Luther College and Decorah Schools – Page 16

Decorah FFA Chapter Celebrates National FFA Week 2024

February 19, 2024 Decorah Community School District

The Decorah FFA will celebrate National FFA Week from February 17 through . Throughout the week, FFA members, alumni, sponsors, and chapters all over can raise awareness about the FFA organization and the daily impact it has on its members. Agricultural education allows FFA members to achieve premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.

There are currently sixty-nine members in the Decorah FFA. The chapter organizes programs all year to help grow leaders, build communities, and strengthen agriculture. The Decorah FFA will have its annual FFA Awards Program on Thursday, , to honor all the year’s accomplishments. The general public is invited to attend. More information can be obtained by contacting any Decorah FFA member or the Decorah FFA advisor, Joni Bruvold.

The Decorah FFA Chapter works to create a positive impact on the members’ futures by preparing them with leadership skills, personal growth opportunities, and a successful career. Members have opportunities to participate in career development events and leadership development events. This past year, members have competed in various activities and contests including dairy cattle and dairy products evaluation; parliamentary procedure; conduct of meetings; public speaking contests; floriculture; livestock judging; record keeping; and attending district, state, and national convention.

Photo ID: (l-r) 2023-2024 Decorah FFA Chapter:
Row 1: Creed Monroe, Brody Courtney, Annika Brynsaas, Anders Lovstuen, Jeramiah Rediske,
Travis Nordheim, Derek Tieskoetter
Row 2: Madelynn Dahl, Hadley Alexander, Elora Schnitzler, Lyla Lovstuen, Andrew Carolan,
Mason Brumm, Aiden Helgerson, Michael Clement, Nick Farley, Karlee Bullerman, Ryan
Rocksvold
Row 3: Kiele Eberling, Ryan Bigler, Mara Lovstuen, Kamryn Werges, Mara Wyatt, Ciara
Wedmann, Karlie Einck, Peyton Schultz, Rylee Averhoff, Annika Schmelzer
Row 4: Isabella Schnitzler, Brinlee Courtney, Eden Scheidel, Lauren Holthaus, Thea Zidlicky,
Jerikah Dodd, Austin Helgerson, Kale Christopher, Kolton Werges, Cade Averhoff, Jordan Sims
Row 5: Gabe Monroe, Braden Hemesath, Logan Frye, William Kruse, William Hahn, Toby
Schnitzler, Henry Brynsaas, Dominick Duffield, Jake Teslow, Kaid Headington
Not pictured: Brooke Anfinson, Caiden Bruns, Camren Darling, Braunwyn Darrington, Ayden
Guevara, Jacob Hageman, Noah Heiselman, Tristan Hunter, Jackson Irwin, Christopher Larson,
Kaylee Larson, Blaine Leidahl, Raleigh Lensing, Rashell Lippe, Karter Orris, Hunter Quandahl,
Kayleigh Smith, Haley Stinson, Gracie Thompson, Olivia Wyatt

2.2024 Deccorah FFA Chapter Officer Team

Photo ID: (l-r) 2023-2024 Decorah FFA Officer Team
Row 1: Travis Nordheim, Sentinel; Anders Lovstuen, Treasurer; Jeramiah Rediske, Reporter;
Derek Tieskoetter, Chapter Assistant
Row 2: Brody Courtney, Vice President; Creed Monroe, President; Annika Brynsaas, Secretary

2.2024 Decorah FFA Chapter Photos 11th 12th

Photo ID: (l-r) 2023-2024 Decorah FFA 11th –12th Grade Members
Row 1: Anders Lovstuen, Elora Schnitzler, Kiele Eberling, Kamryn Werges, Mara Wyatt, Annika
Brynsaas, Ciara Wedmann
Row 2: Brody Courtney, Derek Tieskoetter, Austin Helgerson, Jordan Sims, Kolton Werges,
Jeramiah Rediske
Row 3: Logan Frye, Kaid Headington, Creed Monroe, William Hahn, Travis Nordheim, Cade
Averhoff
Not pictured: Brooke Anfinson, Caiden Bruns, Camren Darling, Braunwyn Darrington,
Christopher Larson, Blaine Leidahl, Rashell Lippe, Hunter Quandahl, Kayleigh Smith, Haley
Stinson, Olivia Wyatt

