Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) David J. Goetze. (Photo by Dana Cantleberry, WDC Schools)
Wadena-Deer Creek High School is honored to announce that Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) David J. Goetze will be the keynote speaker for their Veterans Day program. The program will be Monday, Nov. 11 at 9:30 a.m. in Wadena-Deer Creek Middle/High School Gymnasium.
“We are honored to have Lieutenant Colonel Goetze 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.
Lt. Col. Goetze is a graduate of Roseau High School. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Bemidji State and holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and Management.
He enlisted in the United States Army Reserves and later transferred to the Minnesota National Guard. He has served in multiple leadership and instructor positions throughout his career, including Platoon Leader in Hawaii and Haiti, Company Commander with the First Infantry Division, Observer Controller at Fort Irwin, Calif.; Reserve Officers Training Course instructor at St. John’s and St. Cloud state universities; Advisor for the Saudi Arabian National Guard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Operations Officer for 2nd Battalion 16th Infantry Battalion for 34 months, including 14 months in Baghdad, Iraq; Operations Officer for Battle Command Training Program at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Commander Security Force Assistance Team, 101st Airborne Division Afghanistan; and Tactics Instructor.
Currently, Lt. Col. Goetze is training National Guard brigades before deployment.
Lt. Col. Goetze’s awards include the Valorous Unit Award, two Bronze Stars, five Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Accommodation medals, two Army Achievement medals, two Army Superior Unit Awards, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Medal, four Overseas Ribbons, NATO medal, Air Assault Badge, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and several other awards.
Lt. Col. Goetze and his wife, Jane, have a daughter, Sara, who is a junior at Wadena-Deer Creek Middle/High School. They reside near Hewitt, Minn.
WDC’s Veterans Day program will include the Presentation of Colors by the Wadena VFW, student essay speakers, as well as patriotic music by K-4 students, under the direction of Mary Ellenson, and Grades 5-12 choirs, directed by Mike Ortmann. WDC Supt. 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 High School Commons.
The public is encouraged to attend this Veterans Day ceremony. Any questions, contact Mr. Ortmann at 632-2384.
Wadena-Deer Creek Public Schools honored veterans today during a Veterans Day program, with a great crowd of veterans, their families and community members.
In observance of Veterans Day, Wadena‐Deer Creek Public Schools hosted a ceremony, Nov. 11 with a moving tribute of patriotic music and inspiring speeches in Wadena‐Deer Creek Middle/High School’s Gymnasium.
The program opened with the Presentation of Colors by the Elmer Goche VFW Post 3922 Color Guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Lexi Pierce, Wadena‐Deer Creek senior class officer.
The WDC Concert Choir, under the direction of Mike Ortmann, sang the National Anthem, as veterans, their families, students, and staff held their hand over their heart while joining in.
WDC School Superintendent Lee Westrum welcomed all in attendance. He stressed the significance of coming together today as a community to honor our veterans, past and present. He also thanked the veterans in attendance for being here today and how important it is for students to see veterans from our community being honored on this important day.
“Veterans Day is an important time for our young people to learn about sacrifice and the commitment and the price of freedom. And because of that, this program and Veterans Day in general provides a powerful educational opportunity for our students,” said Supt. Westrum.
WDC Elementary music teacher Mary Ellenson directed the K-4 students in a fun and energetic tune called “Who Do We Appreciate?” as well as a beautiful ballad, “You Are Our Heroes” to veterans in the audience.
WDC fifth-grader Miles Self reads his essay on “Why I Say the Pledge of Allegiance.”
Supt. Westrum introduced the fifth‐ and sixth‐grade essay contest winners who spoke on why they say the Pledge of Allegiance. Those fifth-grade essay winners included Ava Hall, Miles Self, Caleb Hagen and Chloe Hammes. While the sixth-grade essay winners were: Arynn Lorentz, Ashley Pavek, Lily Peterson and James Seelhammer.
WDC Concert Choir men’s group sang a moving rendition of “Tell My Father,” which brought tears to many in the audience. Under the direction of Mr. Ortmann, the group featured the voices of WDC Choir students Elliot Doyle, Owen Guo, Michael Schmidt, Zach Shaw and Jayson Young.
WDC Choir students Owen Guo, Zach Shaw, Elliot Doyle, Michael Schmidt, and Jayson Young sing “Tell My Father.”
This year’s Quilt of Valor went to Korean War veteran, Tom Malone. The Homespun Quilters presented Malone with the beautiful quilt and pillowcase. The Marine veteran served along the 38th Parallel where the action was heavy during the Korean Conflict. He was in Korea when the Armistice was signed on July 27, 1953. When he returned to civilian life, Malone continued to be of service to others by being active in his church, local government, as well as a member of the Sebeka and Wadena honor guards.
The Veterans Day address was given by Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) David J. Goetze of rural Hewitt, who has had a long and distinguished military career in the Army National Guard. He currently is training National Guard brigades before deployment.
Lt. Col. David Goetze and his service dog, Holley.
Lt. Col. Goetze stood at the podium with his service dog, Holley. During his service, Lt. Col. Goetze was involved in several extreme events. He said he is grateful for Holley who helps him with his Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
“In the military we never go in alone and always have a Ranger Buddy with us to watch our back — and that is what Holley is for me,” he told the audience before beginning his keynote address.
In his Veterans Day address, Lt. Col. Goetze reminded those in attendance of the many wars this country has experienced throughout history.
“Today, tragic as it is to lose one human life, it is almost unfathomable to imagine the horrors of past wars where 10,000 or more people could be lost in a single day. We mourn the loss of all our brothers and sisters who gave the ultimate sacrifice and we shall never forget them or their families who are forever changed — not just on Memorial Day, but every day,” said Lt. Col. Goetze.
He said Veterans Day is a day to honor the living men and women of this country who came from all walks of life and who shared the ambition to serve our country.
