Congratulations to these outstanding Benton Community FFA members on earning their Iowa FFA Degree! 🌽💙💛
This prestigious honor recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to agricultural education through leadership, supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), and service to their chapter and community. In addition to this accomplishment, these students have also earned an Industry-Recognized Credential (IRC), further demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and career readiness they have developed through Benton Community's agricultural education program.
We are incredibly proud of these Bobcats for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Thank you to our FFA advisors, Mrs. Wright, Evan Brehm, and Mr. Brecht, for their leadership and for creating opportunities that prepare students for success beyond graduation. Congratulations to each of these students on this well-deserved recognition! 🌟
#BentonBobcats #FFA #IowaFFADegree #CareerReady #IndustryRecognizedCredential #BobcatPride
This prestigious honor recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to agricultural education through leadership, supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), and service to their chapter and community. In addition to this accomplishment, these students have also earned an Industry-Recognized Credential (IRC), further demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and career readiness they have developed through Benton Community's agricultural education program.
We are incredibly proud of these Bobcats for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Thank you to our FFA advisors, Mrs. Wright, Evan Brehm, and Mr. Brecht, for their leadership and for creating opportunities that prepare students for success beyond graduation. Congratulations to each of these students on this well-deserved recognition! 🌟
#BentonBobcats #FFA #IowaFFADegree #CareerReady #IndustryRecognizedCredential #BobcatPride
Each year, Benton students gain valuable real-world experience through the Kirkwood Workplace Learning Connection Job Shadow Program!
This is a fantastic opportunity for students in grades 10-12 to explore careers, connect with local professionals, and take the next step toward their future.
📅 Save the date! Registration opens August 17-23, 2026. Don't miss this great opportunity!
Learn more: https://www.kirkwood.edu/.../job-shadows-fall/how-to-apply
This is a fantastic opportunity for students in grades 10-12 to explore careers, connect with local professionals, and take the next step toward their future.
📅 Save the date! Registration opens August 17-23, 2026. Don't miss this great opportunity!
Learn more: https://www.kirkwood.edu/.../job-shadows-fall/how-to-apply
Bobcat Trivia is Here!
We're excited to kick off a new series of Bobcat Trivia posts throughout the year! Inspired by the incredible response to our Countdown to Commencement series, we hope these posts bring back great memories and celebrate the rich history of Benton Community.
This week's trivia:
Bobcat Football Camp kicked off this week, so we're taking it back!
🔹 Can you name these Bobcats?
🔹 What year do you think this picture was captured?
🔹 Were you coached by one (or more) of them? Share your favorite memory in the comments!
💙💛 Go Bobcats!
We're excited to kick off a new series of Bobcat Trivia posts throughout the year! Inspired by the incredible response to our Countdown to Commencement series, we hope these posts bring back great memories and celebrate the rich history of Benton Community.
This week's trivia:
Bobcat Football Camp kicked off this week, so we're taking it back!
🔹 Can you name these Bobcats?
🔹 What year do you think this picture was captured?
🔹 Were you coached by one (or more) of them? Share your favorite memory in the comments!
💙💛 Go Bobcats!
Employment opportunities may be found at https://www.applitrack.com/benton/onlineapp/
#BeABobcat
#APlaceToBelong
#BeABobcat
#APlaceToBelong
Congratulations Benton Bobcat Baseball Players! ⚾
2026 WaMaC West All-Conference Honors
First Team All-Conference
⭐ Drew Fillenworth
⭐ Eli Patterson
⭐ Kale Gallagher
⭐ Brooks Birdsell
Second Team All-Conference
⭐ Weston Kaestner
⭐ Grady Frese
⭐ Grant Volesky
⭐ Kaleb Hupke
WaMaC Recognition
⭐ Carson Nolan
⭐ Colton Kroneman
Congratulations to all of our student-athletes on this well-deserved honor! We are proud of the way you represent Bobcat Baseball.
