My favorite thing about being a Bobcat is the opportunity to get to know so many students. This is my sixth year at Benton and it is fun to teach siblings of my previous students and eventually every kid in a family.
Attention, Benton Community! Please help us in congratulating Private Alina Douglas on her recent enlistment into the Iowa Army National Guard!
Alina is currently a junior at Benton Community High School. After learning about the National Guard with Benton’s Iowa Army National Guard representative, SGT Nate Reynolds, she chose to enlist as a petroleum supply specialist (92F). Through using the Army National Guard’s split training option, Alina was able to enlist as a junior and she will have almost a year and a half off her contract by the time she graduates high school. She will complete basic training this summer, come back for senior year, and then complete her job training after high school graduation. Upon completion of her job training, she will be a drilling member of Alpha Company 248th Aviation Support Battalion in Waterloo, IA. While drilling part-time with her unit, her basic responsibilities will consist of fueling military vehicles and aircraft to ensure mission readiness.
Congratulations, Alina! Less than 1% of the nation chooses to serve in the military and we are super proud of you taking this huge step!
Alina is currently a junior at Benton Community High School. After learning about the National Guard with Benton’s Iowa Army National Guard representative, SGT Nate Reynolds, she chose to enlist as a petroleum supply specialist (92F). Through using the Army National Guard’s split training option, Alina was able to enlist as a junior and she will have almost a year and a half off her contract by the time she graduates high school. She will complete basic training this summer, come back for senior year, and then complete her job training after high school graduation. Upon completion of her job training, she will be a drilling member of Alpha Company 248th Aviation Support Battalion in Waterloo, IA. While drilling part-time with her unit, her basic responsibilities will consist of fueling military vehicles and aircraft to ensure mission readiness.
Congratulations, Alina! Less than 1% of the nation chooses to serve in the military and we are super proud of you taking this huge step!
Individual speech participants compete in WaMaC event, qualify for state
-Courtesy of Jim Magdefrau
WaMaC Placements for Individual Event Speech
First Place: Jimmy Nelson: Improv
First Place: Lydia Dwyer – Storytelling
2nd Place: Rya Miller: Prose
2nd Place: Kennedy Bakker: Poetry
2nd Place: Emmie Wolf: After Dinner Speaking
2nd Place: Natalie Loughner – Review
3rd Place: Adrian Cole – Public Address
4th Place: Derrek Campbell – Radio News
4th Place: Everlee Waters – Poetry
4th Place: Rosalynn Loughner: Lit Program
4th Place: Andrew Hines: Video Casting
4th Place: Kaylin Dockendorf – Prose
5th Place: Jimmy Nelson – Radio News
5th Place: Savannah Rickels – Acting
5th Place: Rosalynn Loughner- After Dinner
Individual Event Speech State Qualifiers
Claire Becker – Solo Musical Theatre
Claire Becker – Acting
Derrek Campbell – Radio News
Derrek Campbell – Solo Musical Theatre
Lydia Dwyer – Storytelling
Lydia Dwyer – Solo Musical Theatre
Andrew Hines: Video Casting
Natalie Loughner – Review
Natalie Loughner – Prose
Rosalynn Loughner: Lit Program
Rya Miller: Prose
Jimmy Nelson: Improv
Everlee Waters – Poetry
-Courtesy of Jim Magdefrau
WaMaC Placements for Individual Event Speech
First Place: Jimmy Nelson: Improv
First Place: Lydia Dwyer – Storytelling
2nd Place: Rya Miller: Prose
2nd Place: Kennedy Bakker: Poetry
2nd Place: Emmie Wolf: After Dinner Speaking
2nd Place: Natalie Loughner – Review
3rd Place: Adrian Cole – Public Address
4th Place: Derrek Campbell – Radio News
4th Place: Everlee Waters – Poetry
4th Place: Rosalynn Loughner: Lit Program
4th Place: Andrew Hines: Video Casting
4th Place: Kaylin Dockendorf – Prose
5th Place: Jimmy Nelson – Radio News
5th Place: Savannah Rickels – Acting
5th Place: Rosalynn Loughner- After Dinner
Individual Event Speech State Qualifiers
Claire Becker – Solo Musical Theatre
Claire Becker – Acting
Derrek Campbell – Radio News
Derrek Campbell – Solo Musical Theatre
Lydia Dwyer – Storytelling
Lydia Dwyer – Solo Musical Theatre
Andrew Hines: Video Casting
Natalie Loughner – Review
Natalie Loughner – Prose
Rosalynn Loughner: Lit Program
Rya Miller: Prose
Jimmy Nelson: Improv
Everlee Waters – Poetry
BC Artist Spotlight-William Stephenson- 5th grade Norway Intermediate
My favorite thing about being a Bobcat is being able to teach great students and work with amazing colleagues, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this community.
My favorite thing about being a Bobcat is the incredible sense of pride and belonging. It's so special to watch our students grow from preschoolers all the way up, gaining confidence and independence each year. I love being a part of such an amazing, supportive community.
