Author: Decorah Community School District

Decorah High School’s individual speech participants—coached by Molly Holkesvik, Gabriel Twedt, Carrie Kauffman, Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks, Lyra McKnight, and Annika Krieg—competed Saturday, March 9th, at Hampton-Dumont High School. Out of Decorah’s 58 performances, 50 received I (excellent) ratings.

On Monday, March 11th, the following 14 Decorah students were selected as All-State performers for the Individual All-State Festival, which will be held at the University of Northern Iowa on Monday, March 25th.

Alex McGohan: Public Address 

Anders Lovstuen: Radio News Announcing 

Andy Kruger: After Dinner Speaking 

Caleb Johnson: Improvisational Acting 

Corina Timm: Spontaneous Speaking 

Ezra Vorvick: After Dinner Speaking 

Hayley Stowe: Acting 

Jensen Korsness: Reviewing 

June Breitenbach-Dirks: Solo Musical Theatre 

Libby Phillips: Solo Musical Theatre 

Lucas Hanson: Expository Address

Mikayla Hiner: Acting 

Natalie Goodner: Expository Address 

Simon Kutz: Radio News Announcing (Kutz has been named to the Individual All-State Festival in this category all four years of high school)

Results for Decorah State Speech Performers Grades 10-12

Receiving a I (excellent) rating:

Original Oratory: Kamryn Steines, Braunwyn Darrington, Klara Kelly

Public Address: Alex McGohan, Grace Blikre

Expository Address: Natalie Goodner, Lucas Hanson, Lily Sandhorst

Storytelling: Brynn Storhoff

Prose: Evynne Downing, Klaara Short, Luke Arendt

Poetry: Kathryn Kelly, Spencer Rix, Davis Coppola

Review: Bethany Hanson, Jensen Korsness, Elliana Brodbeck

Literature Program: Hannah Arendt, Evon Leitz

Solo Musical: Libby Phillips, Gwen Thompson, June Breitenbach-Dirks

Acting: Hayley Stowe, Julia Severtson, Mikayla Hiner

After Dinner Speaking: Greta Jones, Andy Kruger, Ezra Vorvick

Spontaneous Speaking: Gabriel Hiner, Corina Timm, Nat Roberts

Radio News: Simon Kutz, Anders Lovstuen

Individual Improv: Joe Stammeyer, Caleb Johnson

Receiving a II (good) rating:

Public Address: Faith Meyer

Literary Program: Annika Keefe

Results for Decorah State Speech Performers Grade 9

Receiving a I (excellent) rating:

Public Address: Thomas Davis

Prose: Grace Stockman, Emma Cline

Poetry: Grace Stockman

Review: Emma Cline

Solo Musical: Noah Potvin, Vivian Searcy, Colin Thompson

Acting: Margaret Hahn, Jillian Volz

After Dinner Speaking: Spencer Christensen, Noah Potvin, Olivia Volkmann

Radio News: Olivia Rissman

Receiving a II (good) rating:

Original Oratory: Ava Hanson

Radio News: Oskar Swanson

Storytelling: Isis Timm, Teagan Menke

Expository Address: Colin Thompson

Individual Improv: Thomas Davis

The coaches shared, “We are incredibly proud of our students. They continue to give great performances backed by hard work, talent, and focus. It has been a great season for our Decorah speech students.”

Coach Molly Holkesvik with Lucas Hanson, All-State in Expository Address

Coach Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks with Ezra Vorvick, All-State in After Dinner Speaking

Alex McGohan, All-State in Public Address with Coach Lyra McKnight

State Speech Participants Grace Blikre,  Kamryn Steines, and  Lily Sandhorst

State Speech Participants Spencer Rix, Braunwyn Darrington , Bethany Hanson, Evynne Downing, and Coach Molly Holkesvik

Decorah Middle School 7th and 8th graders will present “A Night of Plays” on Thursday, March 14, at 7:00 p.m. in the Carrie Lee auditorium. The program will include several short plays and comedic monologues.

The public is cordially invited to attend this night of great fun. There is no charge for admission. 

Photo ID: 

Front row  (l-r): Keegan Joyce, Sofia Hageman, Veda Shimek, Emma Neebel, Kimberly Mejia Junech, Lailyn McGrath

Back row (l-r): Laylah Schissel, Nils Peterson, Xavier Ahrndt, Autumn Wagner, Nathaniel Crose, Claire Ko, Lula McAbee

Not pictured: Anna Severtson

On Sunday, March 5^th, the Decorah High School and Decorah Middle School Special Olympics teams traveled to Cedar Falls to compete in the Northeast Iowa Regional Track and Field event. At this event, Decorah athletes competed in shot put, softball throw, tennis ball throw, standing long jump, sprints, and walks. DHS junior Haley Stinson was selected to carry the torch on the final leg of the Opening Ceremony of the games and light the Olympic flame.

