Category: Luther College and Decorah Schools

This event will also be live-streamed: https://youtu.be/Ly0DREGODm8

Commencement program link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uEjmSG-3iXre76Z313UQTqlgbjhv1r-i/view

Submitted by: Morgan Moen, Decorah FFA Reporter

Decorah FFA had three members compete in district FFA Ag Mechanics contest held at Northeast Iowa Community College on . Twenty-six FFA teams from throughout Northeast Iowa competed in this contest. Students took a knowledge exam and completed hands-on activities including electrical wiring, carpentry, MIG welding, skid loader and lawn mower maintenance, and parts identification. Justin Nierling, Carter Schmelzer, and Dalton Zidlicky received 9th place overall as a team.

Decorah High School has named Isaak Eichinger as the recipient of the Norman C. Bradish Scholarship for the 2021-2022 school year. Norman Bradish created a scholarship to be awarded to a male graduate of Decorah High School who possesses high academic ability and curiosity, is liked by peers and adults, and displays high standards of character. The recipient must agree to attend a non-religious college outside the state of Iowa. In addition, the student must remain unmarried until finishing his studies.

Eichinger will continue his education at Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin, majoring in Natural Resources. He has been very active at Decorah High School in sports and the fine arts, including cross country, track, band, choir, and speech. He has lettered in cross country, track, and choir and has earned academic all-state honors for cross country. He has also successfully completed numerous college credit and AP courses and is a member of the DHS chapter of National Honor Society.

Isaak Eichinger is the son of Mark and Michelle Eichinger.

Submitted by: Morgan Moen, Decorah FFA Reporter

The 85th annual Decorah FFA Awards Program was held in the Decorah High School auditorium on Thursday, March 24th, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. Approximately 300 guests were in attendance, including parents, family members, community sponsors, business leaders, and members. The Conduct of Meetings Team consisting of President Elora Schnitzler, Vice-President Hunter Quandahl, Secretary Austin Helgerson, Treasurer Jordan Sims, Reporter Derek Tieskoetter, Sentinel Rashell Lippe, and Advisor Kiele Eberling officially opened the awards program.

Chapter Vice President Grace Gerleman welcomed everyone in attendance. The 2021-2022 officer team then presented Greenhand FFA Degrees and Chapter FFA degrees.  This year’s Greenhand FFA Degree recipients include Caiden Bruns, Kiele Eberling, Logan Frye, Kaid Headington, Austin Helgerson, Blaine Leidahl, Rashell Lippe, Hunter Quandahl, Elora Schnitzler, Jordan Sims, and Derek Tieskoetter.

The 2021-2022 Chapter FFA Degree recipients include Brooke Anfinson, Cade Averhoff, Annika Brynsaas, Olivia Christopher, Brody Courtney, Camren Darling, Braunwyn Darrington, Bryss Ehrie, Dahlyn Headington, Christopher Larson, Anders Lovstuen, Creed Monroe, Travis Nordheim, Jeramiah Rediske, Claire Schutte, Kayleigh Smith, Grace Stortz, Ciara Wedmann, Kolton Werges, Olivia Wyatt, and Mara Wyatt.

Chapter Sentinel Brendan Hunter then awarded the leadership awards to members who successfully served as leaders within the chapter by serving as an officer and/or a committee chairperson. Members receiving leadership pins for completing their first year of service include Cade Averhoff, Braunwyn Darrington, Annica Hansen, Alex Irwin, David Kreitzer, Maggie Lovstuen, Justin Nierling, and Dalton Zidlicky.

Members recognized for more than two years of leadership service to the chapter include Kyleigh Batterson, Brittney Ehrie, Karter Einck, Kaia Franzen, Grace Gerleman, Dalton Hemesath, Brendan Hunter, Melia Kruse, Rachel Mikkelson, Morgan Moen, Brayden Reiser, Chezny Ryant, Hannah Schnitzler, Sage Wedmann, and Addison Wemark.

