Montezuma runners, from left, Ashley Reif, Holli Cushman, Janel Burgess and Megan Van Zante pose for a photo after finishing the IMT Half-Marathon in Des Moines on Sunday, Oct. 19. The race was the first for Cushman, fourth of Burgess, 10th for Reif and the second this year for Van Zante. All four ladies ​

By J.O. Parker
 
        “It was exciting and kind of nerve racking,” said Holli Cushman of Montezuma after finishing her first half-marathon.
           It helped that Cushman wasn’t alone in the venture.
         Joining here were friends, seasoned runners and Montezuma teachers, Ashley Rief, Megan Van Zante and Janel Burgess.
         The four ladies participated in the IMT Half-Marathon in Des Moines on Sunday, Oct. 19.
Cushman finished with a time of 2.23 while Burgess had a time of 2.27 in the race. Rief finished with a time of 2.22 and Van Zante had the quickest time of 1.54.
      There were more than 8,000 runners who competed in the IMT racing event, which included a full-marathon (26.2 miles), a half-marathon (13.1 miles), a 10K (6.2 miles) and a 5K (3.1 miles).
         Cushman said she’s been running long-distance for three years with her sights set on a half-marathon.
Until the IMT race, the longest race Cushman had competed in was a 5K. She had, however, run a half-marathon twice this year while training.
       “When I was in high school years ago, I ran the 100 meter and 200 meter dashes,” she said with a chuckle.
        Cushman said the experience running the race with her friends was wonderful.
        She said Ashley, Megan and Janel were very encouraging and very positive.
       “We rode up together in Janel’s car and we had positive conversations and listened to Christian music in the background,” recalled Cushman.
      Cushman said once they arrived at the race, it was very cold and there was a wait before the ladies actually started running.
      “Runners were released based on their projected time,” she said. “Megan left first followed by Ashley, myself and Janel.”
        This was the 10th half-marathon that Rief has run.
       “I run a half-marathon every October in memory of my mom, Dixie, and my, Aunt Shelley,” said Reif. “My mom died of breast cancer in October 2011 and my Aunt Shelley is a 14-year cancer survivor. So every October, I either run the IMT in Des Moines or I run from my house in Montezuma to my dad's house in Gibson, which is 13-miles away - if you take the back roads.”
        Reif has also run a half-marathon in Colorado and many 5Ks through the years.
In preparing for the race, Reif uses an app called Runna, which creates a personalized training plan for the race.
        “It can be as strenuous or relaxed as you'd like,” she said.
        It’s the same running app that Cushman used to train for the half-marathon.
        Reif said she and Janel have run the IMT together a few times.
        “She asked me if I would like to run the race again this year and I said, yes.”
     “She already had Megan on board and I asked Holli if she'd like to join because we did the Murph Challenge together Memorial Day weekend,” added Reif. “We had asked a few others to join us, too, but unfortunately due to schedules and injuries they couldn't join us this year.”
     This was the second half-marathon for Van Zante this year. She competed in the Des Moines Half-Marathon in May.
      “I have done quite a few 5Ks throughout my lifetime as I grew up running cross country for Lynnville-Sully,” said Van Zante.
        In preparing for the IMT Half-Marathon, Van Zante said she started running and lifting over the summer months.
       “I ran longer distances at harder paces to try and meet my goal that I set for myself for this race,” said Van Zante. “I also bought some new shoes because the last race I got terrible blisters from wearing too small of shoes and bad socks.”
        Van Zante said it was a great experience and she was able to meet the goal she had set for herself.
     “I wanted to run under two hours, which required about a nine-minute mile pace,” noted Van Zante. “I beat my goal by just more than five minutes and averaged around an 8:45-mile pace, which I was very happy about. I also enjoyed the race atmosphere as there were a lot more runners and spectators compared to my last race. Although it was chilly at the start line, the weather was amazing for running.”
     “Honestly, the people are what makes it so wonderful,” said Reif. “The IMT is known for being super friendly and supportive. I mean, there were more than 8,000 people that registered for the run - that is insane.”
       After the four runners parked and were in the ramp getting ready, Reif said, “Burgess asked us what our main goal or objective was in the race and I stated mine was to be supportive to the other runners around me.”
       That outlook on life helped her finish the race after she lost feeling in her toes at mile three and finally stopping after mile five.
       “I honestly thought I was going to have to stop and retie my shoes in a different way but that scared me because then was I going to have the mindset/momentum to keep going?” asked Reif. “I had my earbuds in and suddenly I felt someone grab my elbow, I turned and it was a woman who said, “we can do this, I'm here with you. I'm Brittney”
       “I started running with her and we talked about our families, our jobs, our training, etc.” added Reif.
       “Throughout the rest of the race, we were sometimes together and other times we'd separate,” Reif said.    “I would encourage other people who were walking or slowing down later on in the race, like Brittney had for me. After I finished and grabbed my water, I turned and saw Brittney was finishing. I cheered her on to the finish line and we took a Snap together, gave each other a hug, and went about our ways. Her little gesture helped me in the biggest way.”
        This was Burgess’ fourth half-marathon.
       “Honestly there were many challenges I had to overcome to run and I did not prepare like I have in my past races,” said Burgess. “I’m so thankful my body held up because the highest mile I ran in one day was six prior to the race.”
         Burgess said running with her friends and co-workers was a great experience.
      “Well it is crazy,” she said. We meet each other at the finish line, but as the oldest one who ran, they greeted me as I came through the shoot. What we do, is we encourage each other, train and show up on “game” day.”
         And Burgess runs for another reason.
        “For me, the main reason I run these races is to understand how our basketball team feels when they are hitting the wall during the season,” said Burgess. “I want to connect with them; knowing a long distance in anything is not easy. I want to remember that life is not easy and our mentality along difficult challenges can get us through it; but we have to rely on each other.”
         When asked what advice she would offer someone wanting to run a long-distance race, Van Zante said to start training earlier than you think you might need to.
         “Also, running at this distance is more about training your mind than your body,” said Van Zante. “Telling yourself that you can push through and accomplish hard things got me through this experience compared to the number of miles I ran.”
          Reif said training isn’t just physical, it’s a mindset as well.    
      “A mile is a mile, whether it's a 6-, 9-, or 12-minute mile, it's still a mile,” Reif said. “No judgement, whatsoever - movement is movement. But, prepare your mindset as well. Because it's going to hurt, you'll be in pain, and you just want it to be over. But when it's all done, most runners want to do it again because you block out the pain and are fulfilled by what you've accomplished.”
        “It is really neat to see all the people who support the runners,” said Cushman. “They bring positive and funny signs and they ring cow bells. It makes the time go so much faster having all that support. I think all four of us are grateful for the opportunity to have good health to run.”
        “I know 13.1 miles seems really far, but I think anyone can accomplish it and it is such an amazing feeling to be able to be a part of the small percentage of people who have done one,” said Van Zante.
        “I'm incredibly grateful to have done this with friends,” said Reif. “It makes it more memorable and it was so much fun.”

