embers of WDC FFA Fish and Wildlife team: Mitch Janson, Ryan Grendahl and Jack Goeden. (Photo by Richard Muckala, WDC Schools)

Members of the Wadena-Deer Creek FFA Fish and Wildlife Team qualified for state competition at the FFA Region II Fish and Wildlife Career Development Event (CDE) held recently at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. 

Teams from 18 FFA chapters competed in identifying species of fish, wildlife, birds and insects. Besides identification, team members took a test on wildlife habitat and behavior. Of the 18 teams, Wadena-Deer Creek placed eighth. Team members include Mitch Janson, Jack Goeden and Ryan Grendahl.  Richard Muckala serves as advisor.

The state Fish and Wildlife CDE will be held at the Minnesota State FFA Convention April 27-29 at the University of Minnesota-St. Paul and Minneapolis campuses.
 

Wearing their Knowledge Bowl T-shirts, "I may be nerdy but only periodically" before they left for their meet on Jan. 27 in Staples are, back row from left: Ben Johannes, Sean Carlson, Garret Redning, Josh Tabery, Lleyton Pettit, Lucas Hinojos, Tony Kreklau, Landon Blessing, Bereket Loer and Cole Pearson; middle from left: Elliot Doyle, Emma Bushinger, Sophie Bakken, Emma Mehl, Michael Schmidt, Maggie Carlson and Franny Bakken; front from left: Casey Bounds, Lexi Pierce, Makaylyn Sibert, Kamea Sheves, Nancy Medina, Kennedy Gravelle, Courtny Warren, Kenzie Carsten and Nevada Schulz. Not pictured: Chase Domier, Dylan Ness and Kaylee Ova. (Photo by Dana Pavek, WDC Schools) 

Wadena-Deer Creek's junior high Knowledge Bowl students participated in their first meet recently in Staples. According to Junior High Coach Dawn Paurus, the students had a great showing in their first competition. Official results were not available at this time.

Knowledge Bowl competitions test students' recall and problem-solving abilities, critical thinking and teamwork skills. Students compete in round-robin competitions in January, February and March. The junior high's next competition is Feb. 11.

WDC's Knowledge Bowl coaches are Paurus and Loni Niles. Approximately 53 WDC students are involved in this extra-curricular academic competition. 
 

A few of the Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary students who have parents in law enforcement pause for a photo at the school’s first-ever “Lunch with Law Enforcement” event. From left are Wadena Police Department Chief Naomi Plautz, with son Jacob; Verndale Police Chief Cory Carr, with daughter Addi; and Ava with her dad, Wadena Police Officer Aaron White. (Photo by Anna Erickson, Wadena Pioneer Journal)

In between bites of his grilled cheese sandwich, second-grader Aaron Toftum quizzed Wadena County Deputy Tyler Wheeler about being in law enforcement: “Do you ever get scared? What kind of car do you drive? What’s the fastest you’ve caught someone speeding?”
   
Afterwards, Toftum said he really enjoyed visiting with Officer Wheeler. In fact, the 8-year-old said when he grows up, he might want to be a deputy or a firefighter. “Those guys are brave,” said Toftum.

It truly was an amazing sight to see students visiting with 15 law enforcement officers representing the State Patrol, Wadena County Sheriff’s Department, Verndale Police Department and Department of Natural Resources, as Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary’s Parent-Teacher Organization hosted its first-ever “Law Enforcement Luncheon” on January 15 in the school cafeteria.

Wadena Police Chief Naomi Plautz said this kind of connection is “vital.” She said oftentimes officers in the community try and connect with youth at community events where they have to come to them.  

“This time, we were able to come to the youth, on their turf, at their level, just for them. We didn't have a critical reason or a chaotic call we were on when we saw them. It was just nice to sit and be among them,” said Chief Plautz, whose two sons, Jacob, a third-grader, and Riley, a first-grader, were there to support their mom. The two boys were sporting new white T-shirts – a gift from the Wadena-Deer Creek PTO – that read, "My Hero Wears A Badge. I Call Her Mom."

Wadena-Deer Creek parent Stacy Carr came up with the idea after seeing a similar event on a blog that provides support for families who work in law enforcement. Her husband, Cory, is the police chief for the city of Verndale. 

Carr said when she ran across the idea, she immediately bounced it off the school’s PTO president, Alicia Wynn, who in turn, ran with it.

“It’s such a great opportunity for students to see law enforcement in a positive environment,” said Wynn, who also put together appreciation gift bags for each officer, as well as snapped photos of officers and their children who attend Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary and put those photos in a keepsake frame.

Law enforcement had a great time interacting with students too. 

“It’s a great way to show kids the positive side of things. Some students might only have interacted with law enforcement in a different situation,” said Minnesota State Trooper Isaac Ray, who was thrilled to have tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches with his son Joseph, a Kindergartner at Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary. 

Several classes made posters, banners and cards of appreciation, which were displayed in the cafeteria hallways to welcome law enforcement.

A banner made by Angie Moats’ Kindergarten class read: “For all you have done and all you will do, I know I am safe because of you.”

Wynn said she looks forward to making “Lunch with Law Enforcement” an annual event. “This event is a great way for our school to say thank you to law enforcement for all they do to protect and serve,” Wynn added.

Carr said she couldn’t have been more pleased with how the first event turned out. “It was fabulous!”

For the officers, the highlight was seeing the smiling and eager faces when law enforcement officers arrived in the school cafeteria.