Photo ID: (l-r) 2023-2024 Decorah FFA 9th – 10th Grade Members
Row 1: Madelynn Dahl, Hadley Alexander, Lyla Lovstuen, Andrew Carolan, Mason Brumm,
Aiden Helgerson, Michael Clement, Nick Farley, Ryan Rocksvold
Row 2: Isabella Schnitzler, Brinlee Courtney, Ryan Bigler, Mara Lovstuen, Karlie Einck, Peyton
Schultz, Karlee Bullerman
Row 3: Eden Scheidel, Lauren Holthaus, Thea Zidlicky, Jerikah Dodd, Rylee Averhoff, Annika
Schmelzer
Row 4: Braden Hemesath, William Kruse, Gabe Monroe, Toby Schnitzler, Henry Brynsaas,
Dominick Duffield, Jake Teslow, Kale Christopher
Not pictured: Ayden Guevara, Jacob Hageman, Noah Heiselman, Tristan Hunter, Jackson Irwin,
Kaylee Larson, Raleigh Lensing, Karter Orris, Gracie Thompson

DecorahCSD NEW Digital Backpack

February 15, 2024 Decorah Community School District

February 15th, 2024

Dear Parents and Community Members,

We are excited to introduce the DCSD Digital Backpack, a paperless platform designed to streamline the distribution of non-district information throughout the school year. The Digital Backpack serves as a centralized hub where you can find a variety of resources, including summer camp opportunities, sports leagues, after-school activities, and upcoming events.

With the Digital Backpack, you can easily access new activities every week, providing your student with a wealth of opportunities to explore and engage with their interests outside of the classroom.

Note that all events submitted for inclusion in the Digital Backpack will be subject to approval in accordance with district policy. The posting of any event does not imply endorsement of the program by the Decorah Community School District. For more information on our distribution policies, please refer to our website: http://tinyurl.com/DCSD-DBP

We encourage you to take advantage of this convenient resource and explore the diverse array of opportunities available to our students.

DCSD Digital Backpack: http://tinyurl.com/DCSD-DBP

Submit an event: http://tinyurl.com/DCSD-DBP-Submit

Thank you for your continued support,

Tim Cronin, Superintendent

Award-winning Luther College management professor connects students with Decorah businesses for learning experiences

February 14, 2024 Luther College News

Hongxiao Yu took her students to local businesses, like Pulpit Rock Brewery, as part of her curriculum.

DECORAH, IOWA—Hongxiao Yu, assistant professor of management at Luther College, won the inaugural Excellence in Collaboration Award this year for forging connections between the college and Decorah businesses like Impact Coffee, Pulpit Rock Brewery and the Landing Market.

“Visits to local companies allows Luther students to hear firsthand the success stories and community-centric values of these businesses,” Yu said. “I want to connect the academic curriculum with real-world experiences for students.”

The award, presented by Luther and the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce, honors collaboration between Luther and the Decorah-area community. For the past two years, Yu has brought students from her management classes to meet with local companies to gain insights on how businesses operate.

“Professor Yu is extremely intentional about connecting subjects in class to local businesses,” said Samuel Scott, a senior management major who took Yu’s marketing class in spring 2023. “Her efforts to link classroom material to real life application has been integral to my learning in the management department.”

Yu also invited local managers and business leaders to share work experience with Luther students. For example, Linnea Carlson Rahlf, class of 2020 and marketing director of Decorah Area Bank & Trust Co., gave students practical advice to help guide their professional journeys.

