Category: Luther College and Decorah Schools

To build community between elementary and high school students, Sylvia and Lily Sandhorst created the Stuffed Animal Sleepover Project for all students in second grade at John Cline Elementary School. Each student chooses an animal to bring to the DHS library, and as a class they walk to the high school where they are met by high school volunteers, including National Honor Society members. The second graders get the opportunity to read with the high school students as well as share important information about their stuffed animal, including their names and how to care for them. 

When the second graders return across the street to John Cline, the high school students create and document “sleepover experiences” for the animals, including roasting marshmallows, reading books, playing games, and even catching the critters being unruly. Students have caught the animals taking pictures of their faces on the copy machine and ordering pizza online. 

To share the escapades of the animals with their owners, Sylvia and Lily Sandhorst, with the help of Britann Mettille, create a slideshow to share with each class.

Gabe Twedt, second grade teacher and high school speech coach, showed his students the slideshow and shared this with Shannon Horton, teacher librarian for Decorah High School and Decorah Middle School: “This was amazing. You brought so much joy to their faces. I loved seeing my high schoolers and 2nd graders intermingling with a love of reading.”

Horton added, “The high school students are clearly having as much fun as the 2nd graders!  It’s really such a privilege to have the elementary school in such close proximity.” 

“This has provided such a great opportunity for high school students to connect with those younger than them and take the lead on helping the second graders become more excited about all the opportunities in school. It’s a really great thing to be a part of,” remarked Lily Sandhorst.

Senior volunteer Britann Mettille shared, “I am glad to be part of this project because I get to share my love of reading and the high school library. But most of all, I love seeing the second graders’ faces when they describe what their stuffed animals like, don’t like, and their favorite hobbies. 

“I think my favorite part of this has been the opportunity to share the high school library with younger kids, said Sylvia Sandhorst. “It’s so different from the John Cline Library, and I love seeing the kids’ faces when they walk in. Yes, getting to take pictures of their animals is really fun, but getting to share one of my favorite parts of our school with them and getting them excited for high school (in a few years) has been my favorite part.”

Decorah High School speech students participated in State Large Group Speech Contest on Saturday, February 4th held at Waterloo West High School. Judges at the state contest selected ten of Decorah High School students’ performances as outstanding; these performances are honored with the coveted All-State Speech nomination. The DHS students comprising these groups will travel to the Iowa State University campus in Ames to perform at the All-State Festival on Saturday, February 18th. Complete results and ticket information can be found on the IHSSA website at https://www.ihssa.org/contests/large-group/all-state/.

“We are incredibly proud of our students’ accomplishments so far this season. Their talent and hard work are reflected in their nominations. We can’t wait to see them be recognized at the All-State Festival,” remarked the directors.

The All-State nominations are as follows:

Ensemble Acting “The Complete History of America (Abridged)” was directed by Lyra McKnight. 

Participants include Libby Phillips, Evon Leitz, Ezra Vorvick, Grace Blikre, Rebecca Kane, and Lucas Hanson.

Ensemble Acting “The Spot” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks. Participants include Leslie Campbell, Peter Essa, Ethan Stravers, Danielle Rix, Gwen Thompson, and Elliana Brodbeck.

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

Group One: Adam Jones, Anders Lovstuen, Ansel Kowitz, Jack Sovern, and Alex Irwin.

Group Two: Henry Weis, Abbie Valkosky, Joe Stammeyer, Tommy Hammel, and Brynn Storhoff.

Solo Mime “The Assis-STUNT” by Ramsey Zilka was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Gabe Twedt, and Carrie Kauffman.

Musical Theater “Come from Away” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman.

Participants include Gabriel Hiner, Libby Phillips, Jake Magner, Max Wilson, Rebecca Kane, Ezra Vorvick, Alex Kane, and Sally Laybourn.

One Act Play “New Normal” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks and Gabe Twedt. 

Participants include Bella Bishop, Jenna Hartz, Alex Kane, Ada Lovelace, Ellen Rooney, Kathryn Kelly, Hayley Stowe, Elliana Brodbeck, McKenzie Riley, Margret Zook, Camryn Holland, and Danielle Rix.

Readers Theater “Starcatcher” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. 