“We also loved the stories they shared with us, the questions they asked us, and just being able to forget about the ‘world’ for a little while because of the innocent company we were lucky enough to be a part of,” said Chief Plautz.
 

Wadena County Sheriff’s Department Dispatcher Erica Penner hands out “junior badge” stickers, while Conservation Officer Greg Oldakowski visits with students during the Law Enforcement Luncheon at Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary. (Photo by Dana Pavek, WDC Schools)

Stacy Carr, left, came across the idea to host a law enforcement luncheon on a blog for families who work in law enforcement. She's pictured here with her husband, Cory, right, who serves as the Verndale Chief of Police, and daughter Addi, a third-grader at Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary. They also have a daughter Alyssa, a first-grader. (Photo by Dana Pavek, WDC Schools)

Wadena-Deer Creek Kindergarten students in Mandy Gallant’s class have their photo taken with local law enforcement on January 15 at the elementary cafeteria. (Photo by Dana Pavek, WDC Schools)

Wadena-Deer Creek senior Jessica Langer placed first in two categories at the Region 6 BPA competition. (Photo by Dana Pavek, WDC Schools)

Wadena-Deer Creek senior Jessica Langer recently earned a trip to the State Business Professionals of America (BPA) contest, March 10-12 in Minneapolis.

Langer participated in the Region 6 BPA contest on Jan. 27 at Minnesota State Community and Technical College - Detroit Lakes. She was joined by nearly 230 high school students.

Students competing to qualify for the state-level BPA competition represented high schools in Detroit Lakes, East Grand Forks, Henning, Menahga, New York Mills, Park Rapids, Pine River-Backus, Sebeka,Underwood, Wadena-Deer Creek and Walker-Hackensack-Akeley.

Langer placed first in two categories: Entrepreneurship and Management/Marketing/Human Resources. In addition, she placed fifth in Legal Office Procedures and Administrative Support Concepts.

Langer also serves as Region 6 secretary.

After graduation, Langer plans to attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where she will study business. She is the daughter of Bill and Jane Langer.
 

Author Shelly Boyum-Breen speaks to kindergarteners and first-graders in the Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary media center about her book series, “Shelly Bean the Sports Queen.” She also spoke to grades 2-4.  Photos by Dana Pavek, WDC Schools.

As a little girl growing up in Brainerd, Shelly Boyum-Breen described herself as a tomboy, mostly because she had four brothers and she loved to play any kind of sport. But when it came to reading books, she admits she didn’t exactly enjoy it.

“I think part of that was because I couldn’t find any characters that I could relate to,” Boyum-Breen said.

After watching so many advances in women’s sports from the 1970s Title IX reform, she was perplexed by the lack of sports books featuring strong females. She found books, for example, on cheerleaders and horseback riding, but it wasn’t representative of girls playing sports.

That’s what inspired “Shelly Bean the Sports Queen,” a book series about a little girl determined to learn different kinds of sports. On Feb. 5, Boyum-Breen was invited by Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary to be the featured guest author for “I Love to Read Month.”  

Having never written before, Boyum-Breen decided to start outlining her own life story.

“At Brainerd [High School], I was about to become the first girl to score 1,000 points,” Boyum-Breen told WDC students. “The gym was packed and the opposing team, Monticello, got a technical foul.”

“I do my routine at the free-throw line, I go to shoot and I forget to straighten my legs -- I air ball,” Boyum-Breen told students.

Boyum-Breen said missing that shot was one of the biggest lessons of her life.

“I was humiliated! But I didn’t show it. We high-fived and we kept playing,” Boyum-Breen said. “I scored it later and that’s part of the story. Things don’t always work out the way we plan them to.”

In her book series, “Shelly Bean the Sports Queen” learns how to play catch, play hockey and score a soccer goal.

“Just because Shelly Bean is a female character doesn’t mean it’s a book just for girls. She’s universal,” Boyum-Breen said. “If she falls down, which happens nearly every time, she’s going to get back up and try again because it’s something she really wants.”

Boyum-Breen read aloud “Shelly Bean the Sports Queen Scores A Soccer Goal” much to the delight of WDC students. In her book series, every time Shelly Bean accomplishes a sports goal, she makes a new charm for her crown. “It’s like a jewel of accomplishment,” Boyum-Breen said.

After coaching at Augsburg College and Anoka High School, Boyum-Breen worked with the Minnesota Lynx, the New York Liberty and the Women’s NBA organization. Boyum-Breen is also the founder and past president of Foundation IX, a nonprofit increasing the rate of girls’ participation in sports and fitness.

Boyum-Breen is a self-published author, who resides in Plymouth, Minn. Her books can be purchased on her website, shellybeanthesportsqueen.com.  
 

Author Shelly Boyum-Breen shows Wadena-Deer Creek students a cardboard cutout of Shelly Bean -- a sporty, dirty-kneed little girl with a “can-do” spirit.

Shelly Bean is the heroine of the "Sports Queen" children's books. She learns how to play different sports, and once she's learned a sport, she puts a charm on her crown.

Wadena-Deer Creek school board members being honored this week include, from left: Ann Pate, Jil Fiemeyer, Wayne Perkins, Kent Schmidt, Stephen Techam, Peter Hayes and Supt. Lee Westrum. Photo by Dana Pavek.

The Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) has set Feb. 15-19 as “School Board Recognition Week” as a time to build awareness and understanding of the vital function an elected board of education plays in our communities.

