Classmate Profiles

Instructions:  Hello, Classmate! Our once-in-a-lifetime GOLDEN class reunion is coming soon, and your classmates hope to see you in August! Even if you aren't able to join us, please share below about your after-high school life (~350 words), favorite high school memory/ies, and include a current photo of just you, with your face and hair - or lack thereof. And although your contact information won't be visible on this website, your classmates can contact you via email by clicking on "send [name] a message" link at the bottom of each classmate's profile. Enjoy reading the profiles!

One classmate per profile. To change your profile click Log in. Username = your email.

Ben Duvall

Last updated 1 month ago
Then Then
Now Now
State / Province: VA
Marital status: Single
Children: 2
Occupation: Pro Desk Consultant / Food Service Industry / USMC / Sporting Official
Highlights of your last 50 years: Served 6 years in U.S. Marine Corps. Lived nearly 30 years in South Louisiana primarily in Baton Rouge. Huge LSU Tigers fan. Last 12 years in Northern VA. Worked several years in food service cooking, baking and management. Some jobs of interest: I worked 12 years offshore in the Gulf of Mexico as a cook and baker on oil rigs, supply boats and work boats. Worked on two of the biggest oil rigs in the gulf. Thunder Horse had a 700 man crew, Worked on Shell One which had a 600 man crew. Shell One was located in the gulf near Mexico near the edge where gulf depth goes from 150 feet to over 6,000 feet. The last job I had in the gulf was cooking on a work boat that had a 400 man crew. We contracted to Venezuela to fix their sunken oil rig to get oil pumping again. The rig had sunk in a hurricane five years earlier. Was 50 miles off of coast of Venezuela. We were surrounded by gun boats and had armed soldiers and the Venezuela secretary of defense, who is now dictator there, On board the boat the entire time. The crew used robotic arms and mini subs to repair the rig. The U.S. and Venezuela had no diplomatic relations then, so we sailed under a Venezuela flag with an American crew. When we finished repairing the sunken rig, the defense secretary ordered 200 Venezuelan workers flown out to the boat and then the dedication ceremony was shown live on Venezuelan TV, with it being portrayed that the Venezuelan workers fixed it. The Venezuelan government could never admit the Americans fixed it. I had mentioned the size of the crew’s offshore because those are a lot people to cook for from scratch every meal. Those boys ate like kings out there.



Besides working several years in food service, I also worked as a paralegal. Did criminal appeals, immigration law, divorce and family law. Worked for three different law firms. I have a paralegal associate degree from Northern Virginia Community College.



I have umpired and officiated sports for total of 39 years and counting. Baseball 39 years; from MLB exhibition to 9 year olds. Twelve years of college ball, eleven years of Minor league, now just umpire high school and below. Some highlights: Umpired four MLB Hall of Fame pitchers as plate umpire: Mario Rivera, Randy Johnson, Greg Maddox, and Nolan Ryan. Umpired fast pitch soft ball for 34 years. Both girls and men’s fast pitch. Umpired many state and national tournaments. Highlight of men’s fast pitch was umpiring the King and His Court a four man team that has toured around the world. Officiated basketball for 26 years. Officiating from college ball down to kiddie ball. I currently work full time for Home Depot at the pro desk. Have two children, three grand children and two great grandchildren. Been single for many years enjoy traveling and playing sports: golf, hiking, tennis and bicycling.



Ben
Share a high school memory: I have 2 most cherished high school

memories: 1) The 1973 State Basketball Championship click https://flic.kr/p/E5mJG5 and 2) The 1974 AHS Intramural Basketball Championship !! Click https://flic.kr/p/2nZAuc4

Theresa (Terry) Dyer (Christenson)

Last updated 1 month ago
Then Then
Now Now
State / Province: IA
Marital status: Widowed
Occupation: Owner of Carlisle subway
Highlights of your last 50 years: Graduation from college and my children.
Share a high school memory: Graduation.

Paula Edwards (Allison)

Last updated 1 month ago
Then Then
Now Now
State / Province: SD
Marital status: Married
Children: 0
Occupation: Retired!!
Highlights of your last 50 years: Sum up 50 years in a few words? Here goes:

Had a varied career working for many different companies, mostly Hair related and also had my own salon. Found out in '91 I had Hepatitis C and was ok until about 2007. Had various health emergencies until 2011 until I had a liver transplant. In the best of health now, almost like getting a new body. It has been great journey and I've loved every minute of it. Been married for 47 years to my Best Friend. No kids but plenty of pets to fill in as kids. Moved to Hot Springs SD in 2000 after living in various busy places, but we love our quiet scenic life. I can't wait to see you all and hear about your last 50 years!
Share a high school memory: Most of you know I wasn't the sweet calm person I am now back in high school. I spent most of my time in the bathroom down by the cafeteria smoking and socializing. I think the only classes that interested me were English and creative writing and those I went to. Math and science, forget it, I just didn't see the need. Must've been about halfway through sophomore year that Mr Ritland and his assistant principal, a woman whose name escapes me, decided to crack down on us hanging out in that bathroom. You could see her silhouette when she would walk through those double doors which gave you enough time to put out your cigarette. On this particular day she came in every period two or three times. After about the 3rd time of her seeing me in there she told me to go home, I was suspended for the day. I pretended I left but came back shortly. Again she kicked me out and I circled back to the bathroom to hang with my friends. On the 3rd time she took me up to Mr Ritland. He just shook his head and said "Paula, would you please just go home?" Of course by that time school was about over and all my friends were leaving. That's my memory. I know it doesn't have football or cheer-leading or academics in it, those all came later after I grew up some and figured out I wasn't going anywhere without high school.