WDC senior and MN Boys State participant Michael Schmidt.
“It is to them, the ones who set aside their personal wants and ambitions, who made the sacrifices, endured the heat, the cold, the time without family and friends, in lands far away to ensure life and liberty for our country. We owe these veterans our gratitude,” he said.
After Lt. Col. Goetze finished his speech, the audience honored him with a standing ovation.
WDC senior and MN Boys State participant Michael Schmidt shared a powerful wartime story he heard at Boys State and then went on to thank Vietnam vets as a tribute for Vietnam War Commemoration Day today.
“Ladies and gentlemen, today we have an opportunity to say to our Vietnam vets what we should have been saying from the beginning … You did your job. You served with honor. You made us proud. You came home and built the America we all know, love and cherish. Thank you for your service,” said Schmidt.
The WDC Concert Choir then sang “God Bless the U.S.A.” – a song that honors the men and women who dedicate their lives to preserving our freedom and keeping us safe.
A PowerPoint presentation, “Honoring Our Heroes” featuring photos of local veterans, as well as WDC families’ veterans played to “God Bless the U.S.A.” and “America the Beautiful.”
WDC Student Council served a pancake and sausage breakfast to veterans and their families before the Veterans Day program.
The entire K‐12 vocal music students performed a moving montage called "A Tribute to the Armed Services," which featured each service organization song for the Army, National Guard, Marines, Coast Guard, Navy and Air Force. As each song played, the respective veterans stood up, many singing along to the music and saluting.
The program concluded with WDC band members, Mercedes Schulz and Ella Stroeing, playing the deeply‐emotional “Taps.”
Prior to the Veterans Day program, the WDC Student Council served a pancake and sausage breakfast to one of the biggest crowds to date, serving nearly 300 veterans and their families in the Commons.
Thanks to all who attended WDC's Veterans Day program. This is a very special day for us at WDC to honor all of our veterans!
Gravelle officially signs her Letter of Intent today (Nov. 13) to play volleyball for Northern State University. Photos by Dana Cantleberry, WDC Schools.
Wadena-Deer Creek senior Kennedy Gravelle officially signed her Letter of Intent today (Nov. 13) to play volleyball for Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D.
A 6-foot, middle-hitter, Gravelle said she is excited to play for the Northern State Wolves.
Gravelle, a star middle-hitter for the Wolverines, surpassed 1,000 career kills this past season.
“I’m looking forward to making new friends, having new adventures, and playing at a higher level in a competitive conference,” said Gravelle at her signing today.
Northern State University Head Volleyball Coach Brent Aldridge said he’s anxious to have Gravelle join the Northern State volleyball family and contribute to the team’s success.
“Kennedy’s ability to go off of one foot behind the setter and do it with an up-tempo set is a big reason that I see her fitting into our system,” said Coach Aldridge. “She had a very nice camp last summer at Northern and fit in well with the recruits that we are bringing in. I like the fact that Kennedy is a multi-sport athlete and has had the ability to compete on different stages in her high school career.”
Gravelle played her final season with the Wadena-Deer Creek volleyball team this fall, helping her team capture the Park Region Conference title, as well as finish as Section 6A runners-up.
Gravelle has accumulated numerous awards and distinctions throughout her high school volleyball career at WDC. Among those, she’s been selected All-Conference the past three years, named All-Conference Most Valuable Player this past fall, as well as All-Area Athlete of the Week by The Brainerd Dispatch. Last week at the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association’s banquet, she was named to the All-State Team Honorable Mention.
She surpassed 1,000 kills this fall and finished her volleyball career at 1,071 total kills. She’s been a member of the Summit Elite volleyball team in Fargo and the Kandi Elite Team in Willmar. In addition to volleyball, Gravelle is a standout student-athlete in basketball and track & field for the Wolverines.
WDC Head Volleyball Coach Sue Volkmann said she is very proud to see one of her players move on to the next level, especially at Northern State who she considers a top competitor.
"Northern State University has become a top team in the NSIC conference which is considered the best Division II Conference in the country," she said.
Coach Volkmann went on to say that Gravelle was a good leader for the WDC volleyball team on and off the court and in the classroom. Gravelle is a 4.0 student at WDC High School.
“She has worked very hard over the years to develop her skill level and to reach this goal. I feel Kennedy is ready for the challenge and moving up to the next level,” added Coach Volkmann.
Coach Aldridge couldn’t agree more.
“The fact that Kennedy is highly competitive on the court and in the classroom is also a very important factor. I look forward to next fall when Kennedy gets on the floor with Northern State volleyball.”
Gravelle plans to major in biology at Northern State. She is the daughter of John and Wendy Gravelle of Wadena. She has three sisters -- Lauryn, a sophomore; Addyson, a seventh grader; and Payton, a fifth grader.
Kennedy Gravelle is joined by Sue Volkmann, WDC head volleyball coach; and her parents John and Wendy Gravelle.
The WDC volleyball team held their end-of-the-season banquet this week where they celebrated MANY achievements!
Here's the summary from Coach Sue Volkmann:
Kennedy Gravelle, Senior - All-State Honorable Mention, Academic All-State, Park Region Conference Most Valuable Player, Park Region All-Conference, Spotlight on Scholarship Award, Letterwinner, Team Most Ace Serves with 29, Career Kills-1,071.
Courtny Warren, Senior - Academic All-State, Park Region All-Conference,Spotlight on Scholarship Award, Letterwinner, Career Digs-1,159.
Mackenzie Carsten, Senior - Academic All-State, Park Region All-Conference, Spotlight on Scholarship Award, Letterwinner, Team Best Serving Percent-96%, Career Setting Assists-1,108.
Hailey Wiederich, Senior - Academic All-State, Park Region Conference, Honorable Mention, Spotlight on Scholarship Award, Letterwinner.