Wadena-Deer Creek is joining public school districts across the state to celebrate School Board Recognition Week to honor local board members for their commitment to the Wadena, Deer Creek, and Bluffton communities and its children.

“It takes strong schools to build a strong community, and these men and women devote countless hours to making sure our schools are helping every child learn at a higher level,” said WDC Supt. Lee Westrum. “They make tough decisions every month and spend many hours studying education issues and regulations in order to provide our students with the high quality education our citizens expect.”

Supt. Westrum said the key work of school boards is to set policy and provide overall direction for the school district.

“Serving on a school board is a huge commitment and even though we make a special effort to show our appreciation in February, their contribution is year-round,” Supt. Westrum added.

The members serving Wadena-Deer Creek’s school district and their years of service include: Ann Pate, 14 years; Wayne Perkins, 10 years; Peter Hayes, 8 years; Steve Techam, 8 years; Kent Schmidt, 4 years; and Jil Fiemeyer, 2 years.

On behalf of WDC School District, Supt. Westrum presented recognition certificates to board members at WDC’s monthly school board meeting on Feb. 16.

When Maria Willits speaks to teens about depression and suicide, her main message is to reach out for help. But she also wants to break down the stigma that surrounds depression and to help kids understand that it is a medical condition of the brain.

Hoping to "shatter the silence” surrounding suicide, Maria Willits spoke to Wadena-Deer Creek High School students Wednesday about the heartbreaking loss of her teen-aged son, as well as breaking down the stigma of mental illness and depression.

“My son’s name is Ricky, and it was his senior year. He was 18 and one month from graduation,” Willits told Wadena-Deer Creek students.

“He was an honor-roll student, who played basketball and baseball at Barnesville, but his passion was baseball. He was charismatic, wore a big smile on his face, and loved the simple things in life – a bonfire, board games and a good home-cooked meal,” she said.

"Ricky was a very humble young man. At the same time, he was outgoing. He was witty, he was the life-of-the-party-kind of kid."

That’s why it is confusing and heartbreaking to hear Willits’ share her story of her 18-year-old son, Ricky, who committed suicide in 2009.

But what so many people did not see, including his parents, was the depression and anxiety Ricky was fighting with daily.

"He masked his pain so well, we didn’t see the signs of depression," Willits said. "After he died, we found out he had been battling depression his whole senior year. He was afraid of the unknowns after graduation -- this triggered a major depressive episode."

It was after Ricky was gone that his family and friends began to put the pieces together. Willits said the most devastating piece of information she found out was that her son had reached out to two close friends, but they didn’t know what to do with the information or where to turn.

Willits has taken her family's tragedy and turned it into an educational opportunity, sharing her story with schools and youth groups, and sponsoring events that raise money for scholarships so schools focus on the issue.

Willits is the founder of “Shatter the Silence.” She is also connected with Janet Benz and Dan Peterson (organizer of the Highway 10 Baseball Tourney), through the Otter Tail County Children’s Local Mental Health Advisory Council and the Christopher Benz Foundation. 

In 2010, she began speaking to youth, trying to give them the tools to help others who may be struggling with depression, or to help themselves.

On Wednesday, Willits shared with Wadena-Deer Creek High School students a suicide prevention training called QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer). Through this program, Willits shared with students how to recognize the signs that someone may be at risk for suicide, learn what to do or say if they think someone is at risk, and learn where and how to refer that person for help. 

“QPR is like basic CPR for mental health,” Willits said. “It teaches a person how to ask the question, ‘Are you thinking about suicide?’ They get an idea on what to say to persuade someone in getting help or allowing them to get help for them,” she said.

Furthermore, QPR stresses the importance of referring that person on to someone who can help them. It gives them examples of adults who they can turn to.

“Risk the friendship, don’t risk the life,” Willits stressed to students, adding, “Lives can be saved if you seek help. Reach out to a trusted adult – a parent, teacher, coach, a church leader.”

“When you apply QPR, you plant the seeds of hope,” Willits said.

Wadena-Deer Creek sophomore Emily Benson said Willits’ talk was “very good.” She said the QPR presentation was “definitely information she could use and won’t forget.” 

Every WDC student received a small laminated card listing “suicide warning signs” and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 

Over the past few years, Wadena-Deer Creek School District has seen a dramatic increase in the number of mental health issues facing students, said Tyler Church, principal at WDC Middle/High School.  

“Suicide is not an easy topic to discuss, but unfortunately it is a reality our students have had to face. With continued pressures, our students need to learn about healthy and safe ways to deal with suicide and mental health issues. Programs like QPR give our students tools they can use to seek help or get help for others that need it,” Church said.

Willits visits with Laura Kiser, WDC social worker, and Toni Kraska, WDC licensed high school counselor, after Wednesday's presentation. Willits said she was impressed with WDC students and how engaged they were during the talk. "I want kids to know that everyone who suffers from depression is worth fighting for, and seeking help for," she said. 

Wadena-Deer Creek National Honor Society members Jarrett Pettit, Wyatt Fitzsimmons, Lauren Soroko, Beth Schmitz and Austin Sutherland are coordinating this year’s Day of Caring. This is a community-service project where WDC High School students will help Wadena, Deer Creek and Bluffton residents with yard work and clean-up projects.

Wadena-Deer Creek High School’s eighth annual “Day of Caring” is slated for Wednesday, April 27 and WDC students are looking for individuals who would like their help.