Please plan to attend Elementary School PK-6 Parent-Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, March 4 and 11 from 2:30-7:30 p.m. If you haven't scheduled your child's conference time yet, please login to PowerSchool to do so. This is a great time to collaborate with child's teacher to ensure maximum student success.
Mr. Reid's Intro to Manufacturing class is working together to create projects. This is a student led class with assigned roles and tasks to create and build projects. Currently, the class is building hat racks and wooden American flags.
This Murder Was Staged… or was it?
Get ready for an evening of mystery, mayhem, and plenty of dramatic twists! Our talented cast brings "This Murder Was Staged" to life with suspicious characters, shocking surprises, and just the right amount of comedy to keep you guessing until the very end.
Get ready for an evening of mystery, mayhem, and plenty of dramatic twists! Our talented cast brings "This Murder Was Staged" to life with suspicious characters, shocking surprises, and just the right amount of comedy to keep you guessing until the very end.
Esports State update- BC falls to Waukee 4-2
Consolations round against Newton at 11 AM.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3e2gN2RTilQ
Consolations round against Newton at 11 AM.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3e2gN2RTilQ
Esports State is underway! The 2026 Esports State Tournament is being hosted by Marshalltown Community College at Orpheum Twin Theatres.
The BC team looks locked in. Meanwhile, back at school, students and staff are rallying behind them. Let's Go!
The BC team looks locked in. Meanwhile, back at school, students and staff are rallying behind them. Let's Go!
Why Benton?
I became a Benton parent in 2015, and from the moment I walked through the doors, I felt a sense of welcome and belonging unlike anything I had experienced before. It truly felt like home.
In 2019, after 19 years of teaching in other districts, an opportunity arose that prompted me to make a change. Choosing to join Benton was the best decision I could have made.
My favorite part of being a Bobcat is the incredible Bobcat pride—you can feel it at games, concerts, and every school event.
I became a Benton parent in 2015, and from the moment I walked through the doors, I felt a sense of welcome and belonging unlike anything I had experienced before. It truly felt like home.
In 2019, after 19 years of teaching in other districts, an opportunity arose that prompted me to make a change. Choosing to join Benton was the best decision I could have made.
My favorite part of being a Bobcat is the incredible Bobcat pride—you can feel it at games, concerts, and every school event.
The Esports State tournament kicks off tomorrow at 9:15 A.M.
BC takes on Waukee in a best-of-7 series.
Link to watch - https://www.youtube.com/@iahsea/streams
Exact stream could swap throughout the day but all streams should be at the link provided. BC will be on the stream labeled POD 1 to start.
BC takes on Waukee in a best-of-7 series.
Link to watch - https://www.youtube.com/@iahsea/streams
Exact stream could swap throughout the day but all streams should be at the link provided. BC will be on the stream labeled POD 1 to start.
What is your favorite thing about being a Bobcat?
I truly appreciate the strong support our school district provides for both staff and students. Knowing that I am supported, encouraged, and surrounded by a community that genuinely cares makes me feel valued and inspired to give my very best to my students each day.
I truly appreciate the strong support our school district provides for both staff and students. Knowing that I am supported, encouraged, and surrounded by a community that genuinely cares makes me feel valued and inspired to give my very best to my students each day.
Benton Community is proud to celebrate senior Kayley Dirks for receiving the DAR Good Citizen Award!
Kayley was honored at the Ashley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution's annual George Washington Birthday Tea on Sunday, February 22, 2026, held at Cedar Memorial Family Center and Library. This special event recognizes outstanding students who truly embody what it means to be a good citizen.
The DAR Good Citizen Award is one of the oldest and most respected student recognition programs in the United States. Established in 1934, this prestigious honor celebrates high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities.
Kayley’s dedication, integrity, and commitment to making a positive impact reflect the very best of Benton Community. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and the example she sets for others.
Congratulations, Kayley, on this well-deserved award!
Kayley was honored at the Ashley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution's annual George Washington Birthday Tea on Sunday, February 22, 2026, held at Cedar Memorial Family Center and Library. This special event recognizes outstanding students who truly embody what it means to be a good citizen.
The DAR Good Citizen Award is one of the oldest and most respected student recognition programs in the United States. Established in 1934, this prestigious honor celebrates high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities.
Kayley’s dedication, integrity, and commitment to making a positive impact reflect the very best of Benton Community. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and the example she sets for others.
Congratulations, Kayley, on this well-deserved award!
BC Artist Spotlight- Kaylynn Tow - 5th Grade - Norway Intermediate
Another record at State Bowling. Congratulations, Josh!
2025-26 WAMAC Girls Basketball Teams Announced! Congratulations, Bobcats!
One of my favorite things about being a Bobcat is how our small community rallies together to help each other in a time of need. Our staff, families and community members truly are the best. It’s The Bobcat Way!
HAPPY NATIONAL FFA WEEK!
Benton's FFA Advisor, Krystal Wright, was honored as a finalist for The Golden Owl Award with an all school assembly this morning. The Golden Owl Award is a prestigious honor presented by Nationwide and various state FFA foundations to recognize outstanding agricultural educators for their dedication. Congratulations and thank you!