2026 WaMaC West All-Conference Honors
First Team All-Conference
⭐ Drew Fillenworth
⭐ Eli Patterson
⭐ Kale Gallagher
⭐ Brooks Birdsell
Second Team All-Conference
⭐ Weston Kaestner
⭐ Grady Frese
⭐ Grant Volesky
⭐ Kaleb Hupke
WaMaC Recognition
⭐ Carson Nolan
⭐ Colton Kroneman
Congratulations to all of our student-athletes on this well-deserved honor! We are proud of the way you represent Bobcat Baseball.
Coach Bauder will be running weight room sessions for all OFF-SEASON high school (9-12) athletes Monday, Wednesday and Thursday starting August 3rd. Sessions will start at 8 am.
Employment opportunities may be found at https://www.applitrack.com/benton/onlineapp/
#BeABobcat
#APlaceToBelong
#BeABobcat
#APlaceToBelong
As we prepare to welcome students back for another great school year, this is a friendly reminder to complete your student's annual registration before the first day of school.
Annual registration is required for all new and returning students and ensures we have the most up-to-date contact information, emergency contacts, health information, transportation details, and other important records needed to provide the best experience for your family.
Completing registration before school begins helps ensure your student is ready for a smooth start on the first day. Register at https://benton.powerschool.com/public/home.html
Thank you for taking the time to complete your student's registration. We look forward to seeing everyone back for a wonderful school year!
BC Artist Spotlight- Lillian McLaren BCHS
If you've not yet registered your students for the 26-27 school year, please take a few minutes to do so. Please check your email for district communication on how to do so.
More summer learning to celebrate! School Counselor, Lisa Daily, and Instructional Coach, Emily O’Connell, recently participated in Guiding Futures and Building Multiple Pathways to Postsecondary Success, a professional learning opportunity sponsored by the Iowa Department of Education.
This learning continues to support Benton Community’s commitment to helping students explore their futures, connect learning to real-world opportunities, and build meaningful pathways beyond high school. Career and college planning remain a priority as we work to ensure every student has the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed for success after graduation.
We are proud of our staff for continuing to grow their own learning so they can better support the growth and success of our students! 💙💛 #BentonBobcats #LifelongLearning #FutureReady #CareerConnectedLearning
This learning continues to support Benton Community’s commitment to helping students explore their futures, connect learning to real-world opportunities, and build meaningful pathways beyond high school. Career and college planning remain a priority as we work to ensure every student has the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed for success after graduation.
We are proud of our staff for continuing to grow their own learning so they can better support the growth and success of our students! 💙💛 #BentonBobcats #LifelongLearning #FutureReady #CareerConnectedLearning
🌱🚜 A handful of Benton Community teachers recently participated in a multi-day professional learning experience focused on agritourism and the many ways agriculture can be integrated into classroom learning. Organized by the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation and the Iowa Farm Bureau, the training included visits to two outstanding Benton Community destinations—Pheasant Run Farms and Bloomsbury Farm—where teachers experienced firsthand how agriculture, education, and tourism come together to support local communities.
We're proud of our educators for continually seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and bring authentic, real-world experiences back to their students. Thank you for your commitment to helping our students grow right alongside you! 💙💛🌽 #BentonBobcats #LifelongLearning #Agritourism #AgInTheClassroom #GrowingTogether
We're proud of our educators for continually seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and bring authentic, real-world experiences back to their students. Thank you for your commitment to helping our students grow right alongside you! 💙💛🌽 #BentonBobcats #LifelongLearning #Agritourism #AgInTheClassroom #GrowingTogether
We have amazing students, staff, and families. Consider joining our team! Benton Community is A Place to Belong.
Congratulations to our Benton Community students who earned their Introduction to Engineering Design Certification!
The Introduction to Engineering Design Certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates students' foundational knowledge and skills in the engineering design process. Through hands-on projects, students learn to apply problem-solving, critical thinking, technical drawing, computer-aided design (CAD), and engineering principles to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Earning this certification demonstrates readiness for further education and careers in engineering, manufacturing, architecture, and other STEM-related fields.
