Ironwood Ridge Student Wins Scholarship from Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society

Senior Ana Cossette has a perspective few people her age experience.   She has had the privilege of interviewing our nation's war veterans, and hearing their stories firsthand.

Ana won the 2014 Copper Lamp of Knowledge Scholarship for her involvement in the Veterans Heritage Project at Ironwood Ridge High School. The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society (AVHOFS) awarded her $2000. The scholarship recognizes patriotic youth and their efforts to learn about the sacrifices and contributions of Arizona's veterans.

Ana is the Vice President of the Veterans Heritage Project under Mr. Don Dickinson. She has spent countless hours meeting veterans and interviewing them for a book called "Since You Asked."

"Interviewing the veterans was an amazing experience. It was truly eye-opening to hear the stories of these patriots. They all have such big hearts and are great citizens of this state," said Ana.

Ana was responsible for coordinating a successful school-wide assembly in November. At one point, you could hear a pin drop, as students listened to 90-year-old Helen Glass read a poem she wrote in 1943 about her brother who was killed in the war. You can read the poem titled, "Peace," HERE.

Ana is thankful to the Veterans Heritage Project for helping her grow as a person.

"Before my involvement with this, I did not understand the impact of our veterans and did not realize what they went through for this country. It really has helped me count my blessings and not take anything for granted."

Ana will put her scholarship money towards education. She wants to pursue medical school in hopes of someday working with the Peace Corps or Doctors Without Borders.

Congrats, Ana. You are the Pride of Amphi!