Day of Caring is organized by Wadena-Deer Creek’s National Honor Society chapter and is a day set aside for WDC High School students to give back to their community by volunteering to help people with outdoor clean-up projects.   

Those outdoor tasks include raking leaves, cleaning out flowerbeds, washing windows (first floor only), as well as other tasks around the yard in the immediate Wadena, Deer Creek and Bluffton areas.  

Seniors Wyatt Fitzsimmons, Jarrett Pettit, Beth Schmitz, Lauren Soroko and Austin Sutherland are the NHS students who are coordinating the Day of Caring project.

This year, the project will add ninth-graders to help with the workload. They will join 265 student-volunteers in grades 10-12, along with school staff, who will work on job requests from 9 a.m. to early afternoon on April 27.  

If you have an outdoor project, community members are asked to call the Day of Caring phone number at (218) 632-2444. Requests are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those who put in a request can expect the student coordinators to contact them prior to the Day of Caring, so they know what needs to be done and the time needed to complete the request. Deadline for calling in requests is April 15.

“There is no charge for this community service, so please give WDC a call as students are ready to lend a helping hand,” said Beth Schmitz.

“This is a chance for Wadena-Deer Creek students to give back to the community and make a difference,” added Wyatt Fitzsimmons.

In case of severe weather, the back-up day is Wednesday, May 4. WDC High School Special Education Teacher Dawn Hamelau serves as NHS advisor.

Jess Rondestvedt and Whitney Eickhoff rake leaves at a Wadena residence last year. WDC is asking people living in the immediate Wadena, Deer Creek and Bluffton to call and schedule their outdoor job by April 15.

Mrs. Johnson's fourth-graders celebrate being the class that raised the most money -- $457.25 -- during the week-long Pennies for Patients fundraiser. Their reward: a pizza party!

WDC Elementary raised $4,085.40 in one week for Pennies for Patients! In one day alone (March 18), the school brought in $1,898.42!

The Jane Fiemeyer Princess Warrior Fund is matching $1,000, which brings the GRAND total to $5,085.40!

This money will go the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) -- an organization that collects money to find a cure for blood cancers and gives money to patients and their families to help with medical bills and expenses.

WDC fourth-grade teacher and WDC's Pennies for Patients Committee member, Scott Woods, said it was an exciting week of fund-raising for a meaningful cause.

"The really cool thing is how the kids competed to win but learned that winning the top class, grade-level party, or even the ice cream isn't what it was all about. They are realizing what they did for people in need who have to go through this terrible disease. It's so fun to see kids give money they could have used on themselves."

Pennies for Patients Committee member/WDC parent Jil Fiemeyer helped kick off the fundraiser on Monday with an inspirational message about her daughter Jane's wish of finding a cure for cancer. She encouraged them to help make raise money and awareness for cancer.

As of Wednesday, the school had already brought in more than $2,161.56, surpassing their goal of $2,000! They earned an extra 15 minutes of free time for reaching that goal.

Fiemeyer said she is beyond proud of WDC's efforts this week. When she heard the school raised more than $4,000 today (Friday), she beamed and said, "A-MAZING!"

"Jane would be so proud!" Fiemeyer said, adding, "But we couldn't have done this without the support of parents, families, students and staff. This money is going to help families in the area and help make Jane's wish come true."

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Minnesota chapter heard about the amazing job WDC kids did this week via Facebook and wanted to extend a great, big THANK YOU.

The class that raised the most money, $457.25, was Mrs. Hammer-Johnson's fourth graders. They earned a pizza party.

The grade-level that brought in the most money with $1,087.78 was second grade (Mr. Ferris, Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Matthiesen and Mr. Tumberg). They get to go to a pool party at The Maslowski Wellness & Research Center.

On Thursday, March 24, the entire elementary school will be treated to ice cream as a thank you, compliments of the Kent and Shaneen Schmidt family.

Three Wadena-Deer Creek FFA members qualified for State competition with Supervised Agricultural Experience Proficiencies (SAEs). 

The Agricultural Education Program is made up of three components: classroom education, FFA, and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). 

SAE is learned in the classroom and FFA; students apply it to an on-the-job experience (also referred to as placement) or entrepreneurship. Each SAE involves extensive record-keeping, including balance sheets and net worth statements. Each FFA member was interviewed by region ag teachers and industry leaders about their proficiencies and applications.

Ethan Benson’s SAE was a placement on his home farm, Benson Dairy near Bluffton. His placement in Diversified Agricultural Production involved the milking and feeding of dairy cattle, building and maintenance of agricultural structures, and crop production. Ethan logged over 4,301 hours in his three-year proficiency. His application placed first in Region II FFA.

Mitch Janson’s SAE was a placement on Janson Dairy, rural Wadena. His placement in Dairy Production included milking, feeding, and care of dairy cattle. Mitch logged over 959 hours in his two-year proficiency. His application placed second in Region II FFA.

Jack Goeden’s SAE was an entrepreneurship in Dairy Production. Jack owns dairy cattle on his home farm near Wadena. His proficiency also included milking, feeding of dairy cattle and crop production. Jacked logged over 3,714 hours in his three-year proficiency. His application placed first in Region II FFA.

The 87th annual FFA State Convention will be held April 24 to 26. Richard Muckala serves as Wadena-Deer Creek's FFA advisor.