Participants include Bella Bishop, Sophia Christman, Carter Kowitz, Jake Magner, Michael Njus, Ethan Stravers, Sydney Kipp, Abbie Valkosky, Henry Weis, Oliver

Brummel, Greta Jones, Ramsey Zilka, McKenzie Riley, Grant Zilka, and Rebecca Anderson.

TV News “Iowa Wild: Off the Grid” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabe Twedt.

Participants include Simon Kutz, Corina Timm, Paige Wrightsman, Easton Luzum, Liz Pritchard, Annaleissa Arnold, Lillian Jensen, Caden Branum, Jack Sovern, Brynn Storhoff, Luke Arendt, Ansel Kowitz, Paige Werner, Daniel Skrade, and Andy Kruger.

TV News “Vanished: The Search for Jodi Huisentruit” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabe Twedt. 

Participants include Diep Doan, Kaeley Downing, Lily Iverson, Karmyn Bakken, Grace Neal, Ellen Rooney, Kamryn Steines, Thea Schissel, Kealy Hines, Bridget Bentley, Braunwyn Darrington, Sydney Kipp, Rebecca Bruening, and Addison Wicklund.

By Morgan Moen, Decorah FFA Reporter

The Decorah FFA will celebrate National FFA Week from February 18 through . Throughout the week, FFA members, alumni, sponsors, and chapters all over the country will 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.

“FFA has expanded from just being about agriculture and farming. Our chapter is always looking to pursue more activities and recruit new members. As a chapter, we encourage everyone to engage in FFA week activities,” said president Creed Monroe.

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 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; agronomy; food science; nursery landscaping; ag mechanics; floriculture; livestock judging; record keeping; soil judging; and attending the district, state, and national conventions. The chapter organizes programs all year to help grow leaders, build communities, and strengthen agriculture.

There are currently sixty-two members in the Decorah FFA. The group will have its annual FFA Awards Program on Thursday, , to celebrate 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.

Decorah High School speech students participated in State Large Group Speech Contest on Saturday, February 4th held at Waterloo West High School.

The performers had a great showing, earning 24 Division I ratings out of 28 entries. The ninth-grade team performed in 5 entries, and the varsity team performed in 23 entries. 

“We are overwhelmingly proud of the performances our students brought to the contest. It has been a wonderful season watching these students work together to create unique works of art,” remarked the directors.

All-State nominations will be released late afternoon on Monday.

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

Choral Reading “The Power of Words” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks. 

Participants include Aya Hawthorn, Junior Battle, Elsa Johnson, Margret Zook, Annika Keefe, Sylvia Sandhorst, Julia Schwarz, Luke Arendt, Bethany Hanson, Gabriel Hiner, Jensen Korsness, Simon Kutz, Grace Blikre, Corina Timm, and Natalie Goodner.

Ensemble Acting “The Spot” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks. Participants include Leslie Campbell, Peter Essa, Ethan Stravers, Danielle Rix, Gwen Thompson, and Elliana Brodbeck.

Ensemble Acting “Bullies Anonymous” was directed by Lyra McKnight. Participants include Rebecca Bruening, Kathryn Kelly, Lexy Walker, Davis Coppola, Klaara Short, and Nathan Swarbrick.

Ensemble Acting “The Complete History of America (Abridged)” was directed by Lyra McKnight. 

Participants include Libby Phillips, Evon Leitz, Ezra Vorvick, Grace Blikre, Rebecca Kane, and Lucas Hanson.

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

Participants performed in three groups. 

Group One: Adam Jones, Anders Lovstuen, Ansel Kowitz, Jack Sovern, and Alex Irwin.

Group Two: Henry Weis, Abbie Valkosky, Joe Stammeyer, Tommy Hammel, and Brynn Storhoff.

Group Three: Liam Chamberlain, Greta Jones, Lily Sandhorst, Oliver Brummel, and

Beau Newhouse.

Group Mime “Rumors” was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Carrie Kauffman, and Lyra

McKnight. 

Participants include Jensen Korsness, Sophia Christman, Grace Neal, Thea Schissel, Max Wilson, and Sally Laybourn.

Solo Mime “The Assis-STUNT” by Ramsey Zilka was directed by Molly Holkesvik,

Gabe Twedt, and Carrie Kauffman.

Musical Theater “Mean Girls” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman.

Participants include Ella Grouws, Jenna Hartz, Hayley Stowe, Elsa Johnson, Ada

Lovelace, Gwen Thompson, Annalise Skrade, and Elayna Hook.