Laura Krause, Senior - Academic All-State, Spotlight on Scholarship Award, Letterwinner.
Mari Grendahl, Senior - Spotlight on Scholarship Award, Letterwinner.
Maddie Carsten - Park Region All-Conference, Spotlight on Scholarship Award, Letterwinner
Katelyn Gardner - Spotlight on Scholarship Award, Letterwinner.
Teagan Roberts - Spotlight on Scholarship Award.
Lauryn Gravelle - Spotlight on Scholarship Award, Letterwinner.
Summer Pettit - Spotlight on Scholarship Award, Letterwinner.
Ashley Lepinski - Spotlight on Scholarship Award, Letterwinner
Lola Pulver - Spotlight on Scholarship Award, Letterwinner.
Kaylin Lupkes - Spotlight on Scholarship Award.
Emily Lepinski - Spotlight on Scholarship Award.
Sue Volkmann - Park Region Co-Coach of the Year.
Team Record - 19-8 Conference Record - 6-0 Park Region Conference Champs Sub-Section Champs Section 6 Runner-Up
All-Conference players, from left: Mackenzie Carsten, Maddie Carsten, Kennedy Gravelle, and Courtny Warren; and All-Conference Honorable Mention Hailey Wiederich. Kennedy Gravelle also earned All-Conference Most Valuable Player. Congratulations to all these girls and their hard work this season!
Seniors receiving Academic All-State honors, front: Mackenzie Carsten and Hailey Wiederich; back: Laura Krause, Kennedy Gravelle and Courtny Warren.
WDC head coach Sue Volkmann was selected Park Region Conference Co-Coach of the Year. She shares the honor with Kristy Finck, Henning head volleyball coach.
WDC’s Norm Gallant has been honored twice for his work and commitment as an activities director at the sub-section and section levels. He will be considered for a state honor this spring. Photo credit: Heidi Nelson Photography.
Wadena-Deer Creek High School Activities Director Norm Gallant has been honored twice for his outstanding efforts as an activities director recently.
He was selected as the “Sub-Section 24 Activities Director of the Year” and “Section 6A Activities Director of the Year” based on votes from the nearly 40 activities directors in the section.
From there, a committee of members from the Minnesota Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association will select the top AD in the state in a pool of fellow section winners this spring.
Gallant said he is very appreciative and honored to be selected for this by his peers.
“The AD community is very close knit and we work extremely closely together. I always try to do what’s best and what’s right for students, both at WDC and in our region and across the state,” said Gallant, adding, “I am also extremely thankful for a dedicated, hardworking, and caring group of coaches. Their commitment to our students and communities make being an AD fun and rewarding. We really have great coaches and great kids at WDC!”
This is the second time Gallant has been named “Sub-Section AD of the Year” — he was honored with that award in 2014.
Gallant also credits WDC’s administrators Tyler Church, Louie Rutten and Lee Westrum for being supportive of extracurriculars.
“They’ve allowed me to pursue various leadership roles for the betterment of our programs, coaches and students. Our administrative assistants and communications department also make my job easy.”
Gallant is in his 10h year as Wadena-Deer Creek’s activities director. Gallant succeeded Brian Silbernick on June 15, 2010. Two days later, an EF4 tornado ripped through the WDC High School campus.
Gallant worked tirelessly that summer to ensure fall sports started on time. Then, that fall, Gallant, along with the school and the Wadena-Deer Creek-Bluffton communities, celebrated the sweet success of the volleyball team winning a state title. Over the next two years, high school sports played their games in the renovated elementary gymnasium while the new high school was built.
Retired Park Rapids Activities Director John Schumacher praised Gallant for his efforts in helping design athletic facilities that “are the envy of many school districts in north-central Minnesota.”
“The blueprint of WDC has been used by many other districts. This is because Norm was able to take his knowledge of what a district needs to have for a successful activities program and put it to brick and mortar,” said Schumacher.
Gallant is a member of the Region 6A Committee and currently serves as vice chair. He is a representative on the Region 6A Representative Assembly, the MN Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (MNIAAA) Region Committee, and the MNIAAA Strategic Planning Committee.
Gallant has served in many coaching positions while at WDC, including head wrestling coach from 2005 to 2018; assistant baseball, football and wrestling coach; as well as serving as assistant football coach since 2018.
Before becoming WDC’s AD, Gallant taught sixth grade and junior high math for 12 years at Wadena-Deer Creek. In addition to his AD duties, he serves as the Dean of Students for grades 5-12.
WDC Grades 5-12 Principal Tyler Church describes his colleague as a person who brings “energy, knowledge and compassion” to everything he does.
“Norm is a person of high moral character who demands the very best for the students in our school,” added Church.
Pequot Lakes Activities Director Marc Helmrichs said Gallant represents all the positive attributes needed in an activities director.
“His passion for education-based activities is obvious in all that he does. He is well respected by students, staff, the community as a whole, and his fellow activities directors,” said Helmrichs, who was honored as last year’s “State Class A Activities Director of the Year.”
WDC Supt. Lee Westrum believes Gallant understands that a well-rounded education encompasses not only academics, but extracurricular activities, too.
“Norm is a true believer in the powerful role that extracurricular activities play in the development of young people and Norm does everything in his power to provide as many opportunities as possible for our students at WDC,” said Westrum, adding, “WDC is very lucky to have Norm Gallant as activities director and he is very deserving of the recognition he is getting.”
The 6’1'‘, 185-pound Wolverine running back/linebacker, Dylan Kern, is excited to play for the Central Lakes College Raiders program this fall. Photos by Dana Cantleberry, WDC Schools.
Wearing No. 5, Kern played running back and linebacker for the Wolverines this past season. His coaches praised Kern for his work ethic on the football field. File photo by Dana Cantleberry, WDC Schools.
