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.
DECORAH, IOWA—President Jenifer K. Ward announced to the Luther College community today her intention to retire as president at the end of June 2025. Ward became president of Luther on July 1, 2019, and at the time of her retirement, she will have served in the role for six years.
President Jenifer K. Ward.
In a message to the campus, Ward expressed her appreciation to the Luther community and her desire to maintain momentum in implementing the College’s key strategic initiatives.
“My love for Luther is deep and genuine, and I so appreciate the challenging and collaborative work this campus community has undertaken together over the past several years to address the rapid changes in higher education and move Luther College forward as a place of faith and learning for current and future generations of students,” Ward said. “For Luther to successfully execute these strategic initiatives requires us to ensure the college has the resources in place to support these programs and projects, and we have worked diligently to establish the foundation for the college’s next comprehensive campaign. Given the importance of this multi-year effort, I recognize that presidential transitions are best accomplished at the beginning or end of campaigns, but not in the middle. Both I and our Board of Regents share a common aim, which is to ensure that we continue to achieve Luther’s strategic objectives, especially bringing the first phases of our campus master plan to fruition to enhance the student experience at Luther. It has been a joy to see how planning for the renovation of the fieldhouse and reimagining Preus Library as a student learning commons have generated excitement on our campus and among our alumni.”
“On behalf of the Board of Regents, I want to express our gratitude to President Ward for her exemplary service and for putting the best interests of Luther College front and center through careful succession planning,” Chair Bob Paulson said. “We appreciate the timing of President Ward’s decision to retire, which allows the Regents to immediately begin the process of identifying her successor in a thoughtful way. The Regents will discuss and determine the process, next steps and timeline to identify and select Luther’s 12th president and will update the college communities following our regularly scheduled meeting in May. We are grateful for President Ward’s leadership throughout her tenure. One of her indelible legacies is her ability to communicate the vision and mission of the college, which has inspired families, friends, and alumni of Luther to generously share their gifts and invest in the college’s future.”
Notable among President Ward’s initiatives were deepening the attention to a holistic approach to student education and success, including collaborating with the college faculty and academic leadership to reorganize Luther’s academic curriculum, introducing an integrated student services area under the Provost, and uniting academic affairs, student engagement and student success.
“When I began my academic career some 44 years ago, I never envisioned that I would one day have the opportunity to serve as the president of Luther College,” Ward said. “My life has been so enriched, challenged and transformed by my time here. I look forward to continuing to engage with the broader Luther community over the next year as we advance this great college. Luther’s fabric is strong, and I know my successor will be equally blessed by how our people care for the “Luther blue” thread that pulls through it.”
About Luther College
At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.
DECORAH, IOWA—Two Luther College students, Esther Bitijula and Mansur Kasali, received grants through Projects for Peace, a global program that partners with educational institutions to identify and support young peacebuilders. The $10,000 grants will fund the students’ innovative community-centered projects in their hometowns this summer.
Bitijula, a junior majoring in psychology and social work, will empower young women with physical disabilities in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo. Kasali, a first-year majoring in economics and international studies, will teach youth in Ibadan, Nigeria, the skills to fight against cybercrime.
Since 2007, Luther students have initiated and led 23 different summer Projects for Peace programs in locations across the globe, according to Jon Lund, director of international admissions and Luther’s liaison to the Projects for Peace program office. The two projects selected this year represent the 24th and 25th summer projects and the first ever in Nigeria and the DRC.
“Esther and Mansur are both great examples of the types of liberally educated, purposefully engaged, and globally minded students we educate at Luther every year,” Lund said. “I am proud of both of them and am confident that their summer projects for peace will make a difference in the communities in which they work and serve.”
Esther Bitijula “United Gifted Young Women: Fights Against Ableism” in the DRC
Esther Bitijula
Bitijula’s project, “United Gifted Young Women: Fights Against Ableism,” will focus on women ages 18–25 with physical disabilities by providing themwith technical skills – like sewing – and computer skills, as well as mentors.
