Welcome back to the Warrior Weekly!

This week we have exciting updates from the last few weeks, interviews with students and staff, along with some information about upcoming events!

Several students were approached during the school day and were eager to share snippets of their recent experiences and thoughts on various aspects of student life.

Viola Smith, 8th Grader:

When asked about her activities during AMI (Alternative Methods of Instruction) days, Viola enthusiastically shared, "I went sledding and hung out with my friends at the gym." Viola's winter delight extends to her favorite things about the season, expressing, "I enjoy the snow and hot chocolate." Looking ahead, she eagerly anticipates winter sports and the upcoming Valentine's Day dance.

Ayden Weatherd, Junior:

Ayden offered insights into his AMI days, saying, "I did AMI homework and played video games." His winter joy lies in the simplicity of snow days and the cozy atmosphere, stating, "I like snow days and how it gets cold in my room." Interestingly, Ayden's anticipation for the rest of the school year revolves around the ultimate goal – the end of the school year and the start of summer break.

Chemistry class conducts a flame test lab.

Yearbook students snapped photos of students engaging in friendships as a photography challenge.

Courtwarming Attendants

Back Row: Freshmen Emme Hogue & Jarrett Smith, Juniors Keghan Schaefer & Avah Shisler, Sophomores Hayleigh Wink & Shae Miller

Front Row: Seniors Kole Emerson, Jasmin Valderrama, Timothy Poppa, Brook Wink, Emma Mercer, & Jax Henderson

Cheerleaders are known for supporting basketball and football, from first game jitters to the intensity of Distristic games, but what is the actual purpose of these sideline individuals? Cheerleading consists of jumps, stunts, cheers, chants, dance, and tumbling. Although cheerleading is not considered a sport by MSHSAA’s standards, Albany High Cheer Coaches, Heather Locklar and Alicia Constant, want to bring back the competitive spirit.

Our warrior cheerleaders have decided to attend Missouri’s Game Day Competition, which will be the first time they have competed in several years. This competition consists of a performance including the school's fight song, a cheer, and a band chant. During these performances cheerleaders are expected to use their skills (listed in the paragraph above) and a number of props including flags, poms, and signs. In 2001, the Albany High School Cheer Squad was the first to compete in a statewide traditional style cheerleading competition and the first team in Albany history to win first in state. The banner still hangs in the new gym among the other accomplishments made by the school.

This year’s cheerleaders had the opportunity to showcase their skills at camp. Each member of our current squad has been awarded the title of All American Nominee by the National Cheerleading Association for either their jumps, motions, dance, or tumbling. During this camp the squad was able to learn what is expected in the Game Day Competition. Camp usually consists of a couple cheers, a dance, stunting, team bonding, All American tryouts, and jumps. After camp, the girls tried to squeeze a two hour practice into their weekly schedule, but ultimately had to focus on many of the activities that they had to prepare for during the fall. For example many practices consisted of minimal stunt practice and practicing each dance that coordinated with the theme of the game in football season. Basketball season quickly became crunch time.

The competition for Game Day 1A Small is on February 25th in Springfield Missouri. The girls who will compete are sophomores: Kylee Preston, River Stamper, Lauren Hogue, and Alexis Seiter, along with juniors: Avah Shisler, Tori Bourland, Kayleigh Locklar, and senior Wynonna Reidlinger. As competition comes closer, the routines are being altered to best suit each cheerleader's strengths and weaknesses. When the routines were first made, they were intended for ten. Now it has been reworked for a squad of eight. The team is pulling all the stops with new equipment, more practices, and brand new uniforms. As the competition draws nearer, girls focus on their technique and motions. As one previous cheer coach once said, “stay sharp!” This competition is the perfect opportunity for the cheerleaders to show that they are not only on the sidelines and that they can hold their own against other schools. It's almost time for their blood, sweat, and tears to be put to good use and show everyone what being a cheerleader is all about. As ironic as it sounds, it's time for us to become our cheerleaders…. cheerleaders.

Singing in the shower is fun until you get soap in your mouth. Then it's a soap opera.

Have you heard about the chocolate record player? It sounds pretty sweet.

Why couldn't the bicycle stand up by itself? It was two tired.

This graveyard looks overcrowded. People must be dying to get in.

Are you a bank loan? Cause you have my interest.

The fashion report this week was Nike shoes. Nike shoes have been very popular and we have noticed a lot of people wearing them around school. It is a trend not just for girls specifically or guys specifically but the whole student body. Nike shoes are not just trending in the high school but the middle school as well.

By Oscar Rodriguez and Kaylee Smith

Meet Mrs. Cottrill, a graduate of Albany R-III in the class of 2010. We caught up with her recently, and she shared some cool memories from her time at our school.

One standout moment for Mrs. Cottrill was senior year, especially the homecoming festivities. Senior year, her class won overall Homecoming, and to top it off, she was crowned Homecoming Queen – a moment that still makes her smile.

Sports were a big part of her high school journey. Mrs. Cottrill did track from all four years, snagging winning the 4X100 meter relay and placing third overall as a team sophomore year, 2nd place in the 100 meter dash and 3rd place in the 200 meter dash senior year. On top of that, she brought her cheerleading spirit to the football and basketball sidelines.

Talking about changes since her graduation, Mrs. Cottrill mentioned how there's more technology in classrooms now compared to back in the day.

When asked about her favorite thing about Albany R-III, she simply said it was the people – awesome teachers and great friends. Mrs. Cottrill has a soft spot for the sense of community and the positive vibes that stuck with her from her time here.

As an alum, Mrs. Cottrill's stories remind us of the good times at Albany R-III, where memories are made and the community spirit lives on.

Boys Varsity Basketball

12/28 Tri County W

1/5 St. Joe Christian L

1/10 WoCo L

1/12 King City W

1/18 Pattonsburg L

1/22 King City W

1/24 Maysville L

Girls Varsity Basketball

12/28 Tri County W

1/5 St. Joe Christian L

1/10 King City L

1/18 Pattonsburg W

1/22 Dekalb W

Varsity Wrestling

9-17 Duel Record

Senior Parents & Students: here is a free webinar series about FAFSA!

If you would like a Progress Report for your student please call the office at

660-726-3911

At AMSHS, our students & staff collaborate to set goals, improve learning, and increase school pride by creating a positive school culture. Warrior students take ownership of their futures and become motivated, actively engaged citizens. The students and staff aspire to ensure a safe, secure, and inclusive environment in our community.