Wadena-Deer Creek (WDC) senior Dylan Kern has signed a Letter of Intent to play football for the Central Lakes College Raiders.
The 6’1'‘, 185-pound Wolverine running back/linebacker is excited to play for the Raiders.
“I’m really looking forward to playing football at the college level,” said Kern, who was named “Wolverine Player of the Year” this past football season for his hard work and grit.
WDC Head Football Coach Kyle Petermeier praised Kern for his tireless commitment on the football field.
"Dylan is a guy who will do anything for the team. Whatever role that is, he will do it with passion and effort. Dylan is someone that any team would be lucky to have, and CLC got a guy that will work his tail off,” Petermeier said.
CLC Head Football Coach Greg Medeck said he’s pleased that Kern selected CLC to further his academic and athletic careers.
“I think Dylan has the ability to excel as a teammate in our program. One of his greatest strengths is his versatility — he will play anywhere he is needed. While we are projecting him as a linebacker in our defense, I can envision Dylan on the field in a number of different roles,” he said.
WDC Activities Director/Assistant Football Coach Norm Gallant described Kern as a young man who showed up to practice every day with a positive attitude and a willingness to work and get better.
“He wasn't a kid who started as a sophomore, or even a junior, but he paid his dues and earned a starting role as a senior. He was always enjoyable to coach, he asked questions and you always knew he was giving you his best effort. Kids like Dylan are becoming increasingly rare. He stayed determined, stayed positive and earned his opportunity. In an age of instant gratification, Dylan has been that athlete that had to wait and continue to grind to earn an opportunity; and he made the most of it,” said Gallant.
Coach Medeck is thrilled to sign Kern and strengthen their relationship with local high school programs by bringing in a quality student-athlete like Kern.
“Hopefully, we can continue to attract other Wolverines to our CLC campus and our Raider athletic programs in the future,” he added.
Kern plans to enroll in CLC’s automotive program. He is the son of Jim and Janet Kern of Deer Creek.
Congratulations, Dylan! We are #WDCproud of you!
Kern on his signing day surrounded by his parents, Janet and Jim Kern, and his football coaches, Kyle Petermeier, left, and Norm Gallant.
WDC senior Dylan Kern, right, with his high school football coach, Kyle Petermeier. Coach Petermeier praised Kern for his work ethic, saying CLC “got a guy that will work his tail off.”
Wadena-Deer Creek FCCLA members participating in “Legislative Shadow Day” recently, from top: Elliot Doyle, Mikayla Varela, Morgan Grangruth, and Angela LeComte. Photo by Cindi Koll, WDC FCCLA.
Four Wadena-Deer Creek FCCLA chapter officers participated in “FCCLA Legislative Shadow Day” on Feb. 19 at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul.
WDC FCCLA students Angela LeComte, Mikayla Varela, Morgan Grangruth, and Elliot Doyle were paired with lawmakers for the afternoon. Doyle shadowed Sen. Torrie Westrom, LeComte and Grangruth shadowed Rep. John Huot, and Varela shadowed Sen. Justin Eichorn.
The event is designed to help students understand careers and roles of public officials and to experience “Career Connections,” a National FCCLA Program.
“It was the FCCLA students’ goal to talk about their own experiences, opportunities, and what the organization has done for them,” said Cindi Koll, WDC FCCLA co-advisor.
In observing the legislators, FCCLA members needs to be a good listener, participate in public speaking, organizational skills, time management and teamwork, explained Doyle.
Some commented that their favorite part of the day was: “Listening to bills being presented,” “Learning about what goes on day to day,” and “Being able to experience a wide variety of meetings.”
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Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is a dynamic and effective national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education.
Participation in national FCCLA programs and chapter activities helps members become strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities.
In a file photo, WDC FCCLA students who qualified for nationals include, from top left, Elliot Doyle, Mikayla Varela, Morgan Grangruth and Angela LeComte. Congratulations to these students!
Announced today (April 20), four Wadena-Deer Creek Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) have advanced to national competition on their STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events. They earned the highest scores in the state in their categories!
Earning 97.5/100 in the “Sustainability Challenge” was WDC sophomore Mikayla Varela. She is the first advancer in that category.
WDC juniors Angela LeComte and Elliot Doyle earned 94.5/100 in the “Chapter in Review” event making them the first advancers in that event.
WDC senior Morgan Grangruth earned 91.5/100 in the “Chapter Service” category and is the second advancer in Minnesota in her event.
According to Cindi Koll, WDC’s FCCLA co-advisor, the state director and a committee of the state board of directors went through all the region scores and used those as qualifying for nationals. Their state conference was cancelled in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The National FCCLA Board of Directors will meet this week to determine if, how, and /or when the national conference will be held. It was to convene July 5-9 in Washington, D.C.
“In any event, congratulations to these members for their accomplishments! The FCCLA rubrics are challenging and require hard work. It is rewarding when that hard work pays off,” said Koll. LaDonna Norenberg is the other co-advisor.
The Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Conference was held using a virtual format July 7-9 with more than 5,000 participants.
MN FCCLA President-Elect Elliot Doyle was a Minnesota voting delegate. Photos by Cindi Koll.
Wadena-Deer Creek (WDC) FCCLA members who advanced to national FCCLA STAR Event competition and participated in the conference were Mikayla Varela, Angela LeComte, Elliot Doyle, and Morgan Grangruth. They were responsible for recording themselves presenting their STAR Events and submitting those presentations to National FCCLA by May 22. The presentations were judged remotely in June.
The opening general session of the conference featured Dr. Julia Garcia as the keynote speaker. Her message to delegates was “invest in yourself.” She encouraged us to ask ourselves “what is the difference that we are intended to make in this world?”
Angela LeComte (left) and Elliot Doyle earned a gold medal on their Chapter in Review project while Morgan Grangruth (right) earned a silver medal on her Traffic Safety Chapter Service.