The goals are to enable economic independence for the young women, provide a safe space for women to talk about their experiences, and foster a sense of community.
Bitijula was inspired by witnessing what happened when a family friend was impacted by a physical disability.
“Growing up, I witnessed a sudden and dramatic change in the life of a close family friend who lost her leg due to a road accident,” Bitijula said. “She was immediately fired from her job and was deemed a burden to her family, as she could no longer provide for their basic needs and needed constant health attention.”
She will work with the organization Maman Shujaa (Hero Women Rising), which was started by a woman who has a physical disability resulting from a polio infection when she was young.
“I’ve always been passionate about making an impact on my community and empowering women,” Bitijula said. “Coming to Luther and learning about the Projects for Peace, this was a great opportunity to use the money toward making an impact.”
Mansur Kasali “Empowering Youth Against Cybercrimes in Nigeria”
Mansur Kasali
Kasali’s project, “Empowering Youth Against Cyber Crimes in Nigeria,” will create long term initiatives to navigate the digital world and combat cyber crime. He will work with juniors in high school during his project, providing classes and mentorship.
Cyber crime organizations will often recruit young people, like high school students, into schemes, and Kasali wants to provide these students with the knowledge and tools to understand when they are being recruited for cybercrimes.
“I want to teach young people about all the positive capabilities of technology,” Kasali said. “This is an opportunity to teach students how to hone skills that they can bring into the future.”
Part of his funds will provide technological equipment to the school, including laptops and SmartBoards, as well as educate them on both the advantages and drawbacks of technology. Kasali wants the program to produce digitally literate young people.
Students who successfully complete the initiative in school will have the opportunity to job shadow accomplished individuals in the Nigerian tech industry.
About Luther College
At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.
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.
The Decorah Band Department will be presenting their Spring Concert on Thursday, April 25 at 7:30 pm in the high school auditorium. At this concert, the Percussion Choir will present the debut performance of “Through Perseverance We Continue,” composed by Iowa’s own Cory J. McBride. Generously funded by the Decorah Music Boosters, this piece stands as a heartfelt tribute to the memory of Jerry “JD” Dean and Erick Fadness.
Mr. Bliven states, “After a significant hiatus, the band department embarked on a journey to commission a piece of music. Last spring, our quest led us to seek a composition with profound meaning, one that would serve as a heartfelt tribute to the memory of JD and Erick. It was then that the idea of a percussion choir piece emerged as the perfect embodiment of our intentions. With eager anticipation, I reached out to Cory, inviting him to craft a remembrance piece, a task to which he graciously committed. Thanks to the unwavering support of the Decorah Music Boosters, our vision became reality, offering our students a unique opportunity to honor these two great humans. As the performance draws near, our percussionists have poured their dedication into mastering this piece, ensuring it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of JD and Erick.”
The Concert Band will also be performing the final movement of Robert W. Smith’s “The Divine Comedy,” “Song for Lyndsay,” “Danse Bohemien,” “Danse Carnivale,” “Chorale and Shaker Dance,” and special performances from the Saxophone Quartet and Percussion Quintet. Bliven commented, “It’s going to be a great night of music, and we are looking forward to performing.”
The Decorah FFA competed at the 96th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference on April 15th and 16th at Iowa State University in Ames. Twenty-one Decorah FFA members attended this year’s conference, including Hadley Alexander, Annika Brynsaas, Brinlee Courtney, Brody Courtney, Madelynn Dahl, Braunwyn Darrington, Kiele Eberling, Karlie Einck, Anders Lovstuen, Lyla Lovstuen, Mara Lovstuen, Creed Monroe, Gabe Monroe, Travis Nordheim, Jeramiah Rediske, Eden Scheidel, Isabella Schnitzler, Derek Tieskoetter, Kamryn Werges, Kolton Werges, and Thea Zidlicky.
Results on State Qualifying Events
Annika Brynsaas, the 2023-2024 secretary of the Decorah FFA, submitted the Decorah FFA Secretary’s book for the state evaluation. The book received a gold rating and was awarded as the state champion. Brynsaas was recognized on the main stage and presented with a plaque.
