Montezuma’s ‘Into the Wood’s receives numerous honors including Outstanding Musical Production Award5/10/2024 The Baker’s wife, Faith Ferry, right, envies Cinderella’s, Lydia Singleton, left, chance to go to the ball and dance with the Prince during the Montezuma Theater Department November 2023 production of "Into the Woods." The production won numerous honors including Outstanding Musical Production Award. Montezuma student will partake in the Des Moines Performing Arts Showcase on Thursday, May 30. The Montezuma High School Theater Department will participate in the 2024 Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase, presented by EMC Insurance Companies, in honor of the school's achievements for its November production of Into the Woods.
Produced by Des Moines Performing Arts as the culmination of a year-long education initiative, the showcase will be held at the Des Moines Civic Center on Thursday, May 30 at 7 p.m. and will recognize a total of 102 schools from across the entire state. A special ensemble made up of 14 students representing Montezuma will perform an excerpt from their production of Into the Woods at the showcase, in celebration of the school's receipt of an Outstanding Musical Production Award - the program's highest honor. Those students are: Addyson Probasco, Bryn Fantazia, Camryn Brennan, Faith Ferry, Gracie Wilson, Isabella Roorda, Jayden Doll, Kaya Latcham, Laila Kercheval, Letisia Wilson, Lily Shoemaker, Lydia Singleton, Owen Desrochers, Taylor Wilcox In addition, Isabella Roorda and Faith Ferry will have the opportunity to perform in the opening number made up of an interschool medley. Lydia Singleton will also participate in the Triple Threat Award program with other advanced performing students. In addition to a special performance at the showcase, students will audition for theater camp scholarships and the opportunity to represent Iowa at the Jimmy Awards, or National High School Musical Theatre Awards, in New York City this summer. Montezuma High School will also be recognized with the following awards and honors: Outstanding Musical Production Outstanding Ensemble Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role- Lydia Singleton as Cinderella Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role- Isabella Roorda as Witch Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role- Faith Ferry as Baker’s Wife Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role- Gracie Wilson as Little Red Riding Hood Tickets Tickets to the Showcase, which start at $15, will go on sale on Friday, May 17, at 10 a.m. at DMPA.org, the Des Moines Civic Center Ticket Office, and by phone at 515-246-2300. The Awards Showcase will be live-streamed at IowaPBS.org as part of a collaboration with Iowa PBS. Iowa PBS will also broadcast a highlights special of the event later this summer on dates to be announced.
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From left, Faith Ferry, Lydia Singleton and Tayler Wickham enjoy dancing with classmates and friends at the Montezuma High School Prom on Saturday, April 27. This year's prom theme was "Once Upon a Time." All dance photos by J.O. Parker. Thanks to Mia Boulton for the Montezuma Prom King and Queen photo.
John Dodds, a now retired minister and life-long baseball fan from Montezuma, holds a few of the wallets he made using old baseball gloves. He finds the baseball gloves at Goodwill and estate sales, garage sales and rummage sales. He learned how to make the wallets using a kit he purchase from Tandy Leather in Ankeny. By J.O. Parker A life-long love of baseball has led to a Montezuma man creating a unique hobby. John Dodds, a former minister and baseball fan, makes and sells wallets made from old baseball gloves. He finds old baseball gloves at Goodwill, estate sales, garage sales and rummage sales, and cuts them and sews the wallets together. Many of them feature names of well-known major league baseball players such as George Brett with the Kansas City Royals and Micky Mantle, Derrick Jeter, Bobby Bonds, Jim “Catfish” Hunter and Ted Sizemore. “The history of that glove,” said Dodds. “Some kid played with that glove and now it has a new usefulness.” Dodds came up with the idea when he saw some baseball glove wallets on E-bay. “They wanted $100 and up for just a wallet,” Dodds said. “I thought I could make something like that, but more reasonable.” Dodds said he found a kit at Tandy Leather in Ankeny on how to make wallets. “I