There were many “Red Talk” workshops, an expo, demonstrations, and a showcase of projects, in addition to the general sessions for members to experience.
MN FCCLA President-Elect Elliot Doyle was a Minnesota voting delegate. He met the top 20 officer candidates via Zoom and asked them questions before voting.
Mikayla Varela earned a gold medal on her Sustainability Challenge project.
Prior to the Closing Session, each state had a STAR Event Awards Recognition Program. Morgan Grangruth earned a silver medal on her Traffic Safety Chapter Service. Elliot Doyle and Angela LeComte earned a gold medal on their Chapter in Review project, and Mikayla Varela earned a gold medal on her Sustainability Challenge project.
“Even though there were no in-person experiences, no travel, and no sightseeing, the virtual conference proved to be more impressive than expected,” said Cindi Koll, FCCLA co-advisor.
Wadena-Deer Creek senior Elliot Doyle officially became the 2020-21 MN Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) president in a virtual installation ceremony recently.
“This is not merely an honor, but a great responsibility. Elliot will lead the 10-person MN State Officer team for the upcoming months,” said Cindi Koll, co-advisor of WDC’s FCCLA chapter.
The team is currently working on creating a theme and logo for the year. Each officer will plan and present several workshops to FCCLA members throughout the state. They will speak to legislators and adult stakeholders in the organization. Ultimately, the state officers will plan and carry out the 2021 MN FCCLA State Conference.
Doyle has been an active member of FCCLA for five years. He has been a WDC FCCLA Chapter officer, a Central West Area peer educator, and the Central West Area President. He spent last year serving on the state officer team as the MN FCCLA President-Elect.
Elliot is the son of Holly and Ben Doyle of Wadena. He is advised by Koll and LaDonna Norenberg.
MN FCCLA’s mission is to promote personal growth and leadership development through FCS education, focusing on the multiple roles of family members, wage earners, and community leaders. Members develop skills for life through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation.
Womenade Helping Hearts board member/WDC kindergarten teacher Mandy Gallant presents a $3,000 donation from Womenade to WDC Supt. Lee Westrum recently. (Photo by Dana Cantleberry, WDC Schools)
Womenade Helping Hearts donated $3,000 to Wadena-Deer Creek School District for anonymous and immediate aid for students. Womenade board member/WDC kindergarten teacher Mandy Gallant presented the check to WDC Supt. Lee Westrum recently.
"Womenade is an amazing organization and the funds they provide for our students take care of critical needs that cannot be paid for with public school funds. The benefit to our students is immense and for that I say, thank you!" Westrum said.
Womenade serves schools in five districts: Wadena-Deer Creek, New York Mills, Perham, Henning and Battle Lake. Last school year, a total of $11,000 was given to the five schools, however, due to schools closing early due to the Coronavirus, Womenade didn’t make a donation in the spring like they typically do, explained Gallant.
“This year, we were unable to hold our annual fundraising event, but people continue to be extremely generous in supporting our organization. Because of this, we are able to give the five school districts checks in the amount of $3,000 each to help their students this school year,” Gallant said.
Womenade gives any staff member access to funds when they notice a child in need. Some ways funds have been used at WDC include: winter clothing (hats, mittens, snow pants, boots), shoes, socks, hygiene items, chronic lice treatments, field trip admission, Kindergarten graduation T-shirts, prom dresses, drivers education fees, assistance with heating bills, and more.
Thank you, Womenade! You are a wonderful organization for our school families.
Mikaela Malone officially signed her letter of intent on Nov. 11 to compete in the track & field program at BSU this fall. She is pictured here with her parents, Ron and Eileen Malone, along with WDC Track & Field Head Coach Marc Reynolds, back right, and WDC Activities Director Norm Gallant. Photos by Dana Cantleberry/WDC Schools.
Malone competing in the 100 meters at the Class A State Meet.
Wadena-Deer Creek track & field standout Mikaela Malone signed a Letter of Intent to compete in track & field at Bemidji State University (BSU) this fall.
Malone said she is looking forward to being a sprinter and long jumper on the Division II track & field team.
Malone competing in the long jump at the Class A State Meet.
“I’ve been running meets there [BSU] since I was in 8th grade. It feels like home. I love the coaches and the team atmosphere. It’s going to be a lot of fun next year,” said Malone at her signing on Nov. 11 at the Epicenter Church in Wadena, where she was surrounded by most of her immediate family.
Malone is WDC’s record holder in the long jump at 17’5.5" and sits No. 2 in the school record book in the 100 meter dash at 12.55 seconds. As a freshman, she finished in eighth place at 2018 Class A State Meet in the 100-meter dash and as a sophomore, she returned to the Class A State Meet, where she placed 10th in the long jump. She was the 2018 Section 6A Champion in the 100 meter dash, the 2019 Section 6A Champion in the long jump and the 2019 Section 6A runner-up in the 100 meter dash.
Wadena-Deer Creek Track & Field Head Coach Marc Reynolds said when Malone joined the track & field program as an 8th grader, it was evident right away she was going to be something special.
“Track and field was brand new to her, so she was a bit timid about some events. But as her confidence grew, she has evolved into an excellent sprinter and jumper for WDC — not just excellent, one of the best we’ve ever had come through WDC,” he said.
BSU Track & Field/Cross Country Head Coach Kevin Kean said Malone will be an excellent addition to the BSU family.
“Mikaela is one of the most talented sprint-and-jump combination athletes in our northern Minnesota area,” said Kean, who begins his sixth season as head coach for the cross country and track & field programs in 2020-21. “With Mikaela’s drive to be the best, our training groups will undoubtedly be pushed to great competition. Mikaela is a joy to be around and I can't wait to see her smiling on the podium in years to come.”