            Competing and placing for Decorah High School were Donnie Hrdlicka, who placed 2^nd in the long jump and 5^th in the 50 meter dash; Kamryn Leuenberger, who placed 1^st in the tennis ball throw and 1^st in the 50 meter walker race; John Lippe, who placed 1^st in the shot put and 4^th in the 50 meter dash; and Klaressa Miller, who placed 1^st in the 50 meter walk and 1^st in the shot put. Also competing were Wyatt Pleggenkuhle, who placed 1^st in the 50 meter walk and 2^nd in the shot put; Braden Ramstad, who placed 1^st in the shot put and 2^nd in the 50 meter dash; Jude Ryan, who placed 1^st in the 50 meter dash and 2^nd in the shot put; Haley Stinson, who placed 1^st in the long jump and 2^nd in 100 meter dash; and Brandon Thomas, who placed 2^nd in the shot put and 4^th in the 50 meter dash.

            Competing and placing for Decorah Middle School include Daniel Bean, placing 3^rd in the 100 meter dash and 3^rd in the shot put; Johnathan Bean, placing 1^st in the 100 meter dash and 2^nd in the shot put; Aiden Farley, placing 1^st in the 50 meter dash and 1^st in the long jump; Zoey Lollar, placing 1^st in the 50 meter dash and 2^nd in the softball throw; and Sky Pasche, placing 1^st in the softball throw and 3^rd in the 50 meter dash. Luke Thompson also participated representing the middle school.

            The Decorah Schools Special Olympics teams would like to thank their teacher, paraprofessionals, and parents for making a great day happen for them. The high school athletes would also like to thank Mike Tangen for teaching them how to throw a shot put and Gina Holthaus for her assistance in their runs and jumps. 

Decorah High School Special Olympic Athletes (l-r):  Kamryn Leuenberger, Braden Ramstad, Donnie Hrdlicka, Haley Stinson, Brandon Thomas, Wyatt Pleggenkuhle, Klaressa Miller, Jude Ryan and John Lippe.

Decorah Middle School Special Olympics Athletes (l-r): Luke Thompson, Sky Pasche, Aiden Farley, Zoey Lollar, Johnathan Bean and Daniel Bean.

Decorah High School junior Haley Stinson lights the Olympic Flame after the final leg of the torch carry.

Decorah High School’s individual speech participants—coached by Molly Holkesvik, Gabriel Twedt, Carrie Kauffman, Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks, Lyra McKnight, and Annika Krieg—competed Saturday, February 24th, at West Delaware High School in Manchester. Around 56 students participated in the contest. Out of Decorah’s 65 performances, 58 received I (excellent) ratings.

The directors shared, “Our students did an incredible job representing our school. They brought their talent, professionalism, and poise to district contest. We are so proud and excited to see what happens at state contest.”

State contest will be held at Hampton-Dumont High School on Saturday, March 9th.

Results for Decorah Speech Performers Grades 10-12

Receiving a I (excellent) rating:

Original Oratory: Kamryn Steines, Braunwyn Darrington, Klara Kelly

Public Address: Alex McGohan, Faith Meyer, Grace Blikre

Expository Address: Natalie Goodner, Lucas Hanson, Lily Sandhorst

Storytelling: Brynn Storhoff

Prose: Evynne Downing, Klaara Short, Luke Arendt

Poetry: Kathryn Kelly, Spencer Rix, Davis Coppola

Review: Bethany Hanson, Jensen Korsness, Elliana Brodbeck

Literature Program: Hannah Arendt, Annika Keefe, Evon Leitz

Solo Musical: Libby Phillips, Gwen Thompson, June Breitenbach-Dirks

Acting: Hayley Stowe, Julia Severtson, Miky Hiner

After Dinner Speaking: Greta Jones, Andy Kruger, Ezra Vorvick

Spontaneous Speaking: Gabriel Hiner, Corina Timm, Nat Roberts

Radio News: Simon Kutz, Anders Lovstuen

Individual Improv: Joe Stammeyer, Caleb Johnson

Receiving a II (good) rating:

Radio News: Karmyn Bakken

Storytelling: Henry Weis, Ariana Albert

Individual Improv: Lexy Walker

Results for Decorah Speech Performers Grade 9

Receiving a I (excellent) rating:

Original Oratory: Ava Hanson

Public Address: Thomas Davis

Expository Address: Colin Thompson

Storytelling: Teagan Menke, Isis Timm

Prose: Grace Stockman, Emma Cline

Poetry: Grace Stockman

Review: Emma Cline

Solo Musical: Noah Potvin, Vivian Searcy, Colin Thompson

Acting: Margaret Hahn, Jillian Volz

After Dinner Speaking: Spencer Christensen, Noah Potvin, Olivia Volkmann

Radio News: Olivia Rissman, Oskar Swanson

Individual Improv: Thomas Davis

Receiving a II (good) rating:

Acting: Isis Timm

Expository Address: Margaret Hahn

Original Oratory: Vivian Searcy

The Decorah FEC (Family, Educator, and Community Organization) recently hosted its second annual Elementary Dance Party.  Over 460 students and family members enjoyed an evening of dancing, glow sticks, and popsicles.  

