Six high school seniors promote seasonal event
By Jane Myhra
The 2016 Iola Winter Carnival selected six princesses to help promote the Feb. 6-7 event.
The 2016 court includes Emily Bauer, Hana Buttles, Courtney Moen, Megan Thulien, Karly Honken and Kali Finch.
All six are seniors at Iola-Scandinavia High School.
The Queen of the Snows will be named at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, during the Lutefisk Supper and Craft Show at the I-S High School.
Emily Bauer
Emily Bauer is a member of the ISHS Student Council and the ISHS Band. She also served as manager of the varsity football team. She is active in 4-H and the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association.
“The Winter Carnival is a great community tradition because it shows the roots of the people who live within our community,” Bauer said. “The dedication of the community to keep this event going is truly remarkable.”
Bauer feels her greatest assets are her leadership skills and promotional experience.
“Having come to the lutefisk supper many times with my grandparents has helped me realize what goes on and what happens at this event,” she said. “I will do my best to keep this amazing tradition and event alive.”
Hana Buttles
Hana Buttles is involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, Quiz Bowl, Art Crew, Forensics and Rocket Club. She has also helped to promote and organize Red Cross blood drives.
“The various events that take place over the course of Winter Carnival bring our community together,” Buttles said. “Overall, the Winter Carnival has such an amazing impact on the community and its people. There is no doubt that the closeness developed by this event has strengthened our community in unimaginable ways.”
Buttles said her greatest assets are her leadership experience and community involvement skills.
“For my entire life I have strove to be involved in my community as much as I could,” she said.
Courtney Moen
“My greatest asset (is) that I never put myself before anyone,” said Courtney Moen. “I will represent the community just like I treat it.”
“Being (on the court) is an important role that I am highly capable of fulfilling,” she said. “I have been waiting for this opportunity my whole lifetime.”
Moen grew up ski jumping and cross country skiing at the Iola Winter Sports Club. Skiing is still one of her favorite activities.
Her extracurricular activities also include band, basketball, hunting and volunteering.
Megan Thulien
“My greatest asset (is) that I have a long history with the Winter Carnival,” said Megan Thulien.
Her extracurricular activities include softball, bowling, Student Council and FFA. She has volunteered at the lutefisk supper for the past eight years.
Besides recently enlisting in the Army National Guard, Thulien plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-River Falls to major in animal science.
“The Winter Carnival is a great community tradition because it not only celebrates our community’s Norwegian roots, but it helps bring the town together in a positive manner,” Thulien said.
Karly Honken
“I love the way the whole community and many people from other communities come together for this winter celebration,” said Karly Honken. “Since I was little, I have been going down to the ski hill and watching the ski jumpers and cross country skiers.”
Her extracurricular activities include volleyball, softball, National Honor Society, Spanish Club and the spring musical.
“The Winter Carnival is a busy and exciting time in Iola that I have always loved,” Honken said. “I am honored to represent my hometown and community, and I will never forget the experience.”
Kali Finch
“The Winter Carnival is a great community opportunity because it brings our community together to celebrate our heritage,” said Kali Finch. “I really enjoy being a part of such a tradition for the I-S community and its guests.”
Her extracurricular activities include volleyball, track, basketball and National Honor Society.
Carnival activities
The 55th annual Iola Winter Carnival is set for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 6-7.
The Saturday events include: Ice sculpting, 8 a.m. to noon, Iola-Scandinavia High School; Children’s Free Ice Fishing Contest, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Lake Iola; Norwegian Lutefisk Supper and Indoor Craft Sale, 1-6 p.m., I-S High School; Skijoring, 1 p.m., Iola Winter Sports Club; crowning of Queen of Snows, 3 p.m., I-S High School; Iola Twilight Snowshoe Race, 6 p.m., Iola Winter Sports Club.
The cost for the lutefisk supper is $14 for adults and $5 for children under 10. There is no cost to attend the craft show.
The Central Ski Jumping Championships begin at noon, Sunday, Feb. 7, at the Iola Winter Sports Club. Admission is $5.
The raffle drawing will be held after the ski jumping awards ceremony, at about 3 p.m. at the IWSC grounds. Raffle tickets are $2 each or three for $5, with a top prize of $1,000.
For more information, visit the Iola Winter Carnival on Facebook.