Reporter Mara Lovstuen, Sentinel Hadley Alexander, and Advisor Aiden Helgerson officially opened the awards program.
Chapter President Creed Monroe welcomed everyone in attendance. The 2023-2024 officer team then presented Greenhand FFA Degrees and Chapter FFA degrees to the recipients, and Jackson Irwin presented the FFA Creed. This year’s twenty-one Greenhand FFA Degree recipients include Hadley Alexander, Andrew Carolan, Kale Christopher, Michael Clement, Brinlee Courtney, Madelynn Dahl, Dominick Duffield, William Hahn, Noah Heiselman, Aiden Helgerson, Braden Hemesath, Tristan Hunter, Jackson Irwin, William Kruse, Mara Lovstuen, Gabe Monroe, Karter Orris, Ryan Rocksvold, John Toby Schnitzler, Isabella Schnitzler, and Peyton Schultz.
The 2023-2024 Chapter 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, Eden Scheidel, Annika Schmelzer, Jake Teslow, Gracie Thompson, Kamryn Werges, and Thea Zidlicky.
Brody Courtney and Travis Nordheim then awarded the leadership awards to members who successfully served as leaders within our chapter by serving as an officer and/or a committee chairperson. Members receiving leadership pins for completing their first year of service include Kiele Eberling, Rashell Lippe, Lyla Lovstuen, Eden Scheidel, Kamryn Werges, Kolton Werges, and Thea Zidlicky.
Members recognized for more than two years of leadership service to the chapter include Brooke Anfinson, Cade Averhoff, Annika Brynsaas, Brody Courtney, Braunwyn Darrington, Anders Lovstuen, Creed Monroe, Travis Nordheim, Jeramiah Rediske, Derek Tieskoetter, Ciara Wedmann, Mara Wyatt, and Olivia Wyatt.
Annika Brynsaas and Derek Tieskoetter introduced the members who had perfect meeting attendance this past year. These members include Hadley Alexander, Henry Brynsaas, Annika Brynsaas, Karlee Bullerman, Brody Courtney, Brinlee Courtney, Karlie Einck, Nick Farley, Aiden Helgerson, Braden Hemesath, Tristan Hunter, William Kruse, Anders Lovstuen, Lyla Lovstuen, Creed Monroe, Gabe Monroe, Travis Nordheim, Jeramiah Rediske, Eden Scheidel, Derek Tieskoetter, and Thea Zidlicky.
Anders Lovstuen and Lyla Lovstuen 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 Hadley Alexander, Rylee Averhoff, Andrew Carolan, Kale Christopher, Brinlee Courtney, Madelynn Dahl, Camren Darling, William Hahn, Lauren Holthaus, Tristan Hunter, Jackson Irwin, William Kruse, Gabe Monroe, Karter Orris, Peyton Schultz, and Haley Stinson.
Members receiving a scholarship certificate for being on the honor roll multiple years include Brooke Anfinson, Cade Averhoff, Ryan Bigler, Henry Brynsaas, Annika Brynsaas, Karlee Bullerman, Brody Courtney, Braunwyn Darrington, Jerikah Dodd, Kiele Eberling, Nick Farley, Austin Helgerson, Raleigh Lensing, Anders Lovstuen, Lyla Lovstuen, Creed Monroe, Travis Nordheim, Jeramiah Rediske, Eden Scheidel, Annika Schmelzer, Jordan Sims, Kayleigh Smith, Jake Teslow, Ciara Wedmann, and Mara Wyatt.
Kamryn Werges 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 Brooke Anfinson, Annika Brynsaas, Anders Lovstuen, Creed Monroe, Travis Nordheim, and Ciara Wedmann.
Kiele Eberling and Eden Scheidel recognized this year’s members of the month. Members selected to be honored for their FFA accomplishments include Anders Lovstuen, Brooke Anfinson, Karlie Einck, Travis Nordheim, Kamryn Werges, Jeramiah Rediske, Derek Tieskoetter, and Creed Monroe.
Creed Monroe and Jeramiah Rediske presented the top five fruit sales awards after announcing the chapter had sold a total fruit sales amount of $55,435. Members receiving fruit sales awards include 1st– Jordan Sims, 2nd – Karlie Einck, 3rd – Karlee Bullerman, 4th – Rylee Averhoff, 5th Aiden Helgerson, 6th – Dominick Duffield, 7th – Derek Tieskoetter, 8th – Lauren Holthaus, 9th – Kaylee Larson, and 10th – Elora Schnitzler.