During her high school athletic career, Malone has also participated in basketball and wrestling. WDC Activities Director Norm Gallant said he is proud to see one of WDC’s multi-talented athletes move on to the collegiate level.
“Mikaela is a tremendous athlete. What she has done in the track and field arena speaks for itself. She is so explosive as a jumper and runner. A neat thing about her is she is an athlete who is also breaking barriers as WDC’s second female high school wrestler. She has that same grit and determination she takes to the track that’s served her well on the mat. I look forward to seeing what she can accomplish at Bemidji State,” Gallant said.
The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference is one of the top conferences in the country at the Division II level. BSU begins their track & field practice in the fall and by the middle of December their indoor meets kick off, where they compete against colleges like NDSU and Minnesota State University-Moorhead. Malone will be competing on the 4 x 100 relay, the 100 meters and the long jump. “I’m excited to get started,” Malone said with a big smile.
This past spring, Malone was set to dedicate her high school track & field season to her Grandma Dolores, who passed away on Feb. 10, 2020 at the age of 97. “But that didn’t happen [due to the pandemic],” Malone said. At the signing this week, on the table sat Malone’s running shoes with handwritten hearts and reminders of her Grandma Dolores’ passing. Malone also wears her grandmother’s ring on a necklace around her neck. “She was one of my biggest supporters,” Malone said.
Malone plans to major in physical education and hopes to one day return to WDC to teach and coach, she said. She is the daughter of Ron and Eileen Malone of Wadena.
Proud parents Ron and Eileen Malone as their daughter Mikaela signs her letter of intent.
Malone holds her running shoes she wears in remembrance of her Grandma Dolores who passed away this past February.
Mikaela Malone surrounded by family members at the signing on Nov. 11 at Epicenter Church in Wadena.
At right, Supt. Westrum accepts the donation from Erin Pierce and Toby Pierce. The donation will establish five $1,000 scholarships to be awarded to 2021 graduating seniors. Photo by Dana Cantleberry/WDC Schools
Toby Pierce & Associates Ltd. is contributing funds to establish five $1,000 scholarships to be given to 2021 Wadena-Deer Creek graduating seniors.
Wadena-Deer Creek 1987 graduate and Toby Pierce & Associates Ltd. owner Erin Pierce wanted to establish scholarships that would honor individuals who’ve been a positive influence in her life.
Those individuals to have a scholarship named in their honor have connections to the school district and community: Bernard and Therese Pavek, Lowell and Kathy Rosium, Nancy Johnson, Judy Erdahl, and Kent and Dr. Shaneen Schmidt.
“I decided to recognize those people that were very important in my life, both as a child and a young woman. They played an instrumental part in my life, to be a good citizen to the community. Those people that support women in local business. So why not give a gift to those starting out in adulthood, while appreciating those that were instrumental to where the donation came from,” explained Pierce.
Pierce joined her father, Toby, in the insurance business in 1998 and in 2014, purchased the business from him when he semi-retired.
The Pierce family has a long and impressive connection to the Wadena community. Dr. Charles Pierce was one of the first doctors in Wadena. Toby Pierce graduated from Wadena High School in 1955 and Erin Pierce’s children, Colton and Kelsie both, are graduates of Wadena-Deer Creek.
WDC Supt. Lee Westrum expressed his appreciation on behalf of the school district for the Toby Pierce & Associates scholarships.
“A sincere thank you to Toby Pierce & Associates for the generous donation to the scholarship fund. These five scholarships will have a big impact for the students that receive them and for that, we are grateful.”
Angela LeComte is participating in the “Days for Girls” international organization. She is sewing washable reusable feminine hygiene products for young women in third world countries.
WDC junior and Family, Career, and Community Leadership (FCCLA) chapter president Angela LeComte is participating in the “Days for Girls” international organization. She met with Carol Osborn, team leader from the Verndale Days for Girls project, who shared with LeComte the mission and history of the organization.
Days for Girls celebrates the dignity of young girls and women throughout the world by providing a solution that keeps them from missing up to three months of school a year. This can keep the girls from dropping out of school altogether due to prolonged absences, according to Osborn.
LeComte is assisting with creating washable reusable feminine hygiene products for young women in third world countries. This global cause will be part of the new FCCLA National Program, Stand Up. Stand Up, that encourages FCCLA members to assess a problem, educate themselves and others, and then to advocate for the cause.
LeComte will be sharing the information she has learned with several groups in the upcoming weeks and months.
Angela LeComte meets with Carol Osborn, from the Verndale Days for Girls project. Osborn shared with LeComte the mission and history of the organization.
Minnesota Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America was started in 1946. At that time, the organization was known as Future Homemakers of America (FHA). In the 1980s, Minnesota FHA made a name change to Minnesota Future Leaders of America/Future Homemakers of America (FLA/FHA). At the 1999 FHA National Leadership Conference in Boston, MA, delegates voted to change the name of the national organization to FCCLA, Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America.
Interesting fact: two WDC students were in attendance at that national conference. Kristina Kukacka and Katherine Roggenkamp had both qualified to attend as they held regional leadership positions that year.
Since the start of the organization, FCCLA has been addressing important personal, career, and societal issues.
Current FCCLA members have been working on a variety of projects. They have raised over $600 for the March of Dimes with a Dime Drive, collected and delivered 436 pairs of socks to the Eagle’s Healing Nest, written letters to residents at Fair Oaks Lodge, made 216 feminine hygiene pads and 14 bags to put them in for girls in third-world countries as part of Days for Girls, and shared the book, I Promise by LeBron James with elementary students.
This year’s WDC FCCLA members have important leadership roles in the organization. Angela LeComte is serving as the local chapter president, Mikayla Varela serves as the Central West Area President, and Elliot Doyle is the MN FCCLA State President.
Nine members are working hard on their STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events. Phoenix Gray, Vanessa Haataja, Amara Neuerberg, and Jenny Varela are doing presentations describing chapter projects, and Gracie Arm is creating an educational display.