“As a Luther alumni and Decorah employee, sharing my real-world career experience with the students was rewarding. Creating connections between the classroom and our community helps all of us grow,” said Rahlf. “Their questions were insightful, and I enjoyed the opportunity to hear what interests today’s Luther students. In life and work, we’re all always learning from each other. I appreciate Hongxiao reaching out and making the connection.”

Yu also took students to Impact Coffee.

Yu has also hosted a Lunar New Year celebration for the past two years at the Landing Market to foster cultural exchanges, where she cooked traditional Chinese food for community members to ring in the holiday. During the 2023 celebration, the event sold out.

To continue to strengthen the college and community connection, Yu joined Luther’s Center for Ethics and Public Engagement (CEPE) Advisory Board. The CEPE designs opportunities for Luther students and the community by inviting speakers, organizing book groups and hosting events.

Yu was one of 12 nominees for the award, which focused on collaborative projects between the campus and community in areas like career services, historic preservation, cultural heritage, manufacturing, small businesses, safety, tourism, research, internships and experiential learning that expanded services, added skills or enhanced the Decorah experience. Nominations for the 2025 award will open in the fall.

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.

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Luther College’s Asian Student Association and Allies celebrates 40th Anniversary with series of events this spring

February 13, 2024 Luther College News

ASAA hosted the first Dashain Festival, a Hindu festival in Nepal, at Luther College.

DECORAH, IOWA—Luther College’s Asian Student Association and Allies (ASAA) continues to celebrate 40 years on campus with a series of events including lectures, performances and a Center Stage Series concert this spring. The organization was founded in 1984 by students who were largely from Southeast Asia.

Adrianna Tam

“Today, Luther has 58 international students from 13 Asian countries, as well as Asian-American students,” said Adrianna Tam, assistant professor of music and faculty advisor to ASAA. “As a second generation Asian-American myself, I am impressed by these and all of our international students not only because I have studied abroad myself, thousands of miles from home, but also because my parents first came to this country to pursue higher education.”

Events

Campus Ministries will host an ASAA celebration chapel at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16, in the Center for Faith and Life’s Main Hall. Brian Caton, professor of history at Luther, will speak on the history of ASAA and Tam will provide musical selections.

At 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17, in Noble Recital Hall, Luther’s music department will ring in the Lunar New Year with A Thousand Tongues: An AAPI Recital with highly acclaimed AAPI musicians from the Twin Cities area along with Aurora and Collegiate Chorale. The program will celebrate Asian and Asian-American identities through song and storytelling.

Grace Ji-Sun Kim will give the Sihler Lecture, “Theology of Visibility,” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 5, in the Center for Faith and Life’s Recital Hall. In 2021, she published “Invisible,” a book on theology. Kim is also the host of Madang, a podcast which discusses topics such as Christianity, religion and culture.

At 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 10, in Noble Recital Hall, Tam will perform along with her mother, Jing-Ling Tam. Jing-Ling Tam is a professor of choral and vocal arts at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Lydia X. Z. Brown will give the Price Distinguished Lecture, “Until We All Are Free: Disability Justice Interventions in Queer, Trans, Feminist Movements,” Wednesday, March 13, at 6 p.m. in the Center for Faith and Life’s Recital Hall. Price is a queer, disabled and East Asian advocate, organizer, attorney, strategist and writer. They also serve as the director of public policy at the National Disability Institute and are the founding executive director of the Autistic People of Color Fund.

Small Island Big Song will perform for the final Center Stage Series concert of the year at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, in the CFL’s Main Hall. The collective is composed of artists and performers from 16 island nations across the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Tickets are available to purchase through the Luther Ticket Office.

History of ASAA

The ASAA was founded Feb. 14, 1984, as the Asian Student Association as a way for Asian students, who, at the time, were largely Southeast Asian refugees and first-generation immigrants from countries like Laos and Cambodia. The organization’s members aimed to advocate and organize for themselves on Luther’s campus.

The students came to Luther through an English as a Second Language (ESL) program, which was designed to help students access Luther’s liberal arts education.