Musical Theater “Come from Away” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman.

Participants include Gabriel Hiner, Libby Phillips, Jake Magner, Max Wilson, Rebecca Kane, Ezra Vorvick, Alex Kane, and Sally Laybourn.

One Act Play “New Normal” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks and Gabe

Twedt. 

Participants include Bella Bishop, Jenna Hartz, Alex Kane, Ada Lovelace, Ellen Rooney, Kathryn Kelly, Hayley Stowe, Elliana Brodbeck, McKenzie Riley, Margret Zook, Camryn Holland, and Danielle Rix.

Radio Broadcasting “KOLD” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. 

Participants include Amelia Dugger, Grace Hoyland, Sylvia Sandhorst, Anders Lovstuen, Alex McGohan, Britann Mettille, Karmyn Bakken, and Lillian Jensen.

Radio Broadcasting “KQNA” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. 

Participants include Evynne Downing, Camryn Holland, Davis Coppola, Easton Luzum, Lily Sandhorst, Nathan Swarbrick, Addison Wicklund, and Hannah Arendt.

Readers Theater “Starcatcher” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. 

Participants include Bella Bishop, Sophia Christman, Carter Kowitz, Jake Magner, Michael Njus, Ethan Stravers, Sydney Kipp, Abbie Valkosky, Henry Weis, Oliver

Brummel, Greta Jones, Ramsey Zilka, McKenzie Riley, Grant Zilka, and Rebecca

Anderson.

Short Film “Run, Hide, Fight” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Lyra McKnight. 

Participants include Liam Chamberlain, Annalise Skrade, Annaleissa Arnold, Bethany Hanson, Faith Meyer, Liz Pritchard, Beau Newhouse, Caden Branum, Amelia Dugger, Ella Grouws, Grace Hoyland, Mya Redenius, Caleb Krieg, Evynne Downing, and Evon Leitz.

Short Film “Reflections” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Lyra McKnight. 

Participants include Kamryn Steines, Hannah Arendt, Chloe Chyle, Klaara Short, Diep Doan, Braunwyn Darrington, Lucas Hanson, Paige Werner, Andy Kruger, Annika Keefe, Ryan Sibley, Kealy Hines, Joe Stammeyer, and Daniel Skrade.

Short Film “Soar” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Lyra McKnight. 

Participants include Nev Harper, Bailey Donaldson, Adam Jones, Thomas Esslemont, and Jakob Maret.

TV News “Vanished: The Search for Jodi Huisentruit” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabe Twedt. 

Participants include Diep Doan, Kaeley Downing, Lily Iverson, Karmyn Bakken, Grace Neal, Ellen Rooney, Kamryn Steines, Thea Schissel, Kealy Hines, Bridget Bentley, Braunwyn Darrington, Sydney Kipp, Rebecca Bruening, and Addison Wicklund.

TV News “Iowa Wild: Off the Grid” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabe Twedt.

Participants include Simon Kutz, Corina Timm, Paige Wrightsman, Easton Luzum, Liz Pritchard, Annaleissa Arnold, Lillian Jensen, Caden Branum, Jack Sovern, Brynn Storhoff, Luke Arendt, Ansel Kowitz, Paige Werner, Daniel Skrade, and Andy Kruger.

Cast lists for other varsity groups who performed at state contest are as follows:

Group Mime “Jen’s Big Day” was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Carrie Kauffman, and Lyra McKnight. 

Participants include Chloe Chyle, Brinley Krivachek, Mya Redenius, Lily Iverson, Kaeley Downing, and Jorja Folkedahl.

Group Mime “Paycheck Please” was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Carrie Kauffman, and Lyra McKnight. 

Participants include Britann Mettille, Paige Wrightsman, Natalie Goodner, Faith Meyer, and Julia Schwarz.

Solo Mime “Oh Snap!” by Rebecca Anderson was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Gabe Twedt, and Carrie Kauffman.

Cast lists for the 9th grade groups receiving a “I” rating state contest are as follows:

Musical Theater “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. 

Participants include Ariana Albert, June Breitenbach-Dirks, Elsa Christman, Caleb Johnson, Ezra Harman-Wood, Mikayla Hiner, and Jameson LaBelle.

Radio Broadcasting “KLRS” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. 

Participants include Carson Bohner, Trevor Kuennen, Madysen Lippe, Caden

Malanaphy, and Mitchell Stemper.

