Education

submitted by Sarah J. Bieber

The auditorium at Waukon High School is slowly being transformed into a florist shop that will contain one very large “strange and interesting plant” for the fall musical production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” Starring in lead roles in this year’s production scheduled for early November will be Waukon High School senior Gabe Goettel and junior Molly Peake, along with senior Ryan Kolsrud and junior Dekota Bechtel.

“Little Shop of Horrors” is the story of a down-and-out skid row floral assistant who becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon the plant, Audrey II (named after the lead female role in the production and Seymour’s love interest) grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, rhythm and blues singing carnivore who offers Seymour fame and fortune in exchange for feeding his growing appetite.

For over a decade, the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in Cedar Falls has hosted thousands of young singers from across the state, providing an environment to meet other vocalists and experience making music together at its Vocal Arts Festival (VAF). Offering programs for students and conductors alike, the VAF seeks to provide an outstanding performance opportunity, positive atmosphere, and foster relationships between singers and ensembles. In addition, students have the opportunity to take voice lessons from the UNI Voice Faculty, and scholarships may be awarded to study voice at the UNI School of Music as a Music major.

Saturday, October 7, students in seventh through 12th grades from Waukon Middle School and High School attended the RitterSing Chorus Festival at Wartburg College in Waverly. RitterSing is designed to bring together tenor and bass singers from across the region to motivate the bass clef singers in high school choral programs early in the year. The festival offers two choirs: a 7th-9th/10th Grade Middle School Chorus and a 9th Grade-Adult Chorus. Choir directors can choose whichever choir works best for their students. Dr. Lee Nelson, director of choral activities at Wartburg College, conducted the high school chorus. Assistant Professor of Choral Music and Music Education at University of Dayton, OH, Dr. Steven Hankle, conducted the 7th-9th/10th Grade Chorus.

The Waukon Lions Club recently donated $600 to the Waukon High School Music Department, including $300 donated to the Instrumental Music program under the direction of Jo Ann Sherman and $300 to the Vocal Music program directed by Sarah Bieber. Lions Club leaders noted that these programs were very important in providing talent for the Lions Variety Show, and the Waukon Lions are very appreciative of their assistance. Pictured above at the donation presentation, left to right, are Waukon Lions Vice President Kim Gates, Waukon High School Vocal Music Director Sarah Bieber, Waukon High School Instrumental Music Director Jo Ann Sherman, and Waukon Lions President Tom Phipps. Submitted photo.
 

The Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Dairy Judging Team placed fifth in the National Dairy Judging Competition at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI October 1. Among those team members was Kee High School 2022 graduate Cheyanne Troendle of Waterville. Pictured above in the submitted photo, left to right, are team members Coach Blake Courtney of Decorah, Kaylee Ferfecki of Cecil, WI, Cheyanne Troendle of Waterville, Becky Schumann of Garber and Peyton Luehmann of Lewiston, MN.

Nolte, Cornman & Johnson P.C. out of Newton has released an audit report on the Allamakee Community School District in Waukon.

The District’s revenues totaled $18,053,846 for the year ended June 30, 2022, a 3.97% increase from the prior year. Expenses for District operations for the year ended June 30, 2022 totaled $15,841,999, a 3.41% decrease from the prior year. The increase in total revenues was due in part to increases in revenue from operating grants, contributions and restricted interest compared to the prior year. The decrease in total expenses occurred primarily in the instruction function.

Nolte, Cornman & Johnson P.C. reported three findings that are further explained on pages 67 and 71 of this report. The findings address issues such as a lack of segregation of duties and supplemental weighting. Nolte, Cornman & Johnson P.C. provided the District with recommendations to address the findings.

Mrs. Brink’s Kindergarten class at St. Patrick’s School in Waukon enjoys when Becky Rea, K-12 Program Coordinator with Allamakee County Iowa State University (ISU) Extension in Waukon visits the classroom to teach science experiments, both inside and outside the classroom. As evident in the photos at right, the students have enjoyed making, seeing and learning about such things as carbon dioxide, their own bubble wands, rockets and marshmallow launchers. Submitted photos.
 

Iowa PBS’s commitment to early childhood education continues with the expansion of its Ready for School initiative. Educational specialists will work with educators, parents, childcare providers and local partners in several Iowa communities to implement STEM and literacy-based activities for children ages two through five years old.

Ten such school districts throughout Iowa were selected as part of this year’s program. Among those school districts are both the Allamakee Community School District and the Eastern Allamakee Community School District.

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Business and Community Solutions is offering a Christmas Tree Painting Party class Tuesday, November 14. The youth class will run from 3:45-4:45 p.m., and the adult class will run from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the NICC Waukon Center, 1220 3rd Ave NW.

Adults and young students will learn how to apply beautiful colors, styles and their own unique imprint on a ceramic Christmas tree. Have fun being creative and enjoying uncomplicated artmaking with a ceramic tree and numerous colors provided. No experience is necessary and all skill levels are welcome. Ceramic tree, bulbs and light kit supplies are included in the cost of the class.

The deadline for paid registration for either class is November 7. To register online visit www.nicc.edu/waukon or call NICC Waukon center at 844-642-2338, ext. 6700.
 

A pair of 2023 Waukon High School graduates and Allamakee County 4-H members were among 4-H’ers from across the state of Iowa who received scholarships through the Iowa 4-H Foundation at a recognition ceremony held Sunday, July 9 in Ames. Alaina Gebel, daughter of Nate and Tami Gebel of rural Lansing, and Emma Palmer, daughter of Eric and Stephanie Palmer of rural Waukon, were among those honored 4-H members.