      Members of the Montezuma FFA Farm and Agribusiness  Management CDE team were named national champions at the 2025 National FFA Convention and Expo, Oct. 29 - 31 in Indianapolis. Joining Montezuma FFA Advisor Rick Swenson are team members, from left: Broox Stockman, Peyton Tindle, Claire Erselius and Brady Boulton.

By J.O. Parker
 
       The Montezuma FFA Chapter wrapped up the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo with two National Championship honors and an 11th place finish.
       The chapter’s Farm and Agribusiness Management Career Development Event (CDE) team captured one of two national championship honors for Montezuma at this year’s annual convention, held Oct. 29 – 31 in Indianapolis.
     Farm and Agribusiness Management team received a gold rating and team members included Broox Stockman, Brady Boulton, Peyton Tindle and Claire Erselius. Stockman finished third high individual and Boulton was seventh high individual in the nation.
      The National FFA Farm and Agribusiness Management CDE is designed to test the ability of students to apply economic principles and concepts in analyzing farm and ranch business management decisions. Participants respond to questions concerning economic principles in farm business management as well as a problem-solving analysis section. Each team in the event has competed with other chapters in their state for the privilege of participating in the national event.
      Also earning top honors and a gold rating was the Montezuma FFA Chapter Agricultural Communications CDE team at this year’s convention.
   This is the second year in a row that the Agricultural Communications team has won a national championship.
     The Agriculture Communications team members included Olivia Latcham, Leah Urfer, Rylee Thompson and Gracie Wilson.
      The National FFA Agricultural Communications CDE is a competitive event that tests students' skills in all areas of the agricultural communications field and evaluates how well they can apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. Participants attend a simulated news conference and use the information gathered to complete individual practicums in writing, electronic media and design. Prior to the event, students compile media plans related to innovative agricultural practices, management techniques and marketing tools. Each team then creates a 15-minute presentation based on their proposal. Members also compete in an editing exercise and a general communications quiz.
       The Montezuma FFA Conduct of Meetings team earned 11th place honors at this year’s convention. Team members included Olivia Latcham, Sophia Semprini, Abbi Henkle, Isaiah Wilson, Lauryn Larmore, Hayden Sutherland, Alexa Rose, Kelsie Mostek and Emma Snook.
      Participants of the Conduct of Meetings Leadership Development Event (LDE) are 7th, 8th, and 9th graders who conduct an orderly and efficient chapter meeting using parliamentary procedures. Members also answered questions based upon the team presentation of parliamentary procedure and completed a written exam.
       The Montezuma FFA Advisor is Rick Swenson.