The Decorah FFA Letter was presented by Gabe Monroe. In order to letter, members must be an active member in FFA and the community. This year twenty-three members lettered in FFA. These members include Brooke Anfinson, Cade Averhoff, Annika Brynsaas, Brody Courtney, Camren Darling, Braunwyn Darrington, Kiele Eberling, Karlie Einck, Christopher Larson, Anders Lovstuen, Lyla Lovstuen, Creed Monroe, Travis Nordheim, Jeramiah Rediske, Eden Scheidel, Kayleigh Smith, Derek Tieskoetter, Ciara Wedmann, Kamryn Werges, Kolton Werges, Mara Wyatt, Olivia Wyatt, and Thea 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. Karlie Einck announced the top record books for each class. They were senior Jeramiah Rediske, junior Kiele Eberling, sophomore Eden Scheidel, and freshman Hadley Alexander.
Braunwyn Darrington and Travis Nordheim presented the Star Greenhand award to Brinlee Courtney and Gabe Monroe. They also presented the Star Chapter Farmer award to Anders Lovstuen, and the Star Chapter Placement award to Creed Monroe.
Kolton Werges congratulated this year’s proficiency award winners. This year’s chapter proficiency winners include the following: Annika Brynsaas (Agriculture Sales Placement), Creed Monroe (Agriculture Services), Jeramiah Rediske (Beef Production-Entrepreneurship), Brody Courtney (Dairy Production Entrepreneurship), Kayleigh Smith (Dairy Production-Placement), Eden Scheidel (Equine Science), Karlee Bullerman (Goat Production), Ciara Wedmann (Landscape Management), and Jordan Sims (Swine Production-Entrepreneurship).
Derek Tieskoetter and Kamryn Werges thanked the senior class for all their leadership over the years and congratulated them on all their accomplishments. This year’s 2024 Decorah FFA seniors who were recognized include Brooke Anfinson, Cade Averhoff, Annika Brynsaas, Brody Courtney, Camren Darling, Braunwyn Darrington, Christopher Larson, Anders Lovstuen, Creed Monroe, Travis Nordheim, Jeramiah Rediske, Kayleigh Smith, Ciara Wedmann, Kolton Werges, Mara Wyatt, and Olivia Wyatt.
Annika Brynsaas presented the Star FFA Alumni and Supporters award to Cole and Ashley Horgen. Brody Courtney and Creed Monroe then recognized our 2024 Friends of Agriculture Award Recipients Mr. Brian Waskow and Mr. Dave Waskow.
The 2023-2024 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 Hubka Construction and Paul and Sue Bruvold.
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 Decorah FFA Alumni and Supporters 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, the new officer installation took place before the banquet was adjourned. The 2023-2024 officers installed the following 2024-25 officers: President – Creed Monroe to Kamryn Werges, Vice President – Brody Courtney to Eden Scheidel, Secretary – Annika Brynsaas to Karlie Einck, Treasurer – Anders Lovstuen to Gabe Monroe, Reporter – Jeramiah Rediske to Brinlee Courtney, Sentinel – Travis Nordheim to Derek Tieskoetter, and Assistant Officer – Derek Tieskoetter to Lyla Lovstuen. The officer team performed the closing ceremonies and concluded the banquet with the Pledge of Allegiance.
2024 Decorah FFA Friends of FFA Award Recipients: Mr. Brian Waskow and Mr. Dave Waskow
2024 Decorah FFA Best Record Book Winners:
Hadley Alexander, Eden Scheidel, Kiele Eberling, and Jeramiah Rediske received best record book awards.
2024 Decorah FFA Honorary FFA Degree Recipients:
Sue and Paul Bruvold received the Honorary FFA Degree. Hubka Construction was absent from the photo but also received the Honorary FFA Degree.