bought the kit and learned how to make them,” he said. “I try to use as much of the glove as I can.” He’s been selling them at craft shows and various events for six years. Dodds grew up in the 1950s and 60s in Mitchell, Ind., a small town of 5,000 residents in the southern part of the Hoosier state. He recalled riding his Schwinn Stingray bicycle with the neighborhood kids and watching the New York Yankees and Micky Mantle play baseball. “I liked him (Mantle) because he had a cool name,” said Dodds. “A lot of kids back then were Yankees fans. It was a time when baseball was truly an American pastime.” In high school, Dodds had a dream of playing in the big leagues, but that never materialized. He played baseball three years through his junior year and ran cross country for two years, enough to earn him a letter jacket. Following high school graduation in 1969, Dodds decided to become a teacher. While attending community college, where he was studying elementary education, Dodds said he became acquainted with a young man who shared his faith with him. “He invited me to a revival service where I asked Jesus into my heart,” recalled Dodds. After spending some time in prayer, Dodds felt God calling him to preach the gospel, so he switched gears and enrolled in Nazarene College in Kankakee, Ill., where he went on to earn his bachelors in religion. He attended Nazarene Seminary in Kansas City and preached Sundays at a church in Missouri. After graduating in 1980, Dodds went on to minister at churches in Arkansas, Illinois, Oklahoma and Iowa. While ministering in Oklahoma City, Dodds served two years as chaplain with the Oklahoma City 89s baseball team. The 89s were a AAA farm team for the Texas Rangers organization. “I didn’t get a chance to play baseball professionally, but I did get a chance to minister to some major league baseball players,” recalled Dodds. “I sure enjoyed that.” While in OKC, Dodds said he asked the coach if he could shag a flyball in the outfield. “I lost the ball in the atmosphere and didn’t catch it,” he said with a chuckle. He landed in Brooklyn in 2005, where he ministered at the Grace United Methodist Church for a number of years. He last ministered at a church in Carlisle before retiring a few years ago, getting remarried and settling in Montezuma. After going on to share some memories and life stories, Dodds stopped, gathered his thoughts and said, “People will forget everything about you, except how you made them feel.” The wallets are cut and designed to hold credit cards, drivers licenses and other important cards. Dodds sells them for $40. If interested in purchasing a baseball wallet for a gift or for your own use, Dodds can be reached at 515-229-8348. Shown are a sample of wallets made from old baseball gloves by John Dodds, a now retired minister and life-long baseball fan, from Montezuma. Dodds started making the wallets six years ago after finding similar ones on E-bay. “The history of that glove,” said Dodds. “Some kid played with that glove and now it has a new usefulness.”
The Blue & Gold Award is given to individuals, families and businesses who greatly contribute to the advancement of agricultural education at Montezuma. This year three people were recgonzied. They are, from left, Michael DeJong, Molly Swenson and Elise Boulton. Three Montezuma seniors Makenna Johannes, Madison Van Zee and Camryn Brennan, are the only Iowa FFA members to have qualified for four National FFA CDE competitive events in the 93 year history of the Iowa FFA Association. The 2024 Montezuma FFA Outstanding Mom honors went to Janel Burgess, left. Outstanding Parents are Kyle and Angie Cook, middle. Outstanding Dad honors went to Jeremy Van Zee, right. Sam Bos and Madison Van Zee were the recipients of the 2024 Circle U Scholarship presented by the Urfer family. Pictured are from left, Leah Urfer, Jim and Gina Urfer, Sam Bos, Madison Van Zee, Lexi Urfer, Dylan Beck, Erica Urfer and Josh Urfer. Debbie and Roger Iverson presented the Evans FFA Scholarships to Makenna Johannes. The scholarship is named after Debbie’s late parents, Phil and Lois Evans. Sam Bos is the recipient of the 2024 Kara Meyer Scholarship presented by Jason and Jodi Meyer, parents of Kara. They were joined by their son, Jacob. Madison Van Zee was the recipient of the Rempp FFA Achievement Scholarship presented by Kevin and Terri Rempp. This is the 36th year the Rempp family has presented a scholarship to a graduating Montezuma senior.