​       Members of the Montezuma FFA Agriculture Communications CDE team were named national champions at the 2025 National FFA Convention and Expo, Oct. 29 - 31 in Indianapolis. Joining Montezuma FFA Advisor Rick Swenson are team members, from left: Gracie Wilson, Vivian Cook, Leah Urfer and Rylee Thompson.

      Members of the Montezuma FFA Conduct of Meetings team earned 11th place honors at the 2025 National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Oct. 29 - 31. Team members are, from left: Isaish Wilson, Olivia Latcham, Emma Snook, Hayden Sutherland, Alexa Rose Sophia Semprini, Abbi Henkle, Kelsie Mostek and Lauryn Larmore.

       The Montezuma Turkey Trot Glow Run is open to all runners/walkers on Thursday, Nov. 20 (This is a new time from the original plans) with proceeds benefiting the Montezuma After Prom.
        Check in begins at 5:30 p.m. on Stage Coach Trail with the run/walking starting at 6 p.m.
        Cost is $25 for adults and $15 for students.

      An assortment of goblins and other characters of all sizes took part in the Montezuma Fall Festival on Thursday, Oct. 30. Many of the stores around the square were open and handing out candy to costumed characters and family members throughout the two-hour event.

       The Montezuma Braves wrapped up its 2025 gridiron season with a second round playoff loss to the Audubon Wheelers on Friday, Oct. 31. The Braves finished the season with a 7-3 record. Submitted photo.

By J.O. Parker
 
       The Iowa Department of Education recently named nine teachers from across the state, including one from Montezuma, as the 2026 Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year.
        Among those named is Allison Pargeon, a 26-year veteran who engages students in upper-level math and computer science courses at Montezuma High School. She teaches algebra, calculus, statistics and computer science.
        Pargeon is the second Montezuma teacher in as many years to be named a Iowa Regional Teacher of the Year.
      In 2025, Kevin Gartman, a business teacher at Montezuma High School, was named a Iowa Regional Teacher of the Year finalist.
        When asked about the learning culture at Montezuma and having two teachers in two years be named a Regional Teacher of the Year, Pargeon said, “Montezuma really prioritizes academics and our administration encourages us to try different things in our classroom that allow our students to grow as individuals.”
      Other finalists joining Pargeon are Marissa Moore, Clear-Creek-Amana; Tony Onesto, Burlington; Kelly Myers, Murray; Gregory Barord, Des Moines; Jennifer Ries, Maquoketa; Dawn Rheingans, North Scott; Stephanie Pritts, Sheldon and Kristi Mentink, Harris-Lake Park in being named a Iowa Regional Teacher of the Year.
        “We are proud to recognize nine outstanding educators from all corners of the state in our second-ever Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year designation," said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “Like their colleagues across Iowa, these exceptional teachers partner with families to provide all learners with what they need to meet high expectations and realize their incredible potential. The Department, alongside each school community and education region, thanks and congratulates Iowa’s 2026 Regional Teachers of the Year for their expertise, dedication and care, putting students at the center of all they do.”
       Pargeon is a 1992 graduate of Montezuma High School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education and applied computer science from William Penn University and a master’s degree in mathematics with a secondary teaching emphasis from the University of Northern Iowa.
      Pargeon also teaches college-level math and statistics and instructs pre-service teachers in algebra and geometry to prepare them to teach in K-8 classrooms. She is a former recipient of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching award and serves the district beyond the classroom as a grant writer, computer science career development liaison, National Honor Society sponsor and cheer coach. Pargeon believes that for students to be truly engaged, they must have fun and see how what they are learning is relevant to their lives.
      When asked to share highlights of her teaching career,  Pargeon said one of her greatest accomplishments is having a student(s) return and thank her for teaching them math and computer science because their careers have required all of those things.
       “I am very blessed,” she said.
    When asked what led her to become a teacher, Paregon credits former teachers at Montezuma, Ron Willrich, and the now late Dennis Wilson.
       “They just really put kids first and helped everyone be the best they can be,” she said of the two men.
When asked about becoming a teacher, Pargeon said, “I love getting to know so many different kids and just seeing them become adults that they were always meant to be.”
      Educators, administrators, students, families and other stakeholders submitted nominations for the Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year designation. In partnership with teachers and education leaders across Iowa, the nine regional teachers nominated represent a variety of schools, grade levels, subjects, endorsements, and pathways to the teaching profession, with expertise spanning English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Special Education, English Language Learners, World Languages, Fine Arts, Marine Biology and more.
Each of these outstanding teachers will now advance as a finalist for the 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year award, to be announced later this month. 
     Established in 1958, the prestigious Teacher of the Year award honors an Iowa teacher who advances student learning through evidence-based instruction, empowers students with multiple pathways to postsecondary success, learns from and invests in fellow educators and serves students in partnership with families. 
      Last year, Melanie Bloom, an agriculture educator from Sioux Central Community School District and 2025 Prairie Lakes Regional Teacher of the Year, was named the 2025 Iowa Teacher of the Year. The Iowa Teacher of the Year serves as an ambassador for the Iowa Department of Education and a liaison for educators across the state.
     When not in the classroom, Pargeon enjoys spending time with her family and reading historical fiction novels, something she does a lot of.
      Pargeon is married to Daryl and the couple have three grown daughters. Their oldest, Aliya, is married to Bryan Kriegel and the couple has two sons with another on the way. Aliya works for Manatts and Bryan runs an agriculture spraying business.
      Their middle daughter, Mya, is married to Holden Jensen and the couple runs an agriculture spraying and spreading business.
     And their youngest daughter, Ava, a 2025 graduate of Montezuma, currently attends PCI Academy and is working to become an Esthetician.