Mitch Janson feeds a newborn calf colostrum in his Dairy Placement Proficiency on Janson Dairy near Wadena. Courtesy photo.

Jack Goeden shows cattle at the Wadena County Fair as part of his Dairy Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency. Courtesy photo.

Ethan Benson adjusts a twin-basket rake for his Diversified Agricultural Production Placement Proficiency on his home farm, Benson Dairy. Courtesy photo.

WDC FCCLA Chapter members prepared to attend the Academy Awards Session.

Bloomington, MN – Over 1,000 middle and high school students gathered for Minnesota FCCLA’s (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) annual State Leadership Conference, April 14-16 in Minneapolis.

This year’s student-created theme is “Agents of Change.” Chapters from across the state competed in STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events, participated in youth-training workshops, and took interest in general sessions lead by student officers of the organization that showcased this year’s successes.

Highlights of the conference included keynote speaker Reggie Dabs with an inspirational presentation on keeping a positive outlook to overcome adversity and living a life of high moral character. Hope Norenberg and Andrew Backman led the Safest Summer Ever Teen Driving Summit for teens.  Motivational speakers Renae Groskruetz, Joe Schmit, Mark Lindquist and Evelyn Vonn Banks presented to the delegates. Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith and singer Kat Perkins were at general sessions to address members.  The closing session featured “Sheltered Reality,” a high-energy drumming group.       

Another feature at the state conference included participation in over 30 different categories through STAR Events. Members gave presentations about projects they’ve organized and executed this past year—having advanced from Regional competitions—for an opportunity to attend the National Leadership Conference in Washington D.C.  Projects covered a wide scope of current issues that address anything from career preparation, to fitness, to traffic safety. Students attended the Academy Awards session Friday evening to receive STAR Event results, including awards in bronze, silver, and gold categories dependent on performance. Many STAR Events give students the opportunity to ignite youth leadership in the community, stressing cooperation as the basis of success.        

As the MN FCCLA State Vice President of Communication, Hope Norenberg was a part of the leadership team that planned the conference.  Jessica Langer, the 2015-16 MN FCCLA Region 6 Treasurer, relinquished her position at the meeting.  She also was a STAR Event judge.

WDC FCCLA members who competed in STAR Events were very successful. Earning gold medals were: Frannie Bakken and Paige Barthel for We Scare Hunger: Morgan Grangruth, Casey Bounds, and Issac Breitling for Dime Drive: Joslynn Judd and Taylor Simon for Protecting You Protecting Me; and Angela LeComte, Emma Mehl and Teagan Roberts for Little Dresses for Africa.

Caitlin Savage competed in Chapter in Review Display received a gold medal, and is one of the advancers to the National FCCLA Leadership Conference in San Diego, California. Hope Norenberg also earned a gold medal in Career Investigation and advanced to national competition.

At the Academy Awards Session, LaDonna Norenberg was one of four people honored with Honorary Membership.  LaDonna is co-adviser for the WDC FCCLA chapter.

Tyler Jahnke participated as a helper to the state officers and assisted with sound and lighting for the general sessions in the Grand Ballroom.

Caitlyn Savage, WDC FCCLA Chapter Treasurer picked up the STAR Event trophy earned by the chapter members earning at least 3 gold medals.

LaDonna Norenberg was presented a plaque during the FCCLA Academy Award Session as she was awarded FCCLA Honorary Membership.

Wadena-Deer Creek FFA member, Ethan Benson, attended the Minnesota Region II Spring Award Banquet held at Central Lakes College in Staples. Benson, along with fellow WDC FFA members Jack Geoden and Mitch Janson were recognized for their Proficiencies and State Degree applications on stage. 

Benson and Goeden received first-place rankings, while Janson received a second-place ranking. All three Proficiencies and State Degree Applications are being forwarded to the Minnesota State FFA Association for competition at the state level. Following the meal Region II FFA members heard a presentation from FFA State Sentinel, Dustin Smith, on setting goals and the retiring address from Region II President Mary Sara Sauber.  

Winning FFA Career Development Event teams and individuals were also recognized. Showcasing the event was the new AgCentric Program at Central Lakes College. This program allows area agriculture students the opportunity to earn an Associates Degree in Agriculture and receiving college credit that transfer to four-year colleges. Region II FFA is composed of 19 schools from the northeast third of Minnesota.

The Wadena Rotary Club has a long-standing tradition of support for the fine arts program at Wadena-Deer Creek High School. On May 2, they hosted their 34th annual Fine Arts Banquet in the Commons at WDC Middle/High School, where they recognized 99 students in grades 7-12 for their achievements in the fine arts.

These students were selected by their director and/or coach for their accomplishments in art, band, choir, drama, and knowledge bowl. Directors/coaches are: Laurie Kopischke-Pulju, art; Lisa Weniger, band; Mike Ortmann, choir; Jay Patterson, drama; and Loni Niles and Dawn Paurus, knowledge bowl.

Students and parents enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and a meal, which was served by Wadena Rotarians.