The ASAA wanted to showcase their members’ cultures to the campus and Decorah community. In 1984, they organized the first Ethnic Arts Festival, featuring food, music and other performances. This event was so popular that it was celebrated annually until 2020. In the early 2000s, the group added “allies” to their name in order to include a wider audience on campus.

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Rev. Lamont Wells to deliver Black History Month Keynote Address Feb. 21

February 9, 2024 Luther College News

DECORAH, IOWA—Rev. Lamont Wells, the executive director of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU), will give the Black History Month Keynote Address at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, in the Center for Faith and Life’s Main Hall. His lecture will share insights about ecumenism, queer identity, social justice and inclusion and how these themes motivate him as a faith leader and community organizer.

“It is an honor to have Rev. Lamont Anthony Wells join us for Black History Month at Luther College. He is truly living history as the first African American to lead NECU,” said Robert Clay, chief equity and inclusion officer and assistant to the president for community engagement at Luther. “He is doing great work to move Lutheran education forward with the NECU strategic plan through the lens of belonging to ensure Lutheran colleges are truly living their missions so that all students may flourish.”

In addition to serving as executive director of NECU, Wells is also a United Nations Fellow fighting for human rights around the world. His address is part of a series of Black History Month events on Luther’s campus this month.

Wells earned his bachelor’s in sociology and religion from Morehouse College 1995 before receiving his Master of Divinity and master’s in Christian education degrees from Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta in 2003.

Before being named NECU’s executive director, Wells served as program director for ELCA campus ministry and as president of the African Descent Lutheran Association.

Established in 2015, NECU connects the ELCA’s 26 colleges and universities to promote their shared mission and identity.

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DCSD, Police and Sheriff Departments Issue Joint Statement Regarding Decorah Motorists Illegally Passing School Buses

February 9, 2024 Decorah Community School District

Tricia Thein, Decorah Chief of Police; Dan Marx, Winneshiek County Sheriff; and Tim Cronin, DCSD Superintendent, have received a steady stream of reports from school bus drivers indicating that several vehicles have been illegally passing school buses, jeopardizing the lives of students.

This week, Decorah bus drivers reported four stop-arm violations.

Thein, Marx, and Cronin want to emphasize in the strongest possible terms that passing a school bus with its stop arm extended is not only illegal but also incredibly dangerous. They stated, “The safety of our children is paramount, and we cannot tolerate reckless behavior that puts their lives at risk.”

The Decorah Community School District buses are equipped with cameras that capture these violations, and the footage is promptly turned over to the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office, Decorah Police Department, and Iowa State Patrol. Offenders will be identified, and appropriate legal actions–including fines–will be taken against them. Fines for school bus stop-arm violations range from $345-$930, and offenders WILL lose their license for 30 days upon conviction—for the first offense.

“We urge all drivers in Winneshiek County to be vigilant, patient, and considerate on the roads, especially during school hours,” Thein, Marx, and Cronin continued. “Please share this message with your family, friends, and neighbors to raise awareness about the

gravity of this issue. Let us work together as a community to ensure the safety and well-being of our children. By respecting the stop arm on school buses, we can create a secure environment for our students to learn, grow, and thrive.”

16 DHS performances nominated to Large Group Speech All-State Festival, Tying School Record

February 7, 2024 Decorah Community School District

Decorah High School students participated in the Northeast State Large Group Speech Contest hosted at Dubuque Senior High School on February 3. Judges at the state contest selected 16 of Decorah High School performances as outstanding, tying the school record. These performances are honored with the coveted All-State Speech nomination to be part of the All-State Speech Festival, which will include performances by the best speech students from across the state of Iowa.

Twelve of the Decorah High School groups nominated will perform at the festival on February 17 at Iowa State University. More information about the festival, including a schedule, can be found at https://www.ihssa.org/contests/large-group/all-state/.

Being designated a non-performing group at All-State is as special of an honor as performing; however, scheduling limitations prevent all nominees from performing.