       ​The Montezuma Drama Department presents the musical, “Monte Python’s Spamalot (Always Look on the Bright Side of Live)” school edition during four performances, Nov. 8, 9 and 15 and 16.
       The Saturday shows are slated for 7 p.m. and the Sunday shows are slated for 3 p.m.
Snacks will be made available during intermission by the Fine Arts Boosters and Evelyn’s Floral will be on site to allow families to purchase flowers for their actors, actresses and crew members.
       Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and are available in advance at Montezuma State Bank and at the door. 
        The musical is under the direction of Kelly Kaup and Liesl Roorda is the musical producer.
Show Synopsis
      Spamalot is adapted from the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which retells the legend of King Arthur and his quest for the Holy Grail with Knights of the Round Table. Follow Arthur as he gathers his knights and attempts to fulfill a divine command to find the Holy Grail, despite numerous ridiculous obstacles, including being forced to sing and dance in outlandish situations. Along the way, you will meet many classic Monty Python characters, including The Black Knight, The Knights of Ni, and Tim the Enchanter!
Cast
     Ava DeWeese - Historian, Can Can Dancer, Bride; Lola Miller - Mayor, Mother, Laker Girl, Knights Chorus; A’Riyah DeLong - Finland Villager, French Person; Austin Wolford - Finland Villager, Knight; Clayton Ver Meer - Finland Villager, Knight; Dominic Reif - Finland Villager, Knight; Eloise Boughton -Finland Villager, French Person; Greyson Hudnut - Finland Villager, Knight; Lena Smothers - Finland Villager, Mime; Whitley Hudson - Finland Villager, French Person; Alison Wickham - Monk, Camelot Girl; Alyssa Bos - Monk, Laker Girl, Can Can Dancer; Carleigh Klein - Monk, Camelot Girl, Frenchie; Owen Desrochers - King Arthur; Letisia Wilson - Guard 1, Body, Knights Chorus, Tim the Enchanter; Isaiah Wilson – Patsy; Brielle Haughey - Guard 2, Minstrel, Knights Chorus; Jayden Doll - Sir Robin; Mya Smothers - Sir Lancelot; Jacob Meyer - Not Dead Fred, Knight, The Knight of Ni; Broox Stockman - Body, Prince Herbert’s Father; Dayton Reif - Body, Knight, The Black Knight; Marley Stowell - Body, French Taunter, Concorde, Bride; Will Rempp – Handler - Frenchie, Sir Bors; Armani DeLong - Handler, Frenchie; Ethan Desrochers - Dennis (Sir Galahad); Gracie Wilson - Lady of the Lake; Addilynn Ross - Frog, Laker Girl, Frenchie, Ni Knight; Addilyn Ver Meer - Laker Girl, Minstrel, Bride; Grace Burnett - Laker Girl, Camelot Girl, Minstrel; Ryanne Williams - Laker Girl, Minstrel, Knights Chorus; Tinsley Stowell - Laker Girl, Camelot Girl, Knights Chorus; Bryn Fantazia - Sir Bedevere; Easton Hudnut - Sir Not Appearing, God, Prince Herbert; Amber Hindman - Camelot Girl, Can Can Dancer, Ni Knight; Hope Tish - Camelot Girl, French Person, Ni Knight; Olivia Teumer - Camelot Girl, Can Can Dancer, Ni Knight; Karley Eichenberger - Camelot Girl, Can Can Dancer, Ni Knight; Karlie Mostek - Camelot Girl, Frenchie, Ni Knight; Ella McGrane - Minstrel, Brother Maynard, Bride.