Those students recognized include:

Danny Anderson (grade 11) - Knowledge Bowl

Emily Astle (12) - Choir

Madison Barthel (12) - Choir

Emily Baugh (12) - Band

Esther Berger (10) - Drama

Gabriel Berger (8) - Drama

Thomas Brekke (12) - Choir

Maggie Carlson (8) - Drama

Raine Curtis (10) - Drama

Faith Deppa (12) - Choir

Taylor Dirks (11) - Drama

Dallas Doll (7) - Drama

Coco Donnay (11) - Drama

Elliot Doyle (7) - Band, Drama

Lucas Doyle (10) - Band, Knowledge Bowl

Hope Dumpprope (12) - Choir, Drama

Kendra Evans (12) - Band, Choir

Kirstan Finn (10) - Band, Knowledge Bowl

Henry Fitzsimmons (10) - Band

Wyatt Fitzsimmons (12) - Band

Katelyn Gardner (7) - Drama

Molly Gilje (9) - Drama

Matthew Goeden (10) - Band

Angela Grecco (12) - Choir

Tabitha Janke-Gregory (10) - Art

Mari Grendahl (8) - Drama

Ryan Grendahl (10) - Band, Knowledge Bowl

Mitchel Haman (10) - Drama

Katlyn Heaton (10) - Knowledge Bowl

Lucas Hinojos (8) - Band

Tyler Jahnke (10) - Knowledge Bowl

Jacob Johnson (12) - Choir

Karon Johnson (11) - Band

Lindy Jones (10) - Art, Knowledge Bowl

Alex Kahl (10) - Knowledge Bowl

Ben Keppers (7) - Drama

Ashley Kern (7) - Drama

Sophia Kreklau (9) - Band

Jessica Langer (12) - Art, Band

Rylie Langer (12) - Band, Choir

Ashley Lehmkuhl (11) - Knowledge Bowl

Lacey Malone (12) - Choir

Samantha Malone (9) - Band

Andrew McCullough (11) - Band, Knowledge Bowl

Nancy Medina (8) - Drama

Tiffany Meeks (10) - Band

Zach Meeks (8) - Band

Emma Mehl (7) - Drama

Grace Mertens (11) - Drama

Nicole Miller (11) - Band

Reid Miller (12) - Choir

Ellie Miron (10) - Knowledge Bowl

Mikaela Nordlund (12) - Choir

Devyn Norenberg (9) - Drama

Hope Norenberg (12) - Drama

Maddie Olson (8) - Drama

Miguel Lopez Perez (11) - Band

Kayla Peters (11) - Knowledge Bowl

Elizabeth Peterson (11) - Drama, Knowledge Bowl

Kassandra Peterson (12) - Choir

Kirsten Peterson (11) - Band, Knowledge Bowl

Jarrett Pettit (12) - Choir

Derek Plautz (11) - Knowledge Bowl

Thomas Quincer (10) - Band

Kira Reiman (7) - Drama

Gabi Ross (11) - Band, Knowledge Bowl

Noah Ross (10) - Band, Knowledge Bowl

Jared Roth (9) - Band

MacKenzie Salge (9) - Band

Tianna Saltzman (7) - Drama

Zachary Schertler (12) - Choir

Kate Schmidt (10) - Band, Knowledge Bowl

Michael Schmidt (8) - Drama

Beth Schmitz (12) - Drama

Elijah Schmitz (12) - Choir

Logan Schmitz (12) - Choir

Maggie Schmitz (11) - Knowledge Bowl

Olivia Schwartz (12) - Choir

Logan Skillings (11) - Drama

Jezebel Snyder (10) - Band

Lauren Soroko (12) - Art

Stephen Spilman (11) - Drama

Konnor Stueve (11) - Knowledge Bowl

Brianna Taggart (12) - Band

Cami Taggart (8) - Drama

Logan Taggart (11) - Drama, Knowledge Bowl

Siobhane Touchette (7) - Drama

Jeff Umland (8) - Drama

Casey Volkmann (10) - Band, Knowledge Bowl

Gavin Wedde (7) - Drama

Hannah Wedde (12) - Drama

Soren Wedde (8) - Drama

Gabrielle Weiher (12) - Art

Abigail Westrum (10) - Band, Knowledge Bowl

Tyler Wheeler (11) - Band

Jasmyn Wood (8) - Band, Drama

Toby Wood (12) - Band, Choir

McKayla Woods (11) - Knowledge Bowl

Alizzabeth Yungbauer (7) - Drama

For Their Student Body Project, Wadena-Deer Creek FCCLA was selected to receive the 2016 National High School Student Body High School Award, sponsored by Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).

Student Body is a peer education program, created by FCCLA, designed to teach students how to make informed, responsible decisions about their health and provide opportunities for youth to teach others about making healthy choices. The Student Body award recognizes chapters that promote to youth the advantages of eating right, being fit, and making healthy choices.                 

As the national high school winner, the Wadena-Deer Creek FCCLA chapter will receive a $1,000 award, presented to them at the 2016 FCCLA National Leadership Conference, July 3 - 7 in San Diego, Calif.

To help promote good nutrition in their community, Wadena-Deer Creek FCCLA members coordinated a “We Scare Hunger” food shelf collection on Halloween night last October.  In a matter of a few hours, they collected over 600 pounds of food for the Wadena Food Shelf. 

The following week, Mary Ann Hagen, Wadena Food Shelf Director, was the guest speaker at the chapter meeting explaining how the food shelf operates.  A few weeks later, the chapter members toured the food shelf and learned about local food needs and how many people volunteer their time each month to make the food shelf run smoothly.  Paige Barthel and Franchesca Bakken researched the issue of hunger and poverty in central Minnesota and then used the information for their STAR Event on "We Scare Hunger."