Anders Lovstuen, 2023-2024 treasurer of the Decorah FFA, submitted the Decorah FFA treasurer’s book. The book received a gold rating and was awarded as the 3rd place treasurer’s book. Lovstuen was recognized on the main stage during the first general session.
Jeramiah Rediske, the 2023-2024 reporter of the Decorah FFA, submitted the Decorah FFA Reporter’s Book for the state evaluation. The book received a gold rating, and he was recognized on the main stage during the first general session.
Anders Lovstuen competed in the ag sales individual leadership development event. He received a gold rating and was recognized on the main stage during the first general session.
Proficiency Awards
Decorah FFA had six members submit a proficiency application this year. Brody Courtney was named the state winner in Dairy Production Entrepreneurship. Courtney’s proficiency was recognized during the second general session. Other members who submitted a proficiency application to state included Annika Brynsaas–Ag Sales Placement, gold rating; Creed Monroe–Ag Services Placement, silver rating; Jeramiah Rediske–Beef Production Entrepreneurship, silver rating; Kayleigh Smith–Dairy Production Placement, gold rating; and Jordan Sims–Swine Production, bronze rating. These awards are based on Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) and the skills that have been developed through these experiences.
State Ag Skills Career Development Event
The Ag Sales Team, consisting of Anders Lovstuen, Gabe Monroe, Madelynn Dahl, and Mara Lovstuen, received a silver rating.
The Poultry Evaluation team received a silver rating. Members of this team include Travis Nordheim, Eden Scheidel, and Thea Zidlicky. This career development event is designed to provide the students an opportunity to evaluate chickens and poultry products as well as test their general poultry management knowledge.
The FFA Greenhand Quiz was taken by Hadley Alexander and Isabella Schnitzler. This is a quiz based on members showcasing their knowledge about the FFA organizations. Alexander and Schnitzler both received silver ratings.
Iowa FFA Degree
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 seven members of the Decorah FFA received this honor: Annika Brynsaas, Brody Courtney, Kiele Eberling, Anders Lovstuen, Jeramiah Rediske, Kayleigh Smith, and Kolton Werges.
Stars Over Iowa
Jeramiah Rediske was named the 2024 Star in Iowa Agriculture Production state winner. This award category is based on an entrepreneurship/ownership Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program in a production agriculture area. Rediske keeps records from his beef cattle operation.
State FFA Officer
Creed Monroe ran for state FFA office and was elected to serve as the Iowa FFA State Northeast District Vice President. As a State FFA Officer, Monroe will embark on a journey of personal and professional growth, collaborating with fellow officers, advisors, and stakeholders to advance the goals of the FFA organization.
Additional Contest Results and Activities
The Decorah FFA Chapter earned a gold rating in the National Chapter Award Program and will advance to the national evaluation. The National Chapter Award program is a contest designed to encourage chapters to plan activities and carry them out with a successful program of activities. Chapters are recognized for outstanding achievement in the areas of student development, chapter development, and community development. Derek Tieskoetter 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 attended the career show. Braunwyn Darrington competed in the FFA talent show, Brinlee Courtney participated in Massing of the Flags, Eden Scheidel served as a state courtesy corps member, and Karlie Einck and Kamryn Werges served as the chapter’s delegates and attended the state FFA association’s business session.
The chapter also volunteered for one of the shifts with the Iowa FFA Service Project by helping the Iowa FFA Association package 200,000 meals. These meals will be donated to help those in need.
Twenty-one Decorah FFA members attended the 96th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference at the Iowa State University Campus in Ames.
Creed Monroe: Iowa FFA State Northeast District Vice President
Jeramiah Rediske was named the 2024 Star in Iowa Agriculture Production state winner
Annika Brynsaas, the 2023-2024 secretary of the Decorah FFA, submitted the Decorah FFA Secretary’s book for the state evaluation. The book received a gold rating and was awarded as the state champion.
