Category: Luther College and Decorah Schools

Two DHS seniors named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Today officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of over 16.000 Semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, and two Decorah High School students, Justin Berlage and Diep Doan, are among those honored.  These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring.  

High school students entered the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which serves as an initial screen of the program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test. 

Today officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of over 16.000 Semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, and two Decorah High School students, Justin Berlage and Diep Doan, are among those honored.  These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring.  

High school students entered the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which serves as an initial screen of the program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test. 

NMSC, a not-for-profit organization, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Diep Doan and Justin Berlage
DHS National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists (l-r): Diep Doan and Justin Berlage

DCSD receives grant for therapeutic classroom and resources

The Decorah Community School District was recently one of ten school districts in the state of Iowa to receive a Therapeutic Classroom Incentive Grant from the Iowa Department of Education.  John Cline and Carrie Lee Elementary Schools received $266,000 in grant funding for a therapeutic classroom and supports. The Therapeutic Classroom Grant is part of a statewide effort to increase mental health supports for children, youth, and families.

Therapeutic classrooms and resources are designed to provide support for any student whose emotional, social, or behavioral needs interfere with their ability to be successful in the current educational environment. 

Grant writer Shanna Putnam Dibble shared that the funds will be utilized for a variety of social, emotional, and behavioral health supports, including classroom and curriculum materials, professional development for staff, and family and community learning opportunities and engagement.

Putnam Dibble states, “Now, more than ever, our students and families need social, emotional, and mental health supports, and the earlier that we provide these supports and resources, the better for all involved.  This funding will enhance our efforts across our elementary schools to support the social and emotional needs of our students and families, ensuring all students have the skills and resources they need to be successful in school and throughout life.”

The Decorah Community School District was recently one of ten school districts in the state of Iowa to receive a Therapeutic Classroom Incentive Grant from the Iowa Department of Education.  John Cline and Carrie Lee Elementary Schools received $266,000 in grant funding for a therapeutic classroom and supports. The Therapeutic Classroom Grant is part of a statewide effort to increase mental health supports for children, youth, and families.

Therapeutic classrooms and resources are designed to provide support for any student whose emotional, social, or behavioral needs interfere with their ability to be successful in the current educational environment. 

Grant writer Shanna Putnam Dibble shared that the funds will be utilized for a variety of social, emotional, and behavioral health supports, including classroom and curriculum materials, professional development for staff, and family and community learning opportunities and engagement.

Putnam Dibble states, “Now, more than ever, our students and families need social, emotional, and mental health supports, and the earlier that we provide these supports and resources, the better for all involved.  This funding will enhance our efforts across our elementary schools to support the social and emotional needs of our students and families, ensuring all students have the skills and resources they need to be successful in school and throughout life.”

“All students need support and resources that meet their individual needs,” said Iowa Department of Education Director Ann Lebo. “The therapeutic classroom grants help schools build upon their great work to promote the overall well-being of students. I commend this year’s awardees and their community partners for their plans to grow and strengthen a continuum of therapeutic supports so that every student has the support they need to succeed.”

Luther College celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with events and guest lecture

Luther College will be recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month with events and a special guest lecture by Dr. Andrés Espinoza Agurto. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the public is invited to celebrate Hispanic American individuals with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. 

 

For more than 40 years, Hispanic Heritage Month (also known as LatinX Heritage Month) has been a national celebration. It is important we highlight and show appreciation for the rich history, heritage and contributions of the LatinX community throughout our nation and beyond. In the U.S., the LatinX population has reached over 60 million in 2020, making them the nation’s second-fastest-growing racial or ethnic group after Asian Americans. The growth and impact of this vibrant community are evident and should be honored.

 

Dr. Robert Clay, chief equity and inclusion officer, Luther College

At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, in Olin 102 on the Luther College campus will be a special guest lecture titled “Salsa Consciente: Politics, Poetics, and Latinidad in the Meta-Barrio” by Dr. Andrés Espinoza Agurto. Agurto is an associate professor of music at Florida Atlantic University. His research focuses on the Salsa Consciente movement that exploded in the 1970s and the impact of salsa music on social and political identities within Latino and Latin American communities.

“Dr. Andrés Espinoza Agurto’s lecture will provide an opportunity for the campus community to learn firsthand of the unique relationship between music and the arts and their influence on creating social justice movements,” said Clay. 