Readers Theater “The Complete Works of Harry Potter (Abridged)” was directed by

Molly Holkesvik, Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks, and Gabe Twedt. 

Participants include Ariana Albert, June Breitenbach-Dirks, Elsa Christman, Caleb Johnson, Ezra Harman-Wood, Mikayla Hiner, Klara Kelly, Nora Lesmeister, Kaylie Wemark, and Willow Shroyer.

Short Film “Alone” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Lyra McKnight. 

Participants include Carson Bohner, Karlee Bullerman, Marri Feuerhelm, Madysen Lippe, Lyla Lovstuen, Caden Malanaphy, Will Robinson, Annika Schmelzer, Kaylie Wemark, Mara Branum, and Alina Tallier.

Cast lists for other 9th grade groups who performed at state contest are as follows:

TV News “Breaking Barriers: The Extraordinary Life of Chris Norton” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabe Twedt. 

Participants include Will Duder, Karlee Bullerman, Trevor Kuennen, Jameson LaBelle, Nora Lesmeister, Lyla Lovstuen, Will Robinson, Naomi Pedlar, Kendal Quam, Willow Shroyer, Annika Schmelzer, Mara Branum, and Mitchell Stemper.

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In early December, 20 Decorah High School students entered pieces of artwork into the Scholastic Art Awards. The Regional results were posted last week, and three of the students were award winners.

Mason Brown received the Gold Key award in the Photography category. His photo is titled “In the eye of the beholder.” Elayna Hook’s drawing “Snail Mail” received the Gold Key in the Drawing & Illustration category. Clairissa Huffman received a Silver Key award in the Drawing & Illustration category for her submission titled “Maggie.”

Both Brown and Hook won the top award for their category, so they will move onto the National Awards which will be announced in late March. 

DHS art instructor Erik Dutcher remarked, “These students have worked really hard this past semester, and it’s great to see that hard work be rewarded! This is the first time we’ve had students move on to the national competition, so that adds an extra level of excitement.”

Wisconsin Singers, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s premier Broadway-caliber touring production, is taking the stage for its 55th season show Something’s Coming! The group features captivating vocals, stunning choreography, the beloved eight-piece Wisconsin Singers band, and that ever-contagious Badger spirit all on one stage. This spectacular performance by UW’s most talented students will premiere at the Decorah High School auditorium on Sunday, February 12 at 2:00 p.m. This is a must-see show that will entertain the entire family.

Something’s Coming! celebrates the anticipation of life’s biggest moments and encourages audiences of all ages to find a reason to dance, discover something they love, and hold on to what they believe in. Come enjoy the thrill of live music with decades of American pop, jazz, rock, and Broadway hits in ninety-minutes of non-stop energy. 

Covering more than forty songs in their fast-paced show, the Wisconsin Singers highlight some of the music industry’s greatest artists like Prince and Katy Perry, as well as blockbuster movies like Footloose and Disney’s Encanto. The ensemble will win your heart with award-winning Broadway showstoppers from musicals such as West Side Story and Moulin Rouge. Badger fans will bring the house down as they sing along to Fifth Quarter classics like “On Wisconsin,” “Varsity,” and “Jump Around.” To cap off this memorable production, the celebrated Wisconsin Singers’ band showcases its special blend of jazz, funk, and classic rock like never before. Something’s Coming! is guaranteed terrific entertainment for the whole family.

“We’re excited to be hosting the Wisconsin Singers for an up-beat, entertaining show that features Decorah’s own Joseph Courtney,” remarked Jason Rausch, DHS vocal music teacher. “Featuring an opening performance by the Decorah HS Madrigal Singers,” Rausch continued,“this event promises to entertain everyone from age five to 95.”

Tickets will be available at the door for a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for students. The show is sponsored by the Decorah Music Boosters. Contact Jason Rausch at Decorah High School with any questions.

The Decorah High School chapter of the National Honor Society inducted 52 new members during its annual induction ceremony Monday, January 30, at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

This year’s program included speeches by the NHS officers: Ella Grouws, Annalise Skrade, Rebecca Anderson, Sally Laybourn, and Ellen Rooney.  Music featured included an orchestra ensemble and a performance by the Madrigal Singers.