Chapter Assistant David Kreitzer introduced the members who had perfect meeting attendance this past year. These members include Caiden Bruns, Annika Brynsaas, Olivia Christopher, Brody Courtney, Brittney Ehrie, Karter Einck, Dylan Elsbernd, Kaia Franzen, Grace Gerleman, Dalton Hemesath, Brendan Hunter, Alex Irwin, Melia Kruse, Anders Lovstuen, Maggie Lovstuen, Landen Marlow, Morgan Moen, Creed Monroe, Travis Nordheim, Hunter Quandahl, Jeramiah Rediske, Chloe Reiser, Jordan Sims, Gavin Sims, Emmit Stemper, Grace Stortz, Derek Tieskoetter, Sage Wedmann, Addison Wemark, Kolton Werges, and Dalton Zidlicky.

Kyleigh Batterson and Addison Wemark presented scholarship pins and certificates to all of the Decorah FFA members who made the honor roll this past year. Members receiving this honor and a pin include Bridget Bentley, Doug Bentley, Kiele Eberling, Austin Helgerson, Kallie Mincks, Justin Nierling, Elora Schnitzler, Jordan Sims, and Dalton Zidlicky.

Members receiving a scholarship certificate for being on the honor roll multiple years include Brody Anfinson, Brooke Anfinson, Cade Averhoff, Kyleigh Batterson, Lacie Bjergum, Annika Brynsaas, Olivia Christopher, Brody Courtney, Braunwyn Darrington, Brittney Ehrie, Karter Einck, Dylan Elsbernd, Kaia Franzen, Grace Gerleman, Dahlyn Headington, Dalton Hemesath, Brendan Hunter, Alex Irwin, Ryan Johanningmeier, David Kreitzer, Melia Kruse, Anders Lovstuen, Maggie Lovstuen, Rachel Mikkelson, Morgan Moen, Creed Monroe, Travis Nordheim, Jeramiah Rediske, Brayden Reiser, Chloe Reiser, Chezny Ryant, Carter Schmelzer, Hannah Schnitzler, Claire Schutte, Gavin Sims, Kayleigh Smith, Emmit Stemper, Grace Stortz, Ciara Wedmann, Sage Wedmann, Addison Wemark, and Mara Wyatt.

Creed Monroe presented the Academic Achievement Awards. The senior academic awards are awarded from the Iowa FFA Association and are presented to the seniors with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5. Recipients who received a certificate and a medal include Karter Einck, Dylan Elsbernd, Kaia Franzen, Grace Gerleman, Dalton Hemesath, Brendan Hunter, Ryan Johanningmeier, Melia Kruse, Brayden Reiser, Gavin Sims, Emmit Stemper, and Sage Wedmann.

Morgan Moen and Hannah Schnitzler recognized this year’s members of the month. Members selected to be honored for their FFA accomplishments include Melia Kruse, Ryan Johanningmeier, Brittney Ehrie, Addison Wemark, and Olivia Wyatt.

Chapter Vice-President Grace Gerleman presented the top five fruit sales awards after announcing the chapter had sold a total fruit sales amount of $52,946.00. Members receiving fruit sales awards include 1^st– Gavin Sims, 2^nd– Brittney Ehrie, 3^rd– Braunwyn Darrington, 4^th– Cade Averhoff, 5^th– Morgan Moen, 6^th– Karter Einck, 7^th– Melia Kruse, 8^th– Brody Courtney, 9^th– Travis Nordheim, and 10^th– Kaia Franzen.

The Decorah FFA Letter was presented by Brody Courtney. In order to letter, members must be an active member in FFA and the community. This year twenty-eight members lettered in FFA: Brody Anfinson, Kyleigh Batterson, Lacie Bjergum, Brody Courtney, Brittney Ehrie, Karter Einck, Dylan Elsbernd, Kaia Franzen, Grace Gerleman, Annica Hansen, Dalton Hemesath, Brendan Hunter, Ryan Johanningmeier, David Kreitzer, Melia Kruse, Anders Lovstuen, Landen Marlow, Rachel Mikkelson, Morgan Moen, Creed Monroe, Brayden Reiser, Chezny Ryant, Hannah Schnitzler, Gavin Sims, Emmit Stemper, Sage Wedmann, Addison Wemark, and Carson Wemark.

Each FFA member has a requirement to keep records on either a job placement, agribusiness ownership, or a livestock or crop project. Members then submit their record books for evaluation. Kaia Franzen announced the top record books for each class. They include senior Dalton Hemesath, junior Morgan Moen, sophomore Jeramiah Rediske, and freshman Jordan Sims.