 Prior to Agurto’s lecture, on Wednesday, Sept. 21, there will be a day dedicated to learning opportunities through various cultural engagement efforts such as chapel, film screenings, cuisine and the arts. Film showings include “Viva La Causa,” “Banana Land: Blood, Bullets, and Poison” and “America First: The Legacy of an Immigration Raid.” There will also be Hispanic-themed food served in the Cafeteria and music in Bentdahl Commons on this day. 

Other events include La Merienda or “the snack” of coffee and sweet bread at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, in the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support and a spoken word performance by Chibbi at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12, in Marty’s. For more information on all Hispanic Heritage Month events visit luther.edu/events.

About Luther College

Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who 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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Decorah High School Celebrates Homecoming Week

Students at Decorah High School are preparing for a week’s worth of activities to celebrate Homecoming 2022.  

Homecoming week activities will commence with the Viking Olympics on Sunday, September 11, at Decorah High School. Viking Olympics aims to develop camaraderie and encourage team building among students across all grade levels. Each of the ten teams competing will consist of two boys and two girls from each grade level. They will compete against each other in trivia, kickball, bags, and tug of war. Proceeds from the Viking Olympics will be donated to a charity of the students’ choice.  

The student body’s choice for Homecoming king and queen will be revealed at the coronation ceremony on Friday afternoon, September 16, in the Decorah High School auditorium. 

Queen candidates from the senior class include Rebecca Bruening, daughter of Keith and Amy Bruening; Sophia Christman, daughter of Robert and Victoria Christman; Ella Grouws, daughter of David and Jennifer Grouws; Ellen Rooney, daughter of Dave and Annette Rooney; and Annalise Skrade, daughter of Paul and Miriam Skrade.

King candidates from the senior class include Jaden Baker, son of James and Wendy Baker; Ethan Bockman, son of Jason Bockman and Tonyia Seiler; Erik Hjelle, son of John and Tracy Hjelle; Jackson Knoke, son of Fred and Amy Knoke; and Benjamin Wymer, son of Curt and Sarah Wymer.

Junior class attendants are Hayley Stowe, daughter of Haywood and Erika Stowe, and Peter Essa, son of Jared and Tracy Essa.

Representing the sophomore class as attendants are Leah Holland, daughter of Steve and Krista Holland, and Grant Zilka, son of Keith and Jessica Zilka.

Lauren Luzum, daughter of Brian and Jennessa Luzum, and Trevor Kuennen, son of Ted and Nicholle Kuennen, will represent the freshman class.

A pep rally will immediately follow the coronation. The Homecoming parade will start at 2:30 p.m. at the high school and follow the traditional homecoming parade route down West Water Street and River Street.

It will be a clash on the gridiron as the Decorah Vikings take on the Comets of Charles City on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. The Decorah freshman football team will play at 5:00 p.m. 

The Homecoming queen and king, their court, and their parents will be presented at halftime of the varsity game, along with a performance by the Decorah High School Pride of the Vikings marching band.

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DHS Homecoming Attendants (l-r): Freshmen Lauren Luzum and Trevor Kuennen, Sophomores Leah Holland and Grant Zilka, and Juniors Hayley Stowe and Peter Essa
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DHS Homecoming Court: Front row (l-r): Ellen Rooney, Annalise Skrade, Sophia Christman, Ella Grouws, and Rebecca Bruening
Back row (l-r): Ben Wymer, Jaden Baker, Ethan Bockman, Erik Hjelle, and Jack Knoke

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Attendants and Court: Front row (l-r): Freshmen Lauren Luzum and Trevor Kuennen, Sophomores Leah Holland and Grant Zilka, and Juniors Hayley Stowe and Peter Essa
Middle row (l-r): Ellen Rooney, Annalise Skrade, Sophia Christman, Ella Grouws, and Rebecca Bruening
Back row (l-r): Jack Knoke, Jaden Baker, Ethan Bockman, Ben Wymer, and Erik Hjelle

Luther College Center Stage Series presents: The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass

At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, the Luther College Center Stage Series presents The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass in the Main Hall of the Center for Faith and Life. The premier large brass ensemble performs music that “breaks genre barriers” in venues across the world. From jazz to Bach, this is a concert experience that has something for everyone. 