In order to be inducted into the National Honor Society, a student must have maintained a minimum 3.5 grade point average and must have demonstrated effective leadership, scholarship, character, and service. Members are selected by a committee of faculty members after a review of applications.

The new National Honor Society senior inductees for this year are Jaden Baker, Casey Brickley, Benson Newhouse, Brock Taylor, and Benjamin Wymer.

The new National Honor Society junior inductees include Brooke Anfinson, Lucas Arendt, Annaleissa Arnold, Brady Bohner, Caden Branum, Annika Brynsaas, Grace Brynsaas, Cody Carolan, Brock Christensen, Olivia Christopher, Peter Essa, Jorja Folkedahl, Lydia Frank, Madelyn Fromm, Bethany Hanson, Brody Hanson, Brayden Hartl, Gabriel Hiner, Elayna Hook, Kathryn Kelly, Sydney Kipp, Simon Kutz, Evon Leitz, Danielle Losen, Anders Lovstuen, Alexander McGohan, Lydia Monreal-Rice, Creed Monroe, Aidan Nalean-Carlson, Brenna Parker, Liberty Phillips, Elizabeth Pritchard, Jeramiah Rediske, Danielle Rix, Naomi Simon, Joseph Stammeyer, Brynn Storhoff, Grace Stortz, Will Teslow, Corina Timm, Fisher Tweten, Abbie Valkosky, Ciara Wedmann, Henry Weis, Yazmeen Whitsitt, Paige Wrightsman, and Kaiden Youngblood.

Current National Honor Society members include Julia Alberts, Rebecca Anderson, Kyleigh Batterson, Justin Berlage, Lange Betts, Isabella Bishop, Ethan Bockman, Hailey Bohr, Hailey Bower, Rebecca Bruening, Lydia Caddell, Leslie Campbell, Sophia Christman, Amelia Dugger, Bryar Duwe, Ella Grouws, Sydney Hageman, Nev Kairi Harper, Jenna Hartz, Dahlyn Headington, Madison Heim, Erik Hjelle, Ethan Holthaus, Grace Hoyland, Amy Jensen, Alexandra Kane, Jackson Knoke, Brinley Krivachek, Sally Laybourn, Franklin Lesmeister, Ada Lovelace, Jacob Magner, Britann Mettille, Rachel Mikkelson, Morgan Moen, Sami Mount, Nathaniel Myers, Grace Neal, Michael Njus, Kortni O’Connell, Kylie O’Hara, Julia Phillips, Mya Redenius, Chloe Reiser, Ellen Rooney, Autumn Schaller, Thea Schissel, Carter Schmelzer, Hannah Schnitzler, Mairi Sessions, Annalise Skrade, Daniel Skrade, Ethan Stravers, Gareth Sweet, Jaden Weis, Addison Wemark, Paige Werner, Max Wilson, and Emma Wold.

Liz Fox and Shannon Horton are the faculty advisers of the Decorah chapter of the National Honor Society at Decorah High School.

On Monday, January 23, the Decorah High School Jazz Band, nicknamed the 7 O’Clock Jazz Band, traveled to Charles City to participate in the Iowa High School Music Association State Jazz Festival. Under the direction of Director Matthew Cody, the ensemble performed a set of contrasting music for three expert judges who rated the musicians on style and general ensemble playing. The 7 O’Clock Jazz Band earned the highest rating–Division I or Superior–from each of the three experts. This marks the 9th straight Division I rating for the DHS jazz program. 

The band’s musicians and instruments they play are as follows: alto saxophones Brenna Parker and Benson Newhouse; tenor saxophones Grant Zilka and Morgan Moen; baritone saxophones Carter Kowitz and Henry Weis; trumpets Aitor Cuevas, Joe Stammeyer, Liz Pritchard, Andy Kruger, and Cody Carolan; trombones Max Wilson and Lucas Hanson; drum set Alex McGohan and Liam Chamberlain; bass Ezra Vorvick; piano Gabe Hiner and Natalie Goodner; vibraphone Natalie Goodner; and guitar Oliver Brummel. 

“I was very pleased with how the band performed on Monday evening and how hard they’ve worked so far this season,” said Director Matthew Cody. 

An opportunity exists to see the jazz bands in concert.  On Friday, March 3^rd, the Decorah band program will host its annual Jazz Coffeehouse Concert at the high school featuring the middle school jazz band and the 7 O’Clock Band. The public is invited to attend.