2024 Decorah FFA Letter Recipients: Row 1: Kamryn Werges, Ciara Wedmann, Anders Lovstuen, Creed Monroe, Kolton Werges
Row 2: Eden Scheidel, Derek Tieskoetter, Mara Wyatt, Olivia Wyatt
Ashley and Cole Horgen received the 2024 Decorah FFA Star FFA Alumni and Supporters Award
2023-2024 Decorah FFA Top 5 Fruit Sales:5th – Aiden Helgerson, 4th – Rylee Averhoff, 3rd – Karlee Bullerman, 2nd – Karlie Einck, and 1st – Jordan Sims
2024 Decorah FFA Star Award Recipients:
Gabe Monroe, Anders Lovstuen, and Creed Monroe received a 2024 Decorah FFA Star Award. Brinlee Courtney also received a FFA Star Award but was absent for the photo.
2023-2024 Decorah FFA Proficiency Award Winners Row 1: Annika Brynsaas, Creed Monroe, Jeramiah Rediske, Brody Courtney, Kayleigh Smith Row 2: Eden Scheidel, Karlee Bullerman, Ciara Wedmann, Jordan Sims
Decorah FFA members receiving the Chapter FFA Degree Row 1: Lyla Lovstuen, Raleigh Lensing, Karlie Einck, Nick Farley Row 2: Karlee Bullerman, Lauren Holthaus, Jerikah Dodd, Rylee Averhoff, Annika Schmelzer Row 3: Ryan Bigler, Henry Brynsaas, Kamryn Werges, Eden Scheidel Absent from photo: Mason Brumm, Ayden Guevara, Jacob Hageman, Kaylee Larson, Jake Teslow, Gracie Thompson, and Thea Zidlicky
Decorah FFA members receiving the Greenhand FFA Degree Row 1: Hadley Alexander, Madelynn Dahl, Andrew Carolan, Michael Clement, Aiden Helgerson Row 2: Jackson Irwin, Tristan Hunter, Mara Lovstuen, Isabella Schnitzler, Peyton Schultz Row 3: Dominick Duffield, Braden Hemesath, Karter Orris, William Kruse, Gabe Monroe, John Toby Schnitzler Absent from photo: Kale Christopher, Brinlee Courtney, William Hahn, Noah Heiselman, Ryan Rocksvold
Two Decorah Envirothon teams recently competed in the state contest held at Jester State Park near Saylorville, Iowa. Both teams had qualified for the state competition by achieving very high scores at regional competition. They, along with 13 other teams from across the state, vied for the state title and a trip to the international Envirothon contest to be held in Geneva, New York this year.
For the second year in a row, team DNR finished first at the state competition. Team members are Lucas Arendt, Connor Evelsizer, Gabriel Hiner, Anders Lovstuen, and Aiden Nalean-Carlson. By finishing first at the state contest, they have earned an expense-paid trip to New York to represent Iowa in international competition July 28th-August 3rd. The DNR team had the outright high score in the Aquatics, Forestry, Soils, and Oral Speech categories.
For the second year in a row, team Skabush also qualified to compete in state competition and finished in an impressive second place. Team members include Henry Weis, Nathan Swarbrick, Alex McGohan, Riley Berns and Carson Bohner, who won the current Issue category and finished with high scores in each of the other categories. This is the first year that Decorah teams, competing at the state level, have taken home the first and second place awards.
The Envirothon is a team competition for high school students, testing their knowledge of the natural world around them. In the field and classroom, teams of five students are challenged to use their knowledge and critical thinking skills to conduct hands-on investigations, solve real-life scenarios, and answer questions covering five categories: Aquatics, Forestry, Soils, Wildlife, and a current topic. This year’s current topic, “Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future,” required each five-member team to also prepare and present a speech outlining a designed plan with recommendations and possible solutions to meet the current topic challenges.
Advisor Larry Berland shared, “I am very proud to say that 60 awesome Decorah high school students participated in the Envirothon program this year. They offer hope for the Earth’s environment.” He continued, “A very special thank you goes out to Barb Schroeder and the Winneshiek County Conservation Board along with Conservation Districts of Iowa for their generous donations to our cause. I also want to thank parents, school administration, teachers, and a community that cares: you make our success possible.”
Envirothon State First Place Winner 24: Lucas Arendt, Aiden Nalean-Carlson, Gabriel Hiner, Connor Evelsizer, and Anders Lovstuen
Skabush at State – Second Place: Henry Weis, Carson Bohner, Alex McGohan, Nathan Swarbrick, and Riley Berns
Envirothon State Winners 24: Front row–first place team: Connor Evelsizer, Anders Lovstuen, Gabriel Hiner, Aiden Nalean-Carlson, and Lucas Arendt
Back row–second place team: Chaperone Nick Lovstuen, Carson Bohner, Nathan Swarbrick, Riley Berns, Alex McGohan, Henry Weis, and Advisor Larry Berland
Decorah Home School Assistance Program (HSAP) students Eva Kriemelmeyer and Dominic Wheeler each received significant awards at the state National History Day competition in Des Moines on April 29.