Talia Erickson is working on her own business in the Entrepreneurship category. Angela LeComte is competing in National Programs in Action, Elliot Doyle in Leadership, and Mikayla Varela in Chapter in Review.
They will all compete virtually this month. The results will be announced at the virtual state conference in March.
For more information check out the MN FCCLA and National FCCLA websites.
At the official signing day, WDC senior wide receiver/defensive back Zach Shaw commits to playing football at the University of Minnesota-Morris. He is with WDC Head Football Coach Kyle Petermeier. (Photo by Dana Cantleberry | WDC Schools)
Wadena-Deer Creek (WDC) senior Zach Shaw has signed a Letter of Intent to play football for the University of Minnesota-Morris Cougars.
The 5’11”, 180-pound Wolverine wide receiver and defensive back is excited to play for the Cougars and call UM-Morris home.
“I liked the small campus. It felt like home to me,” said Shaw, who plans to study engineering.
Wadena-Deer Creek Head Football Coach Kyle Petermeier praised Shaw for his tireless commitment on the football field. Wearing No. 82, Shaw finished his senior year of football (a shortened season due to COVID) with 19 receptions for 354 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He also plays basketball and baseball for the Wolverines.
“Zach is someone who works hard each and every day. He leads by example and action on and off the field, especially during the offseason. He made great strides in his senior season and made a lot of catches for our football team,” Petermeier said.
UM-Morris Head Football Coach Marty Hoffmann said he’s pleased that Shaw selected UM-Morris to further his academic and athletic careers.
“As a player, Zach brings a lot of skills. He has great hands and can make difficult catches in traffic. He’s also good with the ball in space and can make people miss in the screen game. Off the field, he is a great student with a tremendous work ethic. He has a bright future ahead of him in the maroon and gold,” Hoffmann said, who is in his fourth year as head coach of the Cougars, a Division III team.
Coach Petermeier said he’s thrilled to see Shaw move on to the collegiate level, especially since it’s his alma mater.
“I am proud of Zach for all of his hard work leading up to college football. College athletics are a commitment, and Zach as the work ethic to be successful. Zach gives me a great reason to get back to the greatest college in America! Go, Cougs!,” said Petermeier.
Zach is the son of Scott and Dawn Wright of Wadena.
We are #WDCproud of you, Zach!
Proud parents Scott and Dawn Wright at Zach’s official signing day.
At the National Letter of Intent signing, WDC senior Brayden Kleinke committed to playing football for North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton. (Photos by Dana Cantleberry | WDC Schools)
Wadena-Deer Creek High School senior Brayden Kleinke has committed to play football at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) in Wahpeton this fall.
The 5’8”, 180-pound Wolverine played on both sides of the offensive and defensive line, as well as linebacker. His stellar contributions on the field earned him a place on the All-Section 6-2A team this past fall.
Kleinke is looking forward to continuing his football career for the Wildcats.
“It’s what I’ve always wanted to do — play football in college,” said Kleinke, who will study welding at NDSCS.
Wadena-Deer Creek Head Football Coach Kyle Petermeier described Kleinke as a hard-working, dedicated leader who gives his all in every drill and snap.
Wearing No. 50, Kleinke was a strong presence on the defensive and offensive side of the line for the Wolverines. (File photo)
“You can tell his love for the game each and every time he comes off the field,” said Petermeier. “Brayden was a great leader for us and would do anything needed of him to help the team. His aggression and tenacity will be missed next year.”
NDSCS Head Football Coach Eric Issendorf said he’s thrilled Kleinke chose NDSCS to further his academic and athletic careers.
Kleinke signs his official commitment letter to play football for NDSCS
“We are extremely excited for Brayden to be a part of our football family. We’re happy to see him going into the welding program at NDSCS, that’s a good academic fit for him. Recruiting quality kids like Brayden from the region is important to us,” said Issendorf, who is in his fourth year as head coach of the Wildcats, a Division III team in the MN College Athletic Conference (MCAC).
NDSCS’s 2020 football season was canceled due to COVID, so Issendorf said they are anxious to play ball this coming fall. “I can’t tell you how excited we are to be back on the field,” he said.
Coach Petermeier said he’s very proud to see Kleinke playing college football.
“He told us that his goal is to play college football, and I know he has the work ethic to do so. I’m excited to see him on this field this fall. Go, Wildcats!,” said Petermeier.
Brayden is the son of Mike and Rhonda Kleinke of Wadena. He also has participated in wrestling, baseball and trap at WDC High School.
WDC senior Brayden Kleinke is surrounded by his coach, Kyle Petermeier, right, and family, Mike and Rhonda Kleinke and sister, Bryanna, at the signing.
WDC’s 2020-21 NHS members, front row, from left: Jamie Barthel, junior; Kaylin Lupkes, junior; Lauryn Gravelle, junior; Emma Bushinger, senior; Taliah Brown, senior; Emma Hinton, senior; Anna Church, junior; Zooey Rousslang, junior; Emma Mehl, senior; and Teagan Roberts, senior.
Middle row, from left: Corra Endres, junior; Nevada Schulz, senior; Grace Gallant, junior; Madison Packer, junior; Kira Sweeney, senior; Sara Goetze, senior; Anna Osberg, junior; and Summer Pettit, junior.
Back row, from left: Aiden Larson, senior; Tony Kreklau, senior; Kade Woods, senior; Corbett Wensmann, senior; Codey Wolff, junior; and Payton Rondestvedt, junior. Not pictured: Elliot Doyle, senior. Congratulations to all our NHS members!
Wadena-Deer Creek High School’s National Honor Society (NHS) held its induction ceremony April 7 in Wadena Memorial Auditorium where 15 new members were welcomed to the chapter.
New NHS members received a medal and certificate at the induction ceremony.