WDC students Brianna Burke, left, and Kimberly Bendlen said they like the hands-on learning in the greenhouse, from planting seeds to harvesting the produce. Burke and Bendlen are students in Richard Muckala's Plant and Horticulture Science class. Photos by Dana Pavek, WDC Schools.

Wadena-Deer Creek's high-tunnel greenhouse is an outdoor classroom where plants and students are being nurtured.

WDC High School agriculture teacher/industrial arts teacher Richard Muckala said the biggest benefit of the school’s greenhouse for students is the hands-on experience and becoming aware of how food is produced.

“They are taking what they are learning in the classroom and applying it to the real world,” said Muckala, who teaches Plant and Horticulture Science at WDC. “When you do things with your hands, research has shown you retain 90 percent more of the knowledge instead of just reading it.”

WDC’s greenhouse is managed by Kathy Connell and about 20 high school students from Muckala’s Plant and Horticulture Science class, as well as student service workers.

Kathy Connell began managing Wadena-Deer Creek’s greenhouses the end of August, and is sharing her wealth of knowledge with students.

Connell said students are gaining knowledge about different varieties of plants and why some do better than others in certain climates and soils, as well as fertilizing, plant diseases and insects. They are learning the basics of agriculture and applying what they learn in the greenhouse.

“The kids are just great!” said Connell, who is known to her students as Grannie Green. “They are so responsive to what we are doing in the greenhouse. They are learning what I like to refer to as, ‘from dirt to food’. ”

Connell recalls as a child falling in love with gardening. However, it was more than a hobby while growing up; the produce provided much-needed food for her and her family, she said.  

Today, that passion for growing and nurturing plants is stronger than ever and she's sharing her wealth of knowledge with WDC students. She’s used her experience as an organic farm inspector and as owner/operator of Red Fern Gardens in Sebeka to back up her experience. 

This fall, under Connell’s leadership, students have planted eight varieties of lettuce from seed, which is then transplanted in rows in the high-tunnel greenhouse. They’ve also planted carrots and spinach in the high-tunnel greenhouse, and plans are to prepare the little greenhouse for growing plants this winter.

Over the past few weeks, students have been harvesting beautiful crops of lettuce, then taking the produce to the middle/high school’s kitchen where they carefully wash and weigh the lettuce. Students then keep records of production in their notebooks.

The best part though is students and staff are enjoying the fresh lettuce at school lunch at both the middle/high school and elementary cafeterias. "It's very good," said Jerry Wang, as he piles on a heaping helping of fresh lettuce on his lunch plate.

WDC freshman Jordan Kain said he looks forward to spending as much time as he can in the greenhouse. “I love the greenhouse because I get to work with plants and till,” said Kain.

But what Kain is most proud of is seeing students eating lettuce he helped grow in the greenhouse. “I feel accomplished!” he said with a big smile.

WDC freshman Brianna Burke couldn’t agree more with her classmate Kain. 

“Once you have a seed and see it grow and grow and grow, and then the lettuce goes to other kids in the school, and you’re feeding them. That’s a really good feeling.” 

Using a large salad spinner, students clean the beautiful leafy lettuce and then carefully dump into bags, ready for students and staff to eat!

Students deliver stainless-steel tubs of lettuce to the school kitchen, where they wash the lettuce and then transfer it into a large salad spinner. The washed lettuce is poured into large plastic bags, where it’s weighed and the amount recorded. Then it’s ready for school lunch! Pictured is Wanda Roers, WDC food service worker, telling Rebecca Erkenbrack how much the bag of lettuce weighs so she can record it.

Students and staff are enjoying the fresh lettuce at school lunch at both the middle/high school and elementary cafeterias. "It's very good," said Jerry Wang, pictured here with his heaping helping of fresh lettuce.

Students planted 8 varieties of lettuce from seed, then transplanted the plants into the high-tunnel greenhouse.

Students enjoy their time in the greenhouse, where they are seen here harvesting lettuce for the school cafeterias.

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Wadena-Deer Creek Schools is honored to announce that retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Kevin Tendall will be the keynote speaker for their K-12 Veterans Day program on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 9:30 a.m. in Wadena-Deer Creek Middle/High School Gymnasium.

“We are honored to have Mr. Tendall give the keynote address to students, veterans and the community at our Veterans Day program,” said WDC Middle/High School Vocal Instructor Mike Ortmann, who coordinates the school’s Veterans Day program. 

Born into a military family, Tendall’s father, Thomas, was a Tuskagee Airman who served during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Tendall followed in his father’s footsteps and enlisted in the U.S. Army after high school.

Tendall’s enlisted service covered Airborne, Ranger and Special Forces training. He served 2 ½ tours in Vietnam as a Long-Range Reconnaissance Specialist. After returning to the states, Tendall volunteered for Drill Sergeant duty, and upon completion, was assigned to Berlin, Germany as a Counter Intelligence Agent. 

Tendall was then selected to attend U.S. Army Warrant Officer Flight School and was assigned to fly medical evacuation helicopters. His additional flying assignments included General Support and Special Forces Special Operations Support as an instructor pilot. 

Tendall retired from active duty and reserve in 1995. He and his family moved to Minnesota where he was hired into the U.S. Government Federal Service as an agent in Minneapolis area. Kevin retired from Federal Service and now resides in Wadena. 

In his retirement, Tendall has driven school bus for Wadena-Deer Creek School District since 2014. He is also active in the VFW (serving as past Commander), as a Wadena boxing official and in the Madhatters Community Theater. Tendall, a widower, has three grown children and one grandson, with another grandchild due this month.