FEC President Shanna Putnam Dibble expressed gratitude for the Luther football team who volunteered at this event, as well as for all the FEC volunteers and district employees who made the event possible. Dibble noted, “The FEC is proud to support events such as this where educators and families come together for a night of engagement and fun. The smiles on our students’ faces–and their epic dance moves–say it all!”

Associate elementary principal Dana Bockman shared, “Whether it’s volunteering in the classroom, reading regularly with your child, attending FEC meetings, or simply showing up to events like the dance party, parent involvement makes a difference. It sends a powerful message to our students that their education matters and that they have a team of supporters cheering them on every step of the way. Decorah elementary schools are committed to continuing to work together with our families to create a nurturing environment where every child can reach their full potential. Our dedicated FEC is integral in supporting events that strengthen that partnership. We are incredibly thankful for their efforts.”

Twenty-one Decorah FFA members participated at the Northwest Sub-District FFA Leadership Development Events on Monday, at Crestwood High School. The chapter competed in nine leadership development events and one quiz contest. 

The chapter advanced in six contests, with five of those contests receiving first place and one contest receiving second place.  Contests receiving first place with a gold rating and advancing to districts include Ag Broadcasting: Kiele Eberling; Ag Sales: Anders Lovstuen; Conduct of Meetings: Gabe Monroe, Brinlee Courtney, Madelynn Dahl, Andrew Carolan, Mara Lovstuen, Hadley Alexander, and Aiden Helgerson; Extemporaneous Speaking: Kamryn Werges; and Job Interview: Creed Monroe.

The chapter parliamentary procedure team received second place with a silver rating and also advanced to districts. Team members include Rylee Averhoff, Jerikah Dodd, Lyla Lovstuen, Annika Schmelzer, and Thea Zidlicky.

The chapter also competed in the following leadership development events: Chapter Program: Travis Nordheim and Eden Scheidel – 3rd place, silver rating, alternate to districts; Creed Speaking: Jackson Irwin – 4th place, gold rating, alternate to districts; and Public Speaking: Braunwyn Darrington – silver rating.

The Decorah FFA had one member participate in the Greenhand Quiz, an FFA knowledge exam. Isabella Schnitzler received second place in the Greenhand Quiz contest.

The Decorah FFA will now compete at the District FFA Convention on Saturday, March 9^th at Waukon High School. The convention will begin at 9 a.m., and the public is invited to attend. 

Photo ID:

Front row (l-r): Lyla Lovstuen, Madelynn Dahl, Hadley Alexander, Brinlee Courtney, Andrew Carolan

Second row (l-r): Anders Lovstuen, Braunwyn Darrington, Eden Scheidel, Isabella Schnitzler, Mara Lovstuen, Aiden Helgerson, Kamryn Werges, Kiele Eberling

Third row (l-r): Rylee Averhoff, Jerikah Dodd, Annika Schmelzer, Travis Nordheim, Thea Zidlicky, Jackson Irwin, Creed Monroe, Gabe Monroe

Decorah High School musicians from the 7 O’Clock Jazz Band, directed by Matthew Cody, will be joining forces with the Middle School Jazz Band, directed by Emily Hahn, to share their talents at a Jazz Coffeehouse Friday, March 1, in the high school cafeteria. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and music starts at 7 p.m. 

Coffee from Impact Coffee and desserts prepared by Decorah Community School District Executive Chef Chad Elliott will be available. A free will donation with a suggested price of $5 for one dessert and a beverage is appreciated to support music in Decorah schools. The public is cordially invited to join in the fun, relaxed atmosphere.

In January the Decorah High School Concert Choir and Claiborne Treble Singers performed as the featured choirs at the Wartburg College Meistersinger Honor Choir Festival. The choir performed for 600 Midwest high school singers and their teachers in the finale concert; present was a collective audience of 1200. Each year at the festival a reputable guest high school choral program is selected by college officials to sing solo performances at the concert, sing in the festival chorus, work with Wartburg choir directors, and learn from the featured composer. This year’s featured composer was Craig Hella Johnson, a professional composer and choral director based in Austin, Texas. He is the Grammy award winning conductor of the professional choir Conspirare. 

Decorah High School choir director Jason Rausch commented, “Our students had a truly meaningful experience at Wartburg College. They were incredible people and musicians throughout the day, leaving a positive impression on all. I could not have been prouder. Thanks to all who made this day possible at DHS and Wartburg.”

Lee Nelson, Director of Choral Activities at Wartburg College, wrote this in an email the following day to the DHS singers: “It is rare to come across a group of people, especially from one high school, who share such a deep passion for music paired with the requisite work ethic to create the level of performance and, more importantly, the clarity of message you so beautifully displayed at the finale concert. You displayed a level of maturity, poise, and musicality that was a model for all of us. You sang with depth of tone, beautiful phrasing, and careful attention to expressive musicality. But what was most remarkable to me was the sincere kind hearts, grateful smiles, and humble spirits that I encountered when I visited with you.”

Claiborne Treble Singers

Concert Choir

(l-r): Decorah Choir Director Jason Rausch, Wartburg Choir Director Nicki Toliver, Composer Craig Hella Johnson, Festival Coordinator Sarah Bouska, Wartburg Choir Director Lee Nelson