DHS speech students are coached by Molly Holkesvik, Gabriel Twedt, Carrie Kauffman, Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks, Lyra McKnight, and Annika Krieg.

The directors remarked, “We are thrilled with the results of these All-State nominations. Our students worked hard, performed well, and supported one another passionately throughout the season. We are a part of a very competitive region of the state, which makes these nominations even more meaningful. We look forward to celebrating all of our nominees at the festival next weekend.”

DHS speech groups nominated as an All-State Honoree include two choral readings, one ensemble acting, two group improvs, one group mime, two solo mimes, two musical theaters, one radio broadcasting, a readers theater, three television newscasting, and a one-act play.

Cast lists for those groups performing are as follows:

Choral Reading “The Eras of Taylor Swift” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Annika Krieg.

Participants include Alex McGohan, Julia Severtson, Lexy Walker, Paige Wrightsman, Hannah Arendt, Natalie Goodner, Kaylie Wemark, Caden Branum, Bethany Hanson, Evon Leitz, Nathan Swarbrick, Liz Pritchard, Grace Blikre, and Caleb Johnson.

9th grade Choral Reading “Walt’s Guide to a Happily Ever After” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Annika Krieg.

Participants include Lulu Bellrichard, Thatcher Brown, Clarence Nimrod, Lawrence Christman, Emma Cline, Ava Hanson, Naomi Kutz, Myla Leitz, Jayden Lundtvedt, Carter Riley, Oliva Rissman, Isis Timm, and Jillian Volz.

Group Improv was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks, and Lyra McKnight.

Group One: Anders Lovstuen, Henry Weis, Oliver Brummel, and Beau Newhouse

Group Two: Joe Stammeyer, Tommy Hammel, and Jack Sovern

Solo Mime “Midnight Madness” by Jensen Korsness was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Gabriel Twedt, and Carrie Kauffman.

Solo Mime “Magnificent Malvolio’s Mishaps” by Nat Roberts was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Gabriel Twedt, and Carrie Kauffman.

Musical Theater “Tick, Tick…Boom” was directed by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie Kauffman.

Participants include Connor Evelsizer, Bethany Hanson, Ezra Vorvick, Libby Phillips, Hayley Stowe, Oliver Brummel, Gwen Thompson, and Lucas Hanson.

Radio Broadcasting “KWAK” was directed by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie Kauffman.

Participants include Tommy Hammel, Camryn Holland, Lily Sandhorst, Addison Wicklund, Alex McGohan, Hannah Arendt, and Jerald Thompson.

Readers Theater “The House in the Cerulean Sea” was directed by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie

Kauffman.

Participants include Sydney Kipp, Abbie Valkosky, Henry Weis, Greta Jones, Annika Keefe, Nora Lesmeister, Davis Coppola, Ansel Kowitz, McKenzie Riley, Mikayla Hiner, Jameson LaBelle, Klara Kelly, Luke Arendt, and Elliana Brodbeck.

Television Newscasting “Close Encounters: Strangers from Space” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabriel Twedt.

Participants include Naomi Pedlar, Caden Branum, Braunwyn Darrington, Simon Kutz, Brynn Storhoff, Nathan Swarbrick, Sam Cline, Peter Essa, Gwen Thompson, Eily Hegdahl, Liz Pritchard, Paige Wrightsman, Mara Branum, and Natalie Goodner,

Television Newscasting “Breaking Barriers: The Rise of Girls Wrestling” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabriel Twedt.

Participants include Jack Sovern, Kamryn Steines, Will Robinson, Beau Newhouse, Annaleissa Arnold, Karmyn Bakken, Grant Zilka, Jensen Korsness, Naomi Simon, Ana Simon, Leah Holland, Kelby Kerndt, and Lauren Luzum.

One Act Play “She Kills Monsters” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks and Gabriel Twedt.

Participants include Kathryn Kelly, Elliana Brodbeck, McKenzie Riley, Ezra Vorvick, Gabriel Hiner, Libby Phillips, Julia Severtson, Hayley Stowe, Annika Keefe, Andy Kruger, June Breitenbach-Dirks, Nora Lesmeister, Kaylie Wemark, and Cody Carolan.