Brendan Hunter presented the Star Greenhand award to Rashell Lippe. He also presented the Star Chapter Farmer award to Melia Kruse, the Star Agribusiness award to Creed Monroe, and the Star Chapter Placement award to Grace Gerleman.

Anders Lovstuen and Creed Monroe congratulated this year’s proficiency award winners. This year’s chapter proficiency winners include the following: Grace Gerleman (Agriculture Education), Travis Nordheim (Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance), Justin Nierling (Agriculture Services), Jeramiah Rediske (Beef Production-Entrepreneurship), Dalton Hemesath (Dairy Production-Placement), Sage Wedmann (Equine Science), Karter Einck (Poultry Production), Brittney Ehrie (Small Animal Production and Care), Addison Wemark (Swine Production-Entrepreneurship), Morgan Moen (Swine Production-Placement), and Kaia Franzen (Veterinary Science).

Creed Monroe thanked the senior class for all their leadership over the years and congratulated them on all their accomplishments. This year’s 2022 Decorah FFA seniors who were recognized include Brody Anfinson, Lacie Bjergum, Brittney Ehrie, Karter Einck, Dylan Elsbernd, Kaia Franzen, Grace Gerleman, Annica Hansen, Dalton Hemesath, Brendan Hunter, Ryan Johanningmeier, David Kreitzer, Melia Kruse, Landen Marlow, Kallie Mincks, Brayden Reiser, Gavin Sims, Emmit Stemper, Sage Wedmann, and Carson Wemark.

Chapter Treasurer Sage Wedmann shared how Dalton Hemesath and Karter Einck were such influential people through not only FFA but also everything they did with their leadership skills and positive attitudes.

Grace Gerleman presented the Star FFA Alumni and Supporters awards to Paul and Janet Hunter, Keith and Brenda Kreitzer, Brandi Lange, Jeremy Franzen, Bill Wedmann, and Kelly Sorenson.  Kaia Franzen then joined Grace Gerleman to recognize the 2022 Friends of Agriculture Award Recipients Betsy Ratashak-Vogel and Keith Bruening.

The 2021-2022 Chapter officers then presented the Honorary FFA Degree. The Honorary membership is awarded to any farmers, school superintendents, principals, members of boards of education, chapter advisors, teachers, staff members in agricultural education, business people, and others who are helping to advance agricultural education and the FFA and who have rendered outstanding service. They may be elected to honorary membership by a majority vote of the members present at any regular meeting or convention. This year’s recipients were Matt Hemesath, Mary Hemesath, Ryan and Michelle Einck, and Myles and Connie Gerleman.

Chapter Advisor Joni Bruvold thanked all the volunteers and individuals who have supported the chapter throughout the last year. Following Ms. Bruvold’s speech, the newly formed Decorah FFA Alumni and Supporters officer team came to the stage to provide background information on this new organization.

After watching the year in review video, introduced by Sage Wedmann, the new officer installation took place before the banquet was adjourned. The 2021-22 officers installed the following 2022-23 officers: President – Dalton Hemesath to Creed Monroe, Vice President – Grace Gerleman to Brody Courtney, Secretary – Karter Einck to Addison Wemark, Treasurer – Sage Wedmann to Anders Lovstuen, Reporter – Kaia Franzen to Morgan Moen, Sentinel – Brendan Hunter to Hannah Schnitzler, and Assistant Officer – David Kreitzer to Kyleigh Batterson. The newly elected officer team thanked the retiring officer team and the 2022 Decorah FFA senior class for their leadership and dedication to the organization. The officer team performed the closing ceremonies and concluded the banquet with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Submitted by: Morgan Moen, Decorah FFA Reporter

The Decorah FFA competed at the 94th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference on April 11th and 12th at Iowa State University in Ames, participating in six contests. Twenty-four Decorah FFA members attended this year’s conference, including Kyleigh Batterson, Annika Brynsaas, Brody Courtney, Kiele Eberling, Brittney Ehrie, Dylan Elsbernd, Kaia Franzen, Grace Gerleman, Brendan Hunter, David Kreitzer, Melia Kruse, Rashell Lippe, Anders Lovstuen, Morgan Moen, Creed Monroe, Travis Nordheim, Jeramiah Rediske, Hannah Schnitzler, Kayleigh Smith, Sage Wedmann, Ciara Wedmann, Addison Wemark, Mara Wyatt, and Olivia Wyatt.

