Decatur Community Schools

DCHS art students and other interested juniors and seniors took a trip to the Denver Art Museum last Wednesday, Feb. 12. The group left the school at 5:45 that morning. When they arrived at the museum, they began a group tour led by a tour guide.

Once the group tour concluded, the students were allowed to disperse and do their own self-guided tours. The museum contained a variety of paintings and sculptures. 

On the first floor of the museum was a painting lounge where people could participate in different painting activities. The second floor contained British paintings, and the third floor displayed artworks using light, such as lamps and other unique sculptures. The fourth floor also displayed light-related works.

The art at the museum was not the only type of art the students got to experience. The group also got to see and explore the graffiti in the RiNo district of Denver. Junior Melody Koerperich said, “My favorite part was taking pictures with the graffiti. There were so many colorful murals and portraits that we don’t get to see around here.”

Art teacher Jillian Springer said, “If I had to pick a favorite part of the trip, it would be seeing the Keith Haring piece in the museum because it was the last piece he made before he died, and I really love his artwork. Keith is always promoting a positive message. I also really liked the infinity mirror interactive sculpture, and the design of the Art Museum in general.”

Junior Sarah Abernathy said, “I liked that they had a place for people to be creative after being inspired.” Some of the activities in the painting lounge included painting with watercolors, a shaving cream painting activity, and other projects for young children.

Students on the trip were Anna Carter, Sage Lohoefener, Brynna Addleman, Alissa Sporn, Melody Koerperich, Sierra Davis, Josh Russ, Emma Anderson, Sarah Abernathy, Katie Meitl, Amy Wentz, and Alyssa Van Vleet. Sponsors were Mrs. Springer and Jason Ketterl.

The Oberlin junior high music earned 18 I’s and five II’s at the Junior High Music Festival on Wednesday, Feb. 12 in Colby. 

The Junior High Choir received a I, and the band received a II.

Earning I’s on their vocal solos were Cheyanna Hale, Rayne Erickson, Weston Barnes, and Addison Mathews. Cameo Counter received a II on her vocal solo. 

The students who received I’s on their piano solos were Weston Barnes, Cheyanna Hale, Michaela Wasson, and Rayne Erickson. Addison Mathews received a II on her piano solo.

Earning I’s on their saxophone solos were Weston Barnes, Keylee Ritter, and Rayne Erickson. Kamryn Oien and Cheyanna Hale both received I’s on their clarinet solos, and Michaela Wasson earned a I on her baritone solo.

Also earning I’s were the clarinet duet of Kamryn Oien and Michaela Wasson and the saxophone duet of Rayne Erickson and Addison Mathews.

The 8th grade girls’ vocal ensemble received a I. This ensemble includes Shakira    Cook, Rayne Erickson, Ana Freeman, Cheyanna Hale, Addison Mathews, Karlee McCluskey, Katrina Neal, Kamryn Oien, Keylee Ritter, Maci Weigel, Dani Weyeneth, and Aidyn Witt.

The  boys’ ensemble and the 7^th grade girls’ ensemble earned II’s. Members of the boys’ ensemble are Terence Black, Tony Kuhlman, Jace Ostmeyer, Parker Stragey, Lukas Zodrow, Weston Barnes, Jesse Hendrickson, Davin Jensen, Jessiah McDougal, Jordon Ruzicka, Talan Sauvage, and Kaden Waterman.

The 7^th grade girls’ ensemble include Raelyn Bailey, Cameo Counter, Sophia Davis, Jenna Fortin, Shaydon Gordon, Kylie Gruwell, Makadyn Ketterl, Ryllie Lippelmann, Arika Marshall, Desirae Mohr, Kelsey Sheats, Makayla Stanford, Madison Urban and Michaela Wasson.

Kathryn Tremblay is the vocal teacher, and Brad Persinger is the band teacher.

Juniors Spencer Wishon and Gracie Vontz were chosen as the 2020 Snoball Prince and Princess on Saturday, Feb. 15.

The dance was sponsored by the Student Council, who chose a Valentine's Day theme for the dance.

Stuco's president and last year's Snoball Princess, Anna Carter, crowned the prince and princess.

Thank you to Mr. Breth and Mrs. Springer for helping to chaperone the dance and to Anna for organizing the decorating and supplying the music.