Amazing Education Podcast

In this episode, we're joined by Ames High sophomore Lauren Van Hauen, who won the Iowa FFA Creed speaking competition and is headed to the national stage. Lauren explains the history and structure of the FFA Creed, how the creed-speaking contest is judged, and the preparation and choreography behind her winning performance.

She shares personal highlights like her favorite line about the "joys and discomforts" of agricultural life, the emotions of winning state as a freshman, and her goals moving forward, including competing at nationals, showing pigs, and pursuing FFA leadership roles.

On this episode, Ames High students Claire and Chloe Lu talk about their EcoTips initiative, which earned them the President's Environmental Youth Award. They describe how a DECA project grew into community events, summer camps, recycling education, and partnerships across Ames.

Claire and Chloe share lessons on persistence, collaboration, and practical, low-cost sustainability actions, plus advice for other students who want to start making a difference in their communities.

Join Ames Middle School student Benji Harris as he describes competing in the NBA Math Hoops Global Championship in New York City, including the draft event, a live-action game at the New York Liberty training facility, and the finals at NBA headquarters.

Benji explains how NBA Math Hoops blends basketball statistics with math, how he prepared, the friendships he formed with students worldwide, and how the experience increased his enthusiasm for math.

Veteran kindergarten teacher Allison Fisher shares practical advice for families preparing children for kindergarten, drawing on 20-plus years of classroom experience in the Ames Community School District.

She emphasizes social-emotional skills and independence, along with routines like consistent sleep, breakfast, limited screen time, and reading together.

The episode offers reassurance about the transition, describes a typical modern kindergarten day, and celebrates the rapid growth children make academically and socially during their first year.

In this episode, we were joined by Aaron Weddle, the new principal of Mitchell Elementary, to talk about his background, leadership journey, and educational philosophy.

Weddle discusses his focus on building community and relationships, creating a welcoming environment where every child belongs, and partnering with staff and families to support the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally.

He shares practical priorities—visibility, clear communication, and high expectations delivered with care—and leaves families with a central message: you matter, you belong, and you will succeed.

In this episode, we sit down with Ames High senior Brandon Johnson to talk about his journey as a multi-sport athlete, his decision to continue his football career at the University of Northern Iowa, and the people and experiences that helped him along the way. Brandon reflects on his favorite memories as a Little Cyclone and what excites him most about the next chapter, both on and off the field.

What does it take to truly be your best self, and how do you balance it all along the way? In this episode, we sit down with Ames High senior Laura Chen, recently named Iowa’s Distinguished Young Woman for 2026. From her involvement in activities like tennis and orchestra to her work in cancer research, Laura shares how her experiences have shaped who she is today and what comes next on her journey.

In this episode, we’re joined by Ames High senior Isabelle Stagg as she reflects on where her cheer journey began, and whether she ever imagined it would lead her to Iowa State University. You’ll hear how her time in Ames High cheer shaped her skills while building leadership, teamwork, and perseverance, along with the moments that made her experience truly meaningful.

In this episode of the Amazing Education Podcast, host Amy DeLashmutt talks with Charles Grim, the longtime music teacher at Meeker Elementary, as he prepares to retire. Grimm reflects on his unexpected path into elementary music, his love for playing and teaching, and the energetic joy he brings to every class.

The conversation highlights Grimm’s impact on students — encouraging them to try band, orchestra, and chorus — and the memorable moments when former students return to share how music shaped their lives. He also shares what he’ll miss about teaching and looks forward to more family time and new opportunities after retirement.

From Little Cyclone to NCAA competitor to Ames High head coach — Erica Douglas has come full circle.

In this episode, we sat down with the Ames Hall of Famer, former Iowa State standout, and founder of She Plays to talk about leadership, legacy, and building confidence in today’s student-athletes. Find out from Douglas herself what it means to come home and lead the next generation.