John Elliott

Last updated 1 month ago
Now Now
State / Province: IA
Marital status: Married
Children: 2
Occupation: Semi Retired CPA
Highlights of your last 50 years: Got a history degree from Iowa State, which really helps when you need the yellow piece in trivial pursuit.



Spent three years in retail. Met my wife Teri in Clarinda, Iowa. Then within a 6 month span, quit my job, went back to school and got married.



Graduated from Northwest Missouri State (or Southwest Iowa State), with an accounting degree, passed the CPA exam and went to work at a national accounting firm in Kansas City. Both of our girls were born in North Kansas City, Kelsey in 1989 and Lindsey in 1991. Shortly after Lindsey's arrival I saw an ad in the Kansas City Star about an accounting firm in Ames, IA that needed a CPA. We moved back to Ames in 1992...in the snow....in April. At that point the decision was made, we're not moving any farther north.

Working in Ames gave me the opportunity to work with the parents of several classmates and work with our former teachers. Even bought Virgil's old Honda.



It was interesting going to parents' night at AHS. Mr. Forssman was still there, and both girls had him for class. He retired shortly after that...one too many Elliotts I guess.

For 14 years I also ran the scorer's table for the boys and girls bball teams, (the score always came out right and I even counted the offensive fouls.) I had a great seat to watch the AHS boys win back-to-back state titles and the year the girls were state runners-up (my youngest played on that team).



Our grandkids, Caleb (Bubba) and Kinley live in Waterloo, (West, not East) so this moving farther north thing may have to change at some point.



Next time the Packers make it to the superbowl (when, not if) watch for Pete and I at the 50 behind the Packer bench...Pete owes me some tickets and I know he won't let me down...long story there..
Share a high school memory: Sophomore year: trekking up-hill in the winter thinking it was going to be another 9 months before I could get my license. Also had it not been for jury tampering, we would have convicted the Kaiser.



Junior year: The state bball championship, (even if we had to overcome some questionable palming calls late in the game.) Watching Ev and Sam pitch us to a state runner-up in baseball and qualifying for the state tournament in golf.



Milton's Marauders invasion of St. Louis (We Go) and Mr. Forssman's trips to Minneapolis. Also recall a yellow '42 jeep with no muffler that you could hear 6 blocks away, a Ford convertible that sometimes needed some persuasion to start (Start the car Ed, ED START THE CAR), a purple super bee with an awesome sound system (that was installed in 10 below weather) and the Bornmuller blast.



Senior year: The trip to London was a highlight, and getting home safely after Mark spent time flying the 747 over the Atlantic. Getting an "A" in chemistry was all thanks to my lab partner, Drew in calculating the iron content of breakfast cereal, and Greg. Pete and I finally took down Hilmer and White in straight sets...then they never played us again.

Kristine Ellson (Pelz)

Last updated 1 month ago
Then Then
Now Now
State / Province: IA
Marital status: Married
Children: 4
Occupation: Retired
Highlights of your last 50 years: In 1975 I married Mike Ellson AHS’73. We are blessed with 4 children, a boy and 3 girls. Life has been an adventure of traveling to 4 continents and living in 5 different communities in Iowa. I have had multiple small businesses including a boutique in my home. Pushing out of my comfort zone I have spoken in front of hundreds of people and been a Campaign Finance Chair for a candidate for Representative. I’ve baked pastries for a coffee shop in my licensed kitchen and also a commissioner for 2 fantasy football leagues.Attending a Presidential Inauguration by invitation was quite an experience. Recently I completed a 6 year quest of tracing an ancestor 14 generations to the Mayflower. I feel like a lifelong learner and believe me ,you want me on your team for a trivia challenge!

Relationships are important to me. My commitment to my faith and Jesus Christ is a big part of who I am. I have had the rare privilege of many close friends from Ames that I have experienced life with. You know who you are! What currently brings me joy are 21 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Next year Mike and I will be married 50 years! Regrets? I always wanted to learn a language. My high school Spanish has not gotten me very far….Maybe there is still time, I am always open to learning something new!
Share a high school memory: Looking back at high school I know I didn’t apply myself! My favorite teacher was Mr. Abel and my DECA job was at Younkers. I remember the Mistletoe Dance, modern dance class and the Keggers. The TV going nonstop with the Watergate Hearings in a classroom was memorable and I stoped in often to watch. Going to McDonalds during Open Campus was a treat. My closet was full of bell bottoms, mini skirts and hot pants. I wore a POW bracelet and ironed my hair! Who can forget the music on 8 tracks? Steppenwolf, Todd Rundgren ,Chicago and Journey. Meeting my Dad at the police station when he was Mayor was an unforgettable memory!

Teri Engle (Hough)

Last updated 1 month ago
Then Then
State / Province: AZ
Marital status: Committed Relationship
Children: 2
Occupation: Retired middle school teacher
Highlights of your last 50 years: I have two wonderful sons, and one finally made me a grandma in 2022. But I know I’m not the last, first grandparent!

I taught middle schoolers for 40 years and lived every minute of it! It was hard work but my creativity helped me through any issues.

Now that I’m retired, for six years, I’ve started painting, watercolor mostly, but I’ve been branching out into other mediums, too.

I spend most of my days with my sweet partner, Anthony. Every day is like being on vacation!

We live in the valley of the sun, Scottsdale, Az. Who’s ready to visit? I welcome you all!
Share a high school memory: It’s all a blur! Well, ok, I’ll admit to having halfheimers. I remember lots of football, basketball and baseball games, