Grundy Center Academic Decathlon team 6th at state

Grundy Center’s Academic Decathlon team placed sixth in the small school division at the recent state meet held at Urbandale High School on March 3-4.

The honors division team consists of senior Madelyn Gingery, sophomore Kelli Moen and freshman Brandon Mills. Gingery was making her third state appearance, Moen her second appearance and Mills making his state debut.

“With a combination of experience and a wide variety of interests, these three competitors make out a well-balanced crew,” said AcDec coach Renee Gingery.

Gingery earned a silver medal in Interview and Bronze in Essay and was the recipient of the Small School Academic Decathlon Scholarship. Moen earned a silver medal in Social Science.

Grundy Center had two in the Scholastic Division; Jazmyn Clark making her second appearance at state and senior Blake Stahl making his first state appearance in his first-year out for academic decathlon, recruited prior to the Regional competition to help the Spartans achieve their goal of returning to the podium. Stahl received a bronze medal in Speech.

In the Varsity division, sophomore Nate Steinmeyer returned to state for a second year and was joined by junior Jolyn Stahl.

Jolyn received a silver medal in Art.

“Jolyn brings her passion for reading to the team and has stepped up to the challenge we have given her,” Renee Gingery said.

Honors alternate for 2023 was freshman Alana Husmann.