Kriemelmeyer received the Women’s History Award for best project examining a topic in women’s history. Her project, an individual performance, is titled “Amanda T. Jones’s Vacuum Sealing Method: A Turning Point in Food Preservation.”
Wheeler’s project earned a 3rd place award in the paper category and is the alternate to the national competition at the University of Maryland in June. His paper is titled “Kings, Cavalry, and Golden Apples: Jan Sobieski and the 1683 Siege of Vienna.”
National History Day is a year-long academic enrichment program that challenges students to research, develop, and present projects about historical issues, ideas, people, and events related to an annual theme. This year’s theme is Frontiers in Turning Points in History. The students are coached by HSAP coordinator Bonnie Johnson.
We appreciate all of the responses and feedback that we received through the recent community survey. This information will help the district with its elementary school planning.
On May 1st, the Decorah Community School District will be honoring employees who have served five, ten, fifteen, twenty, or even more years in the district. Among the guests will be Orabel Ehrie, a dedicated employee who has been a valued member of the transportation department for fifty years.
Ehrie started driving school bus for the district on in August of 1974. Her first route was hauling kindergarteners in a station wagon. Since then she has covered the same route with minor changes due to new enrollments. Her route covers the rural areas from Glenville to Frankville. She also shuttles the St. Benedict’s Catholic School students to and from school in the morning as well as in the evenings. She works very closely with St. Ben’s and tries to be involved in every event–from transporting them to and from mass when needed as well as field trips they request.
Some of the current district staff remember riding on Ehrie’s bus. They recall the strict rules she enforced when riding the bus–rules still in place today. She has one of the cleanest and best kept buses in the district because of these rules. She takes tremendous pride in her job and in the safety of the children she transports every day.
DHS Activities Department Manager Jacqueline Hoyme shared, “I rode her bus to go to my church for confirmation on Wednesday evenings. One day, I remember getting to the church, and she wouldn’t let us get off the bus to go to confirmation because she wanted everyone to practice an emergency evacuation drill first. We didn’t do it fast enough the first time, so she made us do it again. She was a great bus driver and knew how to keep her buses under control and her passengers well behaved!”
Shannon Quandahl, Facilitator of Instructional Technology and former St. Benedict’s 4th grade teacher, noted, “Orabel always drove my 4th grade class to all field trips during my years of teaching at St. Ben’s. She always greeted us with a smile and knew all students by name. We would often discuss the weather, farming, and family. She is one of the kindest humans I know!”
“Orabel drove me when I attended St. Ben’s,” commented 2nd grade teacher Shannon Tieskoetter. “She would pick us up at St. Ben’s and take us to our hub to find our bus to ride home. Now she drives my kids.”
The district would not be the same without employees like Orabel Ehrie.
Decorah High School’s Dakota Johnson has been selected to play in this year’s esteemed Iowa Shrine Bowl lineup. Recognized as a formidable force on the field, Johnson was a First Team All-State, First Team All-District, and First Team Academic All-District running back for Decorah for the 2023 Season. He ran for 1358 yards, averaging 8 yards per carry, and scored an impressive 21 touchdowns. He also had 21.5 tackles on defense and one interception.
In sync with the game’s honorable cause, Johnson will participate in fundraising efforts for Shriners Children’s Hospitals. Today, Shriners Children’s Hospitals offer care for a range of orthopedic issues and several other conditions. To date the Iowa Shrine Bowl has donated more than 3 million dollars to Shriners Hospitals.
Johnson is raising money through game program sponsorships and other sponsorships during the game. Those who would like to sponsor him as a person or a business can email him at 24dajo@decorah.school. His sponsorships are due by May 1. People can also donate directly to Shriners Children’s Hospitals by going online.
The game will be played on Saturday, July 20 at 4 pm at the UNI-Dome. Johnson will be playing defensive back for the North Squad and has committed to play for Wartburg College in the fall. His parents are Darin Johnson and Heather Hollar.