The Montezuma FFA Farm Business Management Team continued the program’s winning ways by capturing a state championship honor and gold rating at the 96th FFA State Leadership Conference, held April 15-17, at Iowa State University in Ames. Bryson Stockman was high individual overall in the career development event (CDE) competition with Ellen Cook capturing sixth place individual overall. Pictured are, from left: Madison Cheney, Bryson Stockman and Ellen Cook. By J.O. Parker The Montezuma FFA Chapter brought home four state championships at the 96th FFA State Leadership Conference held April 15-16 at Iowa State University in Ames. The Farm Business Management team of Madison Cheney, Ellen Cook and Bryson Stockman led the way by capturing one of the four state titles for the Montezuma FFA Chapter. Bryson Stockman was high individual overall in the career development event (CDE) competition with Ellen Cook capturing sixth place individual overall. The Farm Business Management CDE is designed to provide the student an opportunity to display their agricultural knowledge and skills in the area of Farm Management. The 375 individuals who participated in the event each completed an objective test which had three sections: economic principles, records and analysis, and risk management. All team members worked together to solve a problem related to break even analysis. Ag Conduct of Meetings Also capturing top state honors and a gold rating was the Montezuma FFA Ag Conduct of Meetings team. Team members Vivian Cook, Leah Urfer, Sydnee Burgess, Rett Pargeon, Gracie Wilson, Rylee Thompson and Easton Hudnut are headed to nationals. Alternates were Letisia Wilson and Analeece Kercheval. Teams participating in this CDE event were composed of seven members organized to act out the duties of an officer team. Teams were required to perform opening ceremonies, demonstrate two parliamentary procedure abilities, and successfully close a meeting. This event aids in the development of leadership abilities of young members for present and future chapter activities. Ag Sales Team The Montezuma FFA Ag Sales Team of Cruz DeJong, Makenna Johannes, Camryn Brennan and Madison Van Zee captured a state championship title at this year’s state FFA Convention. Camryn Brennan was top individual and Madison Van Zee finished in ninth place. FFA teams from 87 chapters participated in this year's CDE designed to provide the student an opportunity to display their agricultural knowledge and skills in the area of Agriculture Sales. The 318 individuals who participated in the event each completed an objective test, made a sales presentation, and performed a customer relations practicum. All team members worked together to prepare a marketing plan and make an oral presentation of the plan to the judges. Ag Communications The Montezuma FFA Ag Communications CDE team captured a first place finish and state championship. Team members included Brady Boulton, Claire Erselius, Luke Erselius and Broox Stockman. Peyton Tindle was an alternate. FFA members from 21 chapters participated in this year's CDE. The event provided students the opportunity to display their agricultural knowledge and skills in the area of agricultural communications. The 84 individuals who participated in the event completed several activities including demonstration of skills and problem solving in web design, video production, journalistic writing, and opinion writing, as well as presenting a team media plan. State Proficiency Awards Montezuma’s Mia Boulton, a 2023 graduate, was the winner in the area of agricultural sales placement. Boulton spent five years involved in her chapter’s 4,000 square foot greenhouse. She contributed to the success of the greenhouse by implementing curbside-pickup during the pandemic as well as a flower program for gravesites during Memorial Day. Boulton is currently pursuing a degree in journalism and a minor in sports recreation management from the University of Iowa. Iowa Degree recipients Montezuma had five students who earned their Iowa Degree. They are: Camryn Brennan, Cruz DeJong, Makenna Johannes, Jordan Ranfeld and Madison Van Zee. The four state championship teams will represent Montezuma at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo, Oct. 23-26, in Indianapolis. The Montezuma FFA Conduct of Meetings team brought home a state championship honor and gold rating at the 96th FFA State Leadership Conference, held April 17-19, at Iowa State University in Ames. Pictured are, from left: Letisia Wilson, and alternate; Gracie Wilson, Rylee Thompson, Easton Hudnut, Rett Pargeon, Sydnee Burgess, Leah Urfer, Vivian Cook and Analeece Kercheval, an alternate. The Montezuma FFA Ag Communications team was named state champions at the 96th FFA State Leadership Conference, held April 15-17, at Iowa State University in Ames. Pictured are, from left: Peyton Tindle, alternate; Broox Stockman, Luke Erselius, Claire Erselius and Brady Boulton. The Montezuma FFA Ag Sales team captured a state championship and gold rating at the 96th FFA State Leadership Conference, held April 15-17, at Iowa State University in Ames. Pictured are, from left: Makenna Johannes, Madison Van Zee, Camryn Brennan and Cruz DeJong. Camryn Brennan was top individual and Madison Van Zee finished in ninth place.