The new inductees included seniors Taliah Brown, Emma Hinton, and Teagan Roberts; and juniors Jamie Barthel, Anna Church, Corra Endres, Grace Gallant, Lauryn Gravelle, Kaylin Lupkes, Anna Osberg, Madison Packer, Summer Pettit, Payton Rondestvedt, Zooey Rousslang and Codey Wolff.
New members joined returning senior members Emma Bushinger, Elliot Doyle, Sara Goetze, Tony Kreklau, Aiden Larson, Emma Mehl, Nevada Schulz, Kira Sweeney, Corbett Wensmann and Kade Woods.
Wadena-Deer Creek’s NHS co-advisor Robby Grendahl kicked off the formal program by thanking the WDC school board and administration for their support of NHS during this challenging year of COVID-19. He also acknowledged the NHS students for their dedication to the chapter.
NHS seniors received this gold pin at the induction ceremony.
“The students have worked really hard and worked around obstacles put before them due to COVID-19 in order to fulfill their service to others. We are extremely proud of the work they have done and the work they are about to do,” Grendahl said.
Wadena-Deer Creek NHS co-advisor Lori Grendahl introduced the evening’s guest speaker Jil Fiemeyer.
Fiemeyer’s daughter Jane, who passed away from cancer in 2012 at the age of 8, would have been in the junior class of students being inducted in WDC’s NHS chapter.
Next to the table draped with the NHS tablecloth and four pillar candles, sat a wooden chair. The chair has Jane’s name in bright orange along with a monarch butterfly. The empty chair signifies Jane’s memory and a promise to never forget this brave, little girl.
Fiemeyer’s connection to the junior and senior students, as well as the school, was evident as she recalled moments when Jane was fighting cancer in second- and third grade with her faithful friends and classmates there to support her.
“I’m so excited to be here with you today as you celebrate a very impressive milestone in your high school journey — a milestone that I think embodies what it’s like to be ‘Jane-like’. A milestone with pillars of scholarship, service, leadership, and my favorite, character,” Fiemeyer told students.
“Some of you had the privilege of knowing Jane — she was your friend, AWANA partner, your bus buddy, your classmate,” she said.
Fiemeyer read from laminated circles that hung on a tree at Jane’s funeral from when junior students were in third grade. Some wrote how they remembered Jane for her smile; as being nice and a good friend; recalling how fun it was to play outside together; and how Jane had that “Jane smile.”
Fiemeyer said these were beautiful snapshots and descriptions of her daughter’s character that she still treasures to this day.
Emma Mehl
Fiemeyer also shared her “secrets of life” that have helped her get through tough days:
Emma Bushinger
“Try to find perspective. ‘Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you respond to it.’ ”
“I’ve realized I’m not a tree! … I’m not planted in one spot. If I don’t like what’s happening or what’s going on, I can take action. I can do it differently. I can make a difference.”
“Make the most of every day. Smile. Be silly. Be a loving friend. Be brave. Be spunky. Play outside. Be sweet and kind to each other. Be a little sassy. But ultimately, be you.”
“Take time to admire the person in the mirror. If you don’t have a mirror, use your phone. (Fiemeyer asked students and parents to join her in this demonstration at the ceremony.) Look at that beautiful person looking back at you! That person is strong, resilient. That person is worthy. Admire your flaws, be reminded that you are an imperfectly perfect masterpiece. Admire you. Be Jane-like and love the person you are.”
“Remind yourself that today Is the best day of your life. And tomorrow can be the best day, and the next day. There’s no cap on the number of best days you can have in your life. Even though Jane only lived 3,267 days, she made those days count.”
In her conclusion, Fiemeyer thanked NHS students for keeping Jane’s legacy alive and once again, recognized their hard work as NHS members.
Nevada Schulz
“You are beautiful, young adults celebrating a milestone, an elite milestone. One that each of you has worked very hard for and that celebrates your academic success, your leadership, your service to others and what I think is most important, your character.”
Mrs. Grendahl then recognized the NHS officers by announcing their name and asking them to stand: Co-Presidents Emma Bushinger and Emma Mehl; Vice President Kira Sweeney; Secretary Nevada Schulz; Treasurer Tony Kreklau; Parlimentarian Emma Hinton; and Co-Historians Corbett Wensmann and Kade Woods.
The ceremony featured a traditional candle-lighting ceremony as seniors Emma Mehl, Emma Bushinger, Nevada Schulz and Tony Kreklau spoke on the four pillars NHS — scholarship, leadership, service and character — and lit the candles.
Tony Kreklau
Next was the presentation of certificates and medals to the new NHS members where parents had the honor of giving their son or daughter their medals, followed by the presentation of the pins to senior members.
The National Honor Society Pledge was recited by new and current members, alumni, advisors and administration in attendance.
Co-historians Corbett Wensmann and Kade Woods presented their PowerPoint presentation, “NHS: A Year in Review,” featuring photos of their community-service events and NHS members.
WDC Principal Tyler Church
Principal Church gave the closing remarks by thanking Mr. and Mrs. Grendahl for serving as NHS advisors and complimenting them on their high expectations as well as the balance they bring as advisors.
He also shared with students how having a “solid character” leads to success in life.
“Everyone of you have that [solid character]. We all have good days and bad days, but everyone of you has strong character and that’s ultimately going to lead to success for you.”
In his 13th year as principal at Wadena-Deer Creek, Church said WDC continues to have incredible students in our hallways and in our classrooms.
“You have been through a ton over the last year. … We’ve asked you to do a lot and to give up a lot of things but yet you’ve done a fantastic job. You’ve developed resiliency. You understand how to deal with things that are not perfect, which we appreciate. That to me, is character. Congratulations to each and every one of you.”
Corbett Wensmann and Kade Woods present their “NHS: Year in Review” during the induction ceremony.