The Introduction to Engineering Design Certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates students' foundational knowledge and skills in the engineering design process. Through hands-on projects, students learn to apply problem-solving, critical thinking, technical drawing, computer-aided design (CAD), and engineering principles to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Earning this certification demonstrates readiness for further education and careers in engineering, manufacturing, architecture, and other STEM-related fields.
Summer may be a break from the classroom, but learning doesn't stop for our Benton educators!
A group of Benton teachers recently participated in professional learning through the Iowa Department of Education focused on Access for All & Raising Student Achievement Through Engagement. They spent time collaborating, learning new strategies, and exploring ways to create engaging, inclusive learning experiences that help every student succeed.
Thank you to these educators for investing in their growth and bringing new ideas back to our classrooms. Your commitment to continuous learning is one more way we're building A Place to Belong and providing Quality Education for a Lifetime of Learning. 💙💛
A group of Benton teachers recently participated in professional learning through the Iowa Department of Education focused on Access for All & Raising Student Achievement Through Engagement. They spent time collaborating, learning new strategies, and exploring ways to create engaging, inclusive learning experiences that help every student succeed.
Thank you to these educators for investing in their growth and bringing new ideas back to our classrooms. Your commitment to continuous learning is one more way we're building A Place to Belong and providing Quality Education for a Lifetime of Learning. 💙💛
Coaching positions available!
Our transportation staff are getting ready for another great school year! 🚌💙 We're excited to receive two new buses to the Benton Community fleet as we prepare for students to return this fall. We are thankful for safe, reliable transportation for our Bobcats all year long! #BobcatPride #BackToSchool
Congratulations to Kaeson Louis and Hunter Kupka on receiving the first-ever Proclamation of Recognition from Dr. Bieschke in honor of their outstanding achievement at the National SkillsUSA Competition! 👏
The Benton Community School Board recognized Kaeson and Hunter at the July meeting, where they shared how this incredible experience with SkillsUSA has impacted their personal growth and future career goals. Their dedication, hard work, and willingness to represent our district on the national stage make us incredibly proud. Also, thank you to their advisor, Mr. Reid, for his mentorship throughout this experience!
Congratulations, Kaeson and Hunter! Thank you for representing Benton Community with excellence and inspiring future Bobcats to pursue opportunities through clubs and activities. 💙💛 #BobcatPride #SkillsUSA #CareerReady #APlaceToBelong
The Benton Community School Board recognized Kaeson and Hunter at the July meeting, where they shared how this incredible experience with SkillsUSA has impacted their personal growth and future career goals. Their dedication, hard work, and willingness to represent our district on the national stage make us incredibly proud. Also, thank you to their advisor, Mr. Reid, for his mentorship throughout this experience!
Congratulations, Kaeson and Hunter! Thank you for representing Benton Community with excellence and inspiring future Bobcats to pursue opportunities through clubs and activities. 💙💛 #BobcatPride #SkillsUSA #CareerReady #APlaceToBelong
🚗🔧 We're proud to recognize the Benton Community students who participated in the Thys Automotive Family's Piston to Pathways program! Through this incredible experience, students gained valuable insight into the many career opportunities within the automotive industry while developing hands-on skills in a real shop environment alongside industry professionals. Experiences like these help students connect classroom learning to future careers, explore their interests, and build confidence in high-demand career pathways.
A huge thank you to the Thys Automotive Family for investing in our students and creating meaningful opportunities that inspire the next generation of skilled professionals.
👏 Congratulations to all of our participants for taking advantage of this outstanding opportunity!
Interested in participating? Enrollment is now underway for this fall's Piston to Pathways program! Students interested in exploring careers in the automotive industry are encouraged to contact the Benton Community High School counseling office for more information.