“As an ensemble, they strive to reflect the diversity of American culture and believe that music is a gift to be created and enjoyed by all,” said Kristen Underwood, director of campus programming. “One of our brass faculty at Luther told me he couldn’t be more thrilled with this addition to the season, saying ‘Rodney is an outstanding person and a brilliant performer.’ I’m thrilled to open our season with this illustrious ensemble.”

Since its beginnings on the streets of New Orleans, The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass strives to create connection between the audience and performers. The group is especially dedicated to encouraging the world’s youth to reach for their dreams, as Rodney was encouraged to do as a child. The brass players will engage with a select group of Luther Music students in the afternoon, before performing for the public in the evening. 

Note that this date was originally scheduled for “An Evening with Branford Marsalis.” Due to complications from a knee injury, Branford will not be touring this fall. This performance is sponsored in part by Gundersen Health System. 

The highly creative and talented chefs on the Norse Culinary Team invite you to partake in the Center Stage Dinner Series before the show. The dinners feature a multi-course menu to complement each performance. A separate ticket is required. All meals begin at 5:30 p.m. in Peace Dining Room on the second floor of Dahl Centennial Union. Additionally, the Luther Book Shop offers “Sip and Shop” before each performance. Present your ticket for a complimentary glass of wine and browse the selection before the show.

Both dinner and show tickets are on sale through Luther’s Ticket Office and online at tickets.luther.edu, by emailing tickets@luther.edu or by calling (563) 387-1357.

About Luther College

Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who 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 students awarded Kuh and Krahn Family Awards

Jack Bell ’25 and Kaylee Martin ’23 have been awarded the Kuh Family “Positively Luther” Award and the Krahn Family Student Life Service Award respectively for their contributions to the Luther community and participation in activities that embrace the spirit and mission of Luther College.

Kuh Family “Positively Luther” Award

Established in 2015 by George D. Kuh ’68, Warren R. Kuh ’74, and Kristian R. Kuh ’97, the “Positively Luther” award is given each year to a student whose character, leadership and participation in co-curricular and other educationally purposeful activities enhance the quality of campus life. Jack Bell ’25 is receiving this award for his commitment to uplifting others while being a multiple sport athlete and excelling in his academics. He is also working towards improving mental health access and awareness on campus. 

Bell is a member of the men’s soccer team, the men’s swimming and diving team, and is a member of the American Rivers Conference Student Athlete Advisory Board. His swimming and diving coach, Aaron Zander, encouraged Bell to apply for this award. 

“Jack is Luther, through and through. He is one of the most positive, outwardly passionate and caring individuals I’ve had the chance to coach,” says Zander. “He motivates his teammates and classmates in everything he’s a part of. Combine that with high outcomes in the pool and the classroom – Jack exemplifies what Luther stands for.”

Bell, an exercise science major with a leadership studies minor, says he is honored to be receiving this award. Because his academics and athletics take most of his time, he looks for ways to give back and encourage others in his day-to-day. 

“I set out to find ways to be better. I found ways to help team chemistry and to work in the Decorah community with classes,” says Bell. “I’m trying to learn from everyone I can, and I hope that sets an example for others. Being awarded ‘Positively Luther’ after one year here makes me believe my efforts have been worthwhile. It’s reassuring to know the school I picked for college believes in, recognizes and rewards many of my values.” 

Krahn Family Student Life Service Award

The Krahn Family Student Life Service Award was established in 2013 by Roger A. ’68 and Laurie Krahn and recognizes a student who makes a positive impact on student life. Kaylee Martin ’23, a social work major, was nominated by multiple faculty and staff members for her commitment to helping others. 

“Kaylee is a determined, self-sufficient individual who actively contributes to the well-being of others. Her work with individuals with disabilities and as a mentor with Helping Services showcases the value she places on serving others in the community,” says Heather Cote, student achievement specialist. 

“Kaylee has impressed her social work instructors by her immense drive and deep commitment to social justice and to creating a campus that is safe for all and a place where everyone can grow and thrive,” said Andy Eastwood, assistant professor of social work. 

Martin is building an impressive resume. On campus, she is the vice president of the Luther College Social Work Association, vice president of Special Olympics at Luther College, vice-chair of Alpha Lambda Delta, and she is a peer leader for the TRIO Achievement Program. She has also served on the honor council and was one of the Student Senate diversity representatives for gender and sexuality. Outside of Luther, Martin serves as a Mentor For A Day through Helping Services, she is a student representative for the National Association of Social Workers Iowa Chapter, and she is a skills trainer at Opportunity Homes Inc. in Decorah. 