Anders Lovstuen competed in the ag sales individual leadership development event. He received a gold rating and was recognized on the main stage during the first general session.
Brody Courtney was named the state winner in Dairy Production Entrepreneurship.
The Decorah FFA chapter is proud to announce that one of its own members has been elected to serve as a 2024-2025 Iowa State FFA Officer. Creed Monroe was elected to serve as the Iowa FFA State Northeast District Vice President.
This prestigious achievement exemplifies the leadership, dedication, and passion for agriculture demonstrated by Creed Monroe, a shining example of the bright future of the agricultural industry. As a State FFA Officer, he will assume a pivotal role in guiding the direction of the organization, advocating for agricultural education, and empowering FFA members to reach their full potential.
“We are thrilled to see Creed elected as a State FFA Officer,” said Joni Bruvold, Decorah FFA Advisor. “This achievement is a testament to his remarkable leadership abilities, dedication to the FFA mission, and commitment to serving others. He has been a leader within our chapter throughout his time as a FFA member by serving as the chapter president, committee and division chair, and by serving as a student coach to help members prepare for leadership and career development events. We believe that he will continue to make us proud in his new role as a state FFA officer, and he will continue to enhance his leadership and communication skills.”
As a State FFA Officer, Monroe will embark on a journey of personal and professional growth, collaborating with fellow officers, advisors, and stakeholders to advance the goals of the FFA organization. He will have the opportunity to engage with FFA members from diverse backgrounds, cultivate relationships with industry partners, and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Monroe is the third Decorah FFA member to be elected as an Iowa FFA State Officer. Other Decorah FFA members who have been elected as an Iowa FFA Officer include Aric Yaw, 2003-2004, and Gabe Twedt, 2006-2007.
Creed Monroe: Iowa FFA State Northeast District Vice President
The 2024 Stars Over Iowa Winners were announced at the 96th Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference at Iowa State University on . One Star Over Iowa was selected in each of four different areas: Agricultural Placement, Agribusiness, Agriscience, and Agricultural Production.
Jeramiah Rediske of the Decorah FFA Chapter is the 2024 Star in Agriculture Production winner. This award category is based on an entrepreneurship/ownership Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program in a production agriculture area.
Rediske is in charge of a beef production operation where he has 60 head of registered and commercial cattle. He produces market and breeding stock animals both to grow his herd and to make a profit. He currently has 44 breeding cows and heifers, 2 bulls, and 14 commercial feeder calves. He has also been able to buy some of his own equipment to improve his operation. In addition, he has been buying different minerals and feeds to make his cattle more efficient. Rediske’s future plans for this operation is to grow enough to turn it into a full-time occupation. He would also like to expand his feedlot and potentially buy more cattle to fill it as well as obtaining more breeding stock and calving in more cows.
In FFA his freshman year, Rediske competed at the state level in job interview and earned third place with his conduct of the meetings team. After graduation, he will be attending Buena Vista University studying agriculture business and animal science as well as playing soccer at the collegiate level.
“This award represents a significant achievement within the FFA as it reflects on the quality of Jeramiah’s supervised agricultural experience (ag work-based learning) and his FFA involvement,” remarked Decorah FFA Advisor Joni Bruvold. “We couldn’t be prouder of him for this extraordinary accomplishment. His commitment to excellence in his supervised agricultural experiences and his contributions to our FFA chapter have been outstanding. We eagerly anticipate witnessing his continued growth and success, particularly in expanding his beef cattle operation.”
Rediske is the son of James and Amy Rediske. His chapter advisor is Ms. Joni Bruvold. His high school principal is Mr. Brad Hurst, his activities director is Mr. Adam Riley, and his superintendent is Dr. Tim Cronin.
The Stars Over Iowa program is made possible with support from Beck’s Hybrids through the Iowa FFA Foundation. The National FFA Foundation sponsors cash awards for the overall star winners.
Star Over Iowa Finalist and State Winner – Jeramiah Rediske
Superintendent Dr. Cronin, James Rediske, Jeramiah Rediske, Amy Rediske, Advisor Joni Bruvold