The following have been selected as outstanding non-performing at the All-State Festival:

Ensemble Acting “The Day the Internet Died” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks.

Participants include Davis Coppola, Karmyn Bakken, Kathryn Kelly, Klaara Short, Liam Chamberlain, and Lucas Hanson.

Group Mime “Night at the Art Museum” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks and Lyra McKnight.

Participants include Brynn Storhoff, Kathleen Delphey, Anopa Mtisi, Evynne Downing, Camryn Holland, and Ariana Albert.

Musical Theater “Newsies” was directed by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie Kauffman.

Participants include Mikayla Hiner, Jameson LaBelle, Caleb Johnson, Andy Krueger, Abbie Valkosky, Gabriel Hiner, June Breitenbach-Dirks, and Elsa Christman.

9th grade Television Newscasting “Iowa Roots: Indigenous Heritage” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabriel Twedt.

Participants include Lulu Bellrichard, Thatcher Brown, Sawyer Courtney, Thomas Davis, Ava Hanson, Kaelyn Kuhn, Clarence Nimrod, Kyan Oftedahl, Carter Riley, Oliver Rissman, Nina Sessions, Claire Storhoff, and Colin Thompson.

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Photo ID: Eras of Taylor Swift Choral Reading

Front Row (l-r): Kaylie Wemark, Hannah Arendt, Julia Severtson, Grace Blikre, Caleb Johnson, and Lexy Walker

Back Row (l-r): Natalie Goodner, Paige Wrightsman, Evon Leitz, Liz Pritchard, Caden Branum, Alex McGohan, Nathan Swarbrick, and Coach Molly Holkesvik

Missing from photo: Bethany Hanson and Coach Annika Krieg

325C58E6 7E9C 4995 834E C52BD7A61F39 1 201 a

Photo ID: 9th grade Choral Reading: Walt’s Guide to a Happily Ever After

Front Row (l-r): Coach Molly Holkesvik, Isis Timm, Naomi Kutz, Jayden Lundtvedt, Emma Cline, Jillian Volz, and coach Annika Krieg

Back Row (l-r): Ava Hanson, Oliva Rissman, Lawrence Christman, Clarence Nimrod, Carter Riley, Thatcher Brown, Lulu Bellrichard, Myla Leitz

DHS Speech Participants Perform Well at State Contest

February 7, 2024 Decorah Community School District

Decorah High School speech students participated in State Large Group Speech Contest on Saturday, February 3rd, held at Dubuque Senior High School.

The performers had an excellent showing, earning 24 Division I ratings out of 27 entries. The ninth-grade team performed in 6 entries, while the varsity team performed in 22 entries.

“Our students did a wonderful job representing our school. They worked hard and performed with poise, professionalism, and personality. We are extremely proud of them. They continue to bring so much to the speech program and our community,” remarked the directors.

All-State nominations will be released later this week.

Cast lists for the varsity groups who received a “I” rating at state contest are as follows:

Choral Reading “The Eras of Taylor Swift” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Annika Krieg.

Ensemble Acting “The Day the Internet Died” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks.

Participants include Davis Coppola, Karmyn Bakken, Kathryn Kelly, Klaara Short, Liam Chamberlain, and Lucas Hanson.

Ensemble Acting “The Yellow Boat” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Annika Krieg.

Participants include Anders Lovstuen, Evon Leitz, Ezra Harman-Wood, Klara Kelly, Peter Essa, and Grace Blikre.

Group Improv was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks, and Lyra McKnight.

Participants performed in three groups.

Group One: Anders Lovstuen, Henry Weis, Oliver Brummel, and Beau Newhouse

Group Two: Joe Stammeyer, Tommy Hammel, and Jack Sovern

Group Three: Liam Chamberlain, Greta Jones, Ansel Kowitz, and Nat Roberts