Education

A group of students at Waukon High School wrapped up their first-year diving into cybersecurity. The Iowa Communications Network (ICN) assisted by introducing a line-up of industry specialists to the students. Plus, ICN provided free resources that were used all semester long.

Kelli Olson, Curriculum Director in the Allamakee Community School District, shares that the collaboration opened doors to industry experts and training, making lessons more meaningful. From January to May, ICN lined up virtual speakers each month to offer insights and career tips for the students.

ICN’s Cyber Lead kicked off the sessions by sharing his thoughts on career options, cybersecurity, and what his daily routine looked like. The highlight was explaining how to keep up with the latest information and trends. Knowing how a system works in normal situations helps people standout.

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

Following a work session at 6 p.m. Monday, May 12 to discuss budgets and staffing, the Eastern Allamakee Community School District (EACSD) Board of Directors held its regular meeting at 7 p.m. at Kee High School in Lansing. Board President Bobbie Goetzinger called the meeting to order, with all board members present, including Heather Lutz, Joe Manning, Melanie Mauss, and Arla Wagner. Also in attendance were Interim Superintendent Patrick Heiderscheit, PK-12 Principal Donna Thomas, Intervention/Prevention Specialist Chad Winters, School Business Official Kris Smith, and Board Secretary Michele Martin. Visitor Shari Lubahn was also present.

The Eastern Allamakee Community School District is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children under the age of 18 without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), age or disability, and there will be no discrimination during the meal service.

Meals will be provided, on a first come, first serve basis from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at both Kee High School, 569 Center Street in Lansing, and New Albin Elementary School, 401 Locust Street NE in New Albin, Tuesday-Friday each week, June 3-August 22, with no service Friday, July 4. Both locations will have on-site lunch service with “to-go” breakfast intended for consumption the next day served Tuesday-Thursday, with lunch and a “Weekend Box” featuring both breakfast and lunch for Saturday through Monday served each Friday.

LCpl Landyn J. Lewey recently graduated from the Aviation Communication Systems Technician course at Air Control Training Squadron, MCCES, Twentynine Palms, CA. He will be stationed for at least three years with the 3rd Division Marine Littoral Anti-Air Battalion at Marine Corps Base-Hawaii, starting this month.

LCpl Lewey is a 2024 graduate of Iowa Falls-Alden High School, and the son of Bryan and Rachel Lewey of Iowa Falls. He is the grandson of James and Kathy Stammeyer of Oelwein, and Richard and Jean Lewey of Waukon. He is also the great-grandson of Irene Lewey of Waukon.
 

by Brianne Grimstad

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) school board met for its regular monthly meeting Monday, May 19. Under the Consent Agenda items, the following personnel recommendations were accepted (pending a satisfactory background check): Ben Pline, Social Studies PLC Leader; Randy Nordheim, JJV Volleyball Coach; John Papp, Volunteer Baseball Coach; Samantha Weigert, Elementary ELL/TAG Teacher; Megan Wise, Elementary General Music Teacher; Dani Bucknell, Assistant FBLA Adviser; Julie Lenth, English Language Arts PLC Teacher Leader; and Payton Dietzenbach, Middle School Year Book Advisor.

A pair of local high school students were recently recognized by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer for outstanding academic achievement at the 23rd Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony held April 27 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. Waukon High School senior Taylor Kiel is pictured at right in the photo at right with Governor Reynolds during the recognition ceremony.

Kee High School senior Addyson Rankin was not able to attend the event. The statewide program, sponsored by the Iowa Governor’s Office, the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and its title sponsor the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), honored 424 Iowa high school seniors.

Iowa Girls State sponsored by The American Legion Auxiliary of Iowa is scheduled to be held June 10-15 this year on the campus of Drake University in Des Moines. American Legion Auxiliary Scenic Unit #722 of Harpers Ferry has selected Waukon High School junior Ella Homewood, daughter of Jimmy and Heather Homewood of Waukon, as its Girls  State Citizen for this year’s event. In addition to attending school, her interests also include art and horseback riding.

American Legion Auxiliary Iowa Girls State is one of the premier programs sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary and was started by a dream of four women over 75 years ago in hopes of teaching young women about the political process. Girls State is a “learning by doing” program, which takes the girls through the entire political process.

State of Iowa Treasurer Roby Smith announces the application process for the 2025 Robert D. Blue Scholarship is open. Soon-to-be and former graduates of any Iowa high school who plan to pursue post-secondary education are encouraged to apply. Awards are based on financial need, an original essay, academic achievement and recommendations.

Scholarship applications must be submitted by May 10. Visit rdblue.org to apply.
 

First-year student Olivia Marti of Waukon is nearing completion of the 2024-2025 President’s Leadership Class at Iowa State University. Marti majors in agronomy/agricultural business and is a 2024 graduate of Waukon High School.

Each fall, Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen invites 30 first-year students to participate in the program. They are selected for the class based on high school leadership experience, academic achievement, and involvement in school and community service. The President’s Leadership Class builds on these abilities and experiences, serving as an important training ground for students who will go on to become campus leaders; and ultimately, leaders in their professions and in their communities.

Waukon High School senior Mari Delaney was one of two students recently awarded a Hauschild Memorial Scholarship from Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative (ACEC). Delaney was awarded $1,000 from the Co-op.

She is the daughter of Jesse and Heather Delaney of Waukon. Her plans are to attend Iowa State University to study civil and environmental engineering.

Jack Scherf, a senior from Central High School, was the other ACEC Hauschild Memorial Scholarship recipient for this year.

The Hauschild Scholarship Fund was established in 1995 in memory of Robert “Bill” Hauschild by his wife and family. This scholarship is provided in recognition of Hauschild’s service as a board member from his election in 1988, until his death March 17, 1993. Scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors in Allamakee-Clayton Electric’s service area and are available to students who are entering a course of study within the electric field.