The Montezuma High School Personal Finance team of, from left: Makenna Johannes, Madison Van Zee, Alivia Cline and Camryn Brennan, captured a state championship at the National Personal Finance Competition on Wednesday, April 17 in Des Moines. The four seniors qualified to compete at the National Finals in Cleveland, Ohio on May 19-20. Montezuma High School had four teams compete in the Iowa finals of the National Personal Finance Competition on Wednesday, April 17 at the DMACC Urban Campus in Des Moines. All four teams qualified for the state finals by finishing top two in the Southeast Iowa region of the district test portion, completed in the fall or spring. "All 16 teams at the state finals were given a six-page case study that they had one hour to analyze before preparing a seven-minute group presentation in front of a panel of judges, analyzing the family's financial dynamics, preparing a budget, and providing solutions for each goal the family had, given the budget constraints," note Kevin Gartman, MHS Business teacher. Each team presented in one of two judging rooms, with the top two teams from each room advancing to a group of four that presented in front of all judges and all participants. "Each Montezuma team showcased their personal finance knowledge well, combined with strong public speaking skills," said Gartman. Two Montezuma groups were advanced to the finals, where both delivered excellent presentations in front of the full room. After long deliberation to rank the top four, Montezuma teams were named both State Champions as well as State Runner-Up. Out of 220 teams participating in each level of the competition, the four Montezuma teams finished as follows: 1st- Makenna Johannes, Madison Van Zee, Alivia Cline, and Camryn Brennan 2nd- Kaya Latcham, Cruz DeJong, Peyton Minner, and Jack Erselius 5th- Alex Black, Garrett Watts, Briar Simpson, and Lars Taylor 7th- Isabella Roorda, Lydia Singleton, Faith Ferry, and Karlee Knust As state champions, Montezuma advances to the National Finals, held in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 19-20. The Montezuma High School Personal Finance team of, from left: Kaya Latcham, Cruz DeJong, Peyton Minner and Jack Erselius, was one of four teams from Montezuma who competed at the National Personal Finance Competition on Wednesday, April 17 in Des Moines, bringing home a runner up award. Montezuma High School sent 16 students (four teams of four students) to the National Personal Finance Competition on Wednesday, April 17 in Des Moines. Two of the four teams finished first and second in the competition.
Montezuma FFA Greenhouse is now open for the spring sale season on April 22, 2024. Hours of operation are: Monday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m. - noon.
Just a reminder: we do not have the ability to take debit or credit cards or any other electronic forms of payment. If you have questions, please call 641-990-6236. Tis The Season........Treasure Sale Time!!
We added Sunday, April 28 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to be open for those interested to come look at the treasures that have and will be donated. Thanks to everyone who has donated and plan to donate!! Rain or Shine!! Montezuma Community School District, in partnership with IowaWorks and Iowa Valley Community College, is hosting our first Trades Expo on Tuesday, April 30, from 9-11 a.m. Our goal is to bring a full collection of career clusters to our school (and hopefully additional schools in the future), showcasing a variety of trades to students, and opening their eyes to a group of future careers that they may not have considered or know little about. While short notice, we have a few spots that are still available for businesses/organizations to join us with high-energy speakers, sharing and showing what you do and how students can prepare to go into the career field. If hiring, we might even be able to land you a future employee. If you/your workplace thinks this may be a great fit for both you and the school, please reach out at kgartman@montezuma.k12.ia.us and we can talk more about details and get you registered. Would love to see you next week!
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