Results on State Qualifying Events

Sage Wedmann, the 2021-2022 treasurer of the Decorah FFA, submitted the Decorah FFA treasurer’s book for the state evaluation. The book received a gold rating and was awarded as the state runner up. Wedmann was recognized on the main stage and was presented with a plaque.

Karter Einck and Grace Gerleman submitted the Decorah FFA secretary’s book. The book received a gold rating and placed 3rd in the state evaluation. Gerleman accepted the plaque on the main stage during the first general session.

The Parliamentary Procedure Team consisting of Annika Brynsaas, Brody Courtney, Anders Lovstuen, Creed Monroe, and Kayleigh Smith demonstrated the proper use of the gavel and following parliamentary procedure. The team received a silver rating.

State Ag Skills Career Development Event

The Farm Business Management team­–Dylan Elsbernd, Brendan Hunter, David Kreitzer, and Sage Wedmann–received a gold rating. This career development event is designed to provide the students an opportunity to display their agricultural knowledge and skills in the area of farm management.

The FFA Greenhand Quiz was taken by Kiele Eberling and Rashell Lippe. This is a quiz based on members showcasing their knowledge about the FFA organizations. Eberling received a gold rating, and Lippe received a bronze rating.

The poultry evaluation team, consisting of Travis Nordheim, Ciara Wedmann, Mara Wyatt, and Olivia Wyatt, received a silver rating. The team evaluated different classes of poultry products and took a poultry management examination.

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 three members of the Decorah FFA received this honor: Brittney Ehrie, Melia Kruse, and Morgan Moen.

Proficiency Awards

Decorah FFA had two finalists for their proficiency this year. Dalton Hemesath placed second in Dairy Production Placement, and Kaia Franzen placed second in Veterinary Science. Hemesath’s proficiency was recognized during the second general session, and his plaque was accepted on his behalf by Decorah FFA member Brody Courtney. Franzen was recognized during the third general session for her proficiency. These awards are based on supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) and the skills developed through these experiences.

Additional Contest Results and Activities

The Decorah FFA Chapter received 14th place, earning a gold rating and qualifying for nationals, in the National Chapter Award Program. The National Chapter Award program is a contest designed to encourage chapters to plan activities and carry them out with a successful program. Chapters are recognized for outstanding achievement in the areas of student development, chapter development, and community development. Grace Gerleman 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 they attended the career show. Morgan Moen played the oboe in the state FFA band. Creed Monroe and Addison Wemark served as the chapter’s delegates and attended the state FFA association’s business session. 

Twelve Decorah High School Students earned distinguished honors in the 2021 High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling (HiMCM). Earning a Meritorious designation and an invitation to participate in the 8^th International Mathematical Modeling Challenge (IM2C) is the team of Grace Gerleman, Lauren Johnson, Anya Lovstuen, and Ruby Sullivan. Earning a designation of Honorable Mention are the teams of Jacob Magner, Daniel Skrade, Ethan Stravers, and Max Wilson; and Justin Berlage, Peter Essa, Nathaniel Myers, and Henry Weis.

A total of 705 teams, with up to 4 students each, from 303 schools and 20 countries/regions competed in the 2021 HiMCM made possible by the Consortium for Mathematics and its Applications (COMAP). All teams worked at their own schools within the contest window of November 3-16, 2021. Each high school team chose from two modeling problems offered and then constructed their solutions. The judges were impressed with all the teams’ creativity and ingenuity in mathematical modeling as well as their ability to explain their strategies and problem-solving techniques in clear terms.

COMAP commends schools for their efforts. Decorah High School had a total of 31 students participate. Earning recognition as Successful Participants include Ella Grouws, Kathryn Kelly, Sally Laybourn, Hayley Stowe, Elayna Hook, Reid Kuehner, Aidan Nalean-Carlson, Brenna Parker, Lucas Arendt, Gabriel Hiner, Simon Kutz, Anders Lovstuen, Caden Branum, Cody Carolan, Mason Cote, Nathan Swarbrick, Lange Betts, Erik Hjelle, and Haywood Stowe.

Sponsor Allysen Lovstuen remarked, “I am proud of all of the students who participated. This contest requires interdisciplinary thinking; and the students demonstrated strong problem-solving, critical thinking, research and writing skills. That we had so many students willing to take on this challenge speaks highly of them.”