In his Veterans Day keynote address, Tendall said he will talk about the importance of honoring our veterans as heroes. A PowerPoint featuring photos of local and area veterans will accompany Tendall’s speech.

“I think children need to identify with a hero, and this PowerPoint will give our children a chance to see and hear about people they can identify right here locally,” he explained. 

Tendall said the Veterans Day program is a chance to honor those heroes, to remember their achievements, their courage, their dedication and to say thank you for their sacrifices.

WDC’s Veterans Day program will include the Presentation of Colors, student speakers and patriotic music by WDC Elementary students, under the direction of Mary Ellenson, and Middle/High School choirs, directed by Mike Ortmann. WDC Superintendent Lee Westrum will serve as master of ceremonies. The Wadena-Deer Creek Student Council will serve a pancake breakfast for veterans and their families from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Commons.

The public is encouraged to attend the school's Veterans Day ceremony. Any questions, contact Mr. Ortmann at 632-2384.
 

In his retirement, Tendall drives school bus for Wadena-Deer Creek School District -- a job he thoroughly enjoys. 

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Yearbooks for Grades 9-12 is $40; Grades 5-8, $11. You can go to jostensyearbooks.com to order, or you can bring your money to Beth Hawkins.The last day to guarantee your copy of the yearbook is February 28th. Don't miss out on the memories! Buy your yearbook today!

Pictured, from left: Daneen Aldrich, Christi Nelson, Sarah Ikola, Connie Klebs, Sarah Smith Alicia Wynn, Ellen Carlstrom, Alycia Mallak, Michelle Sundby and Elsie Schmidt. Not pictured: Jill Dilly, Holly Johnson, Sharol Mason and Sherri Kaufman.

The paraprofessionals at Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary were awarded their ENVoY Gem today (Feb. 27), as they completed the criteria for classroom, recess, and cafeteria certification. They are 1 of only 5 teams in the nation to be ENVoY certified, according to Cassidy Rice, NJPA Director of Education Solutions.

They are: Daneen Aldrich, Christi Nelson, Sarah Ikola, Connie Klebs, Sarah Smith Alicia Wynn, Ellen Carlstrom, Alycia Mallak, Michelle Sundby, Elsie Schmidt, Jill Dilly, Holly Johnson, Sharol Mason and Sherri Kaufman.

Way to go, WDC paras!

The ninth-grade Knowledge Bowlers brought home four trophies, Feb. 28!  The two teams, Seanye 2020 and Sean Cena, were not only competing against 62 other regional teams all season, but also against each other.  One team came in fifth and the other fourth in the overall Junior High Knowledge Bowl season. According to KB Coach, Loni Niles, two trophies were awarded for their overall season performance,  and they were only separated by only ONE point!

Liles explained that yesterday's competition is separate from the season. And with 15 teams competing, the ninth-grade brouth home two more trophies for WDC!  Another fourth and fifth place!  

They celebrated at Pizza Ranch for their end-of-the-season banquet following the regional competition. Trophies are on display in the media center. Members included: Frannie Baaken, Maggie Carlson, Sean Carlson, Lucas Hinojos, Bereket Loer, Cole Pearson, Garrett Redning. Michael Schmidt, Kamea Shreves, Makaylyn Sibert, Joshua Tabery, Kennedy Gravelle and Casey Bounds.

Senior High season is now over, too.  WDC's top team Jane (Derek Plautz, Andrew McCullough, Lindy Jones, Ellie Miron, Casey Volkmann) came within two points of going on to regions.  So close!  Top 21 teams of 87 go to regions and Jane came in at 22nd place!

Coach Niles said that overall, junior high and senior high Knowledge Bowl had a very good season.

"We had a really good season.  Kids were respectful and nice and they did well!  They worked together and it was a lot of fun.  I hope the kids had as much fun as I did!  Saying good bye to a big group of wonderful seniors (especially when one is my son) is always difficult, but I've got high hopes for the Knowledge Bowl future with the kids coming up," said Niles.

Other WDC high school teams included:

• Sharon Noble (Lucas Doyle, Mason Evans, Ryan Grendahl, Ashley Lehmkuhl, Liz Peterson)
• SPIRIT (Danny Anderson, Tyler Jahnke, Noah Ross, Konnor Stueve, Preston Warren)
• Sams and others (Ashley Adams, Elissa Ikola, Sophie Kreklau, Sam Malone, Abby Motschenbacher)
• Avocados # (Kirstan Finn, Katlyn Heaton, Kate Schmidt, Abby Westrum)
• G.A.B.I. ((McKayla Woods, Maggie Schmitz, Gabi Ross, Kayla Peters, Kirsten Peterson)

Junior High Knowledge Bowl teams compete on March 7 at Regions. Best of luck!

Knowledge Bowl coaches are Loni Niles and Todd Hale.

Mrs. Moats joins Mrs. Ellenson, Mrs. Gallant and Mr. Savoie as the first group of teachers in Region 5 to acheive ENVoY Demonstration Teacher status!  These teachers proudly teach at Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary.

ENVoY helps teachers keep good relationships with students while at the same time holding them accountable for their behavior.  It helps teachers do what they went to college to do – teach.  They don’t have to be struggling with management problems, sending kids to the office, and perhaps, even going home in a bad mood every day!