Most if not all of the AMES graduating class of 2007 started their high school experience with AMES.
The first year was filled with utter chaos. The first weeks were spent making tables helping lost students and even helping some teachers find their classes. None of the teachers knew when assembly schedules or late start days were; let alone how to deal with them. 

The best part about that year was that the Cottonwood students really thought we were a “Special School”. 

Over the past four years AMES has not only grown as a school but it has also became a community. Teachers, look around at these students, your students. You have helped raise them.

Students, take a good look at the staff members. They have helped us grow into the ladies and gentlemen you see in yourself and your peers. Together, we have grown as a family, not just a school.

How will we ever repay them?

For myself, the staff members are the best people I have ever met. The faculty are willing to go through anything they need to in order to help us. When I was applying for college Janna Martin helped me. She made sure I completed my form online for Dixie State College. If I did not get accepted, she told me that she would drive down to DSC and talk to the admissions board.

One day, I was sitting in Skunkworks with friends doing homework or something, when Paul Ramsey walked by. He pointed at us and said, “You’re in trouble.” I asked him what he meant and he ushered me into the hall. “Amber,” He said, “I just wanted to tell you that I am proud of you, you are the reason we made AMES.”  What he meant is AMES is geared toward students who are willing to make a difference in their own lives.

During my four years at AMES I took AP Art History twice. David Kessinger teaches Art History and the simple fact that he could put up with me for two years is cause for congratulations. I had a hard time with this class the first year I took it. But for some reason Mr. K. always stuck by me. He gave me the confidence to retake the class and the AP test, which I passed the second time. Now I am pursuing a career in Art History at SUU.

I know that these stories are just a few of the many that my classmates and me will remember. At any other school I don’t believe that we would have the relationships we do here.  AMES is truly unique. This school has meant a lot to all of us. I ask all of you to remember the lessons that this experience has taught us. Never forget them. Remember your family, AMES PRIDE!