Online enrollment for the upcoming school year is now available! This process replaced the paper forms sent home at the beginning of each school year. You will use the Decorah PowerSchool Parent Portal to access the Registration. 

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How do I get started? 
Visit https://decorah.k12.ia.us/enroll/school-registration and follow the returning student registration process.

From the Parent Portal:

1. Select the student you wish to register along the top
2. Select the Student Registration Icon on the left side for 2022-2023.
3. Agree to the terms and conditions
4. Select Begin Forms

I can’t remember my login for the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
If you aren’t able to retrieve your login credentials using the “Forgot Username or Password?” link on the Sign In page, please contact your school directly for assistance logging into the Parent Portal.

Do I have to answer all the questions? 
No, but some questions are marked “Required” and must be answered before you can submit your form.

What if I make a mistake?
If you would like to make a change prior to submitting the form, you can either navigate back to the page using the “Prev” and “Next” buttons, or if you are on the Review page select the underlined field.  If you have already submitted the form you will need to contact your student’s school so they can make the changes for you.

I’ve completed the form, now what?
Once you have finished entering your information select “Submit.” This will send all of the information you’ve entered to the school. If you cannot select this button you will need to make sure that you have answered all required questions. Please remit all registration fees to the appropriate school. The registration process is not complete until the required registration fee has been paid.

What if I have more than one student in the district? Do I need to do this for each child?
Yes, you will need to provide information that is specific to each child.  We recommend that you complete and submit one form and then start another. This will allow you to “snap” (or share) selected family information, which saves you time.

Help! I’m having technical difficulties.
For technical support, visit our PowerSchool Community help center or click “Help” from any form page.

To promote the love of writing, Decorah Middle School 8^th graders have organized a series of writing contests open to all students at the school. In March, students in grades 5-8 wrote and submitted original “spring” poems and “adventure” short stories. Winners were recently announced at the monthly assembly and include Naomi Kutz, Kelbi Schuman, Poppy Bellrichard, Leah Garcia-Prats, Brandi Nehls, Natalie Holthaus, Harper Novak, Charley Courtney, Keegan Joyce, Ayla Low, Olivia Quam, Jillian Volz, Charlotte LaBelle, Jordyn Roberg, Grace Stockman, Danika Mueller, Carson Bohner, Keaton Nalean-Carlson, Miles Sullivan, and Lawrence Christman. Not pictured is Naomi Pedlar.

To honor their spring writing, all winners received a gift certificate to Whippy Dip.

Brad Hurst, Jr., has been selected as Decorah High School’s next principal.  Hurst has been an Associate Principal at Mason City High School for the last four years, supervising special education services and managing and aligning systems of support and intervention.  Prior to his leadership role at Mason City High School, Hurst was a science teacher at Waukee High School, at Johnson High School (where he served as a teacher leader through Iowa’s Teacher Leadership and Compensation program), and at East High School in Des Moines.  He holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, a Master’s Degree in Secondary Science Teaching, and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Drake University.  He has served in a variety of leadership roles throughout his career in education.

Superintendent Mark Lane shared, “After a thorough search and interview process, I am proud to recommend Mr. Brad Hurst to serve as our next Decorah High School Principal. Brad has a distinguished career as a teacher and leader. I am confident he will work collaboratively with DHS staff, students, and our community to continually improve our services.”

“I am humbled and excited to have been chosen to serve as your next principal at Decorah High School,” Hurst remarked. “The Decorah Community School District has a legacy of academic, athletic, and musical excellence that speaks for itself. Decorah High School is consistently ranked at the top or near the top annually in the state of Iowa.  A large part of this success is due to the leadership, vision, and tireless support that your current principal, Kim Sheppard, has given to the students and staff of Decorah High School over the last 21 years. I would be remiss if I did not take an opportunity to properly thank her for her service and for building the bridges to help make Decorah High School what it is today. As your principal, I plan to invest a lot of time right away in getting to know each of you and in learning more about the systems, people, and traditions that have contributed to Decorah’s greatness. Thanks to all of you for this opportunity. Go Vikings!” 

A 1997 graduate of Crestwood High School, Hurst looks forward to returning to the area with his wife Shelley and daughter Holly.