“I am very grateful and appreciative to receive this award. I work very hard in extracurricular activities and receiving this award makes me feel as though I am making a difference through all of my commitments,” says Martin. “It is important for me to contribute to campus life because I have been positively impacted by others at Luther and my goal is to continue that trend. Helping the Luther College community brings me a sense of happiness.” 

About Luther College

Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who 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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Decorah Music Boosters to hold chili supper fundraiser

The Decorah Music Boosters will hold their annual chili supper in the high school cafeteria Friday, September 9 from 4:30-7:00 p.m. prior to the Decorah vs West Delaware varsity football game.  Tickets for the supper are $8.00.  Pre-school children may eat free. 

Tickets are available at the door or from high school band and choir members.  The menu for the meal includes chili (meat & vegetarian), crackers, hot dogs, carrots, assorted bars and cookies, milk and coffee. 

Proceeds from the chili supper support scholarships, activities and programming for music students in the Decorah Community School District.

John Cline School seeking school-based mentors

John Cline Elementary School is looking for volunteers to serve as school-based mentors for kindergarten through second grade students.  Volunteers would serve as adult role models who would spend one hour per week engaging in fun activities with their student during the school day (such as art projects, reading, board games, eating lunch together, sports, and the like).  Those interested in applying should visit www.helpingservices.org/mentoring or contact Shanna Putnam Dibble at shanna.putnamdibble@decorah.k12.ia.us for more information. 

One person has the ability to change the course of a child’s life – volunteer and make a positive impact today!

John Cline School based Mentor Recruitment

DCSD shares information about activities and Friday tailgate event

Decorah schools are known for encouraging participation and involvement in activities, and they have created two ways to learn more about events in the schools.  First, the district has an Activities webpage to track events. From this page, users have quick access to additional information for all activities, links for the Northeast Iowa Conference, District booster clubs, the Activities social media, and the Decorah Apparel website.  This year the district also has available a Google Calendar that lists all the activities and the school schedule, including late start days, no school days, and other special events.  This calendar can be found under the district calendar link on the homepage of the website or at DCSD Google Calendar.  

Friday night the football team is playing Crestwood for the first home football game of the 2022 season. The Decorah Viking Athletic Booster Club will be hosting a community tailgate sponsored by Hy-Vee from 5:00-7:00.  Hy-Vee will provide free food and entertainment, including bouncy houses and a DJ.  All members of the community are welcome to attend this event. 

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DMS music teacher Dean Beckman receives Outstanding Choral Director Award

Decorah Middle School music teacher Dean Beckman is the recipient of the Outstanding Elementary/Middle School Choral Educator Award, presented by the Iowa Choral Directors Association (ICDA) at their annual Summer Symposium. Beckman is the first to receive the elementary/middle school award in the inaugural year of the Honors Program. The purpose of the initiative is to recognize work being done in every arena by the ICDA’s dedicated members and supporters. The ICDA is committed to celebrating the honorees, not only within the organization, but within their communities, the state, and the nation. The aim is to raise them up, demonstrating that they are seen and deeply appreciated.

Beckman began his teaching career in 1985 in Westby, Wisconsin, and has been teaching in the Decorah Community School District since 1988. Over the years he has had incredible success with a considerable number of students being selected into the Iowa Opus Honor Choirs. In several of those years, Beckman has had the most chosen by any teacher in the state. In the fall of 2021, he had a record-breaking 29 students selected. He spends hours outside of the school day working with the singers to prepare them for auditions. In addition, his work on the annual sixth grade musical and the 7th/8th Grade Pops Concert are performances the students take immense pride in and talk about for years beyond middle school. With both of these events, his goal has been to make as many students as possible feel like they are stars so they want to continue making music.

Outside of Decorah Middle School Beckman has been on panels and co-presented at the ICDA Summer Symposium. In 2013, he was honored to serve as the conductor of the Iowa Opus 7th/8th Grade Bass Clef Choir. Beckman is beginning his 35th year of teaching in the Decorah Community School District this week.

The ICDA is an organization of over 700 Iowa choral music educators that serves choral musicians in the state of Iowa by providing leadership, guidance and support, and continuing education opportunities, promoting excellence in the choral art through high-quality offerings and events, supporting growth beyond college graduation, and enriching and renewing the musical souls of its membership.

Dean Beckman
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