A huge thank you to the Thys Automotive Family for investing in our students and creating meaningful opportunities that inspire the next generation of skilled professionals.
👏 Congratulations to all of our participants for taking advantage of this outstanding opportunity!
Interested in participating? Enrollment is now underway for this fall's Piston to Pathways program! Students interested in exploring careers in the automotive industry are encouraged to contact the Benton Community High School counseling office for more information.
Benton 2026 Football Preview
Courtesy of Jim Magdefrau
School: Benton Community Bobcats
Nickname: Bobcats
Colors: Royal Blue and Gold
Conference: WaMaC
Class: 3A
District: District 2
Co-Head Coach: Kal Goodchild, Jeff Zittergruen
Assistant Coaches: Garret Albers, Dan Burke, Chris Frimml, Kyle Goodchild, Josh Hoeck, Colin Waters, Rich Fisher, Colin Buch
Last Year’s District Record: 3-2
Last Year’s Overall Record: 5-5 Playoffs
Conference/District Champs: 11
Conference/ District Champ Years: 1980, 1987, 1988, 1993, 1996, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2024
Chief Rival: Vinton-Shellsburg
Number of Returning Letterman: 12
Number of Returning Starters: Offense 4 = O line- David Jones, Isaiah Franck, AJ Wilson Myles, Sage Edberg, Defense: 2 = Kaden Mitchell LB, Isaiah Franck DL
Top Teams in District: Clear Lake should be the favored team in the district. They have very good skill kids returning with a couple of returning O line. They have some returning D line and LB. West Delaware should be a very good team as well. They return some very good plates from last year. I would think that Independence and Iowa Falls will be improved and should have good teams. This district should be very solid. You have traditionally good teams in the district including Benton.
Our non-district will be very tough. Mount Vernon and Solon will more than likely be a playoff team in 2026. Fairfield has a number of returning starters and will be a top team in their district. Vinton is our top rival and returns a number of starters and will be improved from a year ago.
Overall Thoughts: We have a challenging schedule. The competition will be very good. We play five teams that were in the Class 3A playoffs last year. We have had a good off season! Our athletes have worked very hard in the weight room to help make us competitive! We lost a very talented group but returned some very good linemen.
Courtesy of Jim Magdefrau
School: Benton Community Bobcats
Nickname: Bobcats
Colors: Royal Blue and Gold
Conference: WaMaC
Class: 3A
District: District 2
Co-Head Coach: Kal Goodchild, Jeff Zittergruen
Assistant Coaches: Garret Albers, Dan Burke, Chris Frimml, Kyle Goodchild, Josh Hoeck, Colin Waters, Rich Fisher, Colin Buch
Last Year’s District Record: 3-2
Last Year’s Overall Record: 5-5 Playoffs
Conference/District Champs: 11
Conference/ District Champ Years: 1980, 1987, 1988, 1993, 1996, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2024
Chief Rival: Vinton-Shellsburg
Number of Returning Letterman: 12
Number of Returning Starters: Offense 4 = O line- David Jones, Isaiah Franck, AJ Wilson Myles, Sage Edberg, Defense: 2 = Kaden Mitchell LB, Isaiah Franck DL
Top Teams in District: Clear Lake should be the favored team in the district. They have very good skill kids returning with a couple of returning O line. They have some returning D line and LB. West Delaware should be a very good team as well. They return some very good plates from last year. I would think that Independence and Iowa Falls will be improved and should have good teams. This district should be very solid. You have traditionally good teams in the district including Benton.
Our non-district will be very tough. Mount Vernon and Solon will more than likely be a playoff team in 2026. Fairfield has a number of returning starters and will be a top team in their district. Vinton is our top rival and returns a number of starters and will be improved from a year ago.
Overall Thoughts: We have a challenging schedule. The competition will be very good. We play five teams that were in the Class 3A playoffs last year. We have had a good off season! Our athletes have worked very hard in the weight room to help make us competitive! We lost a very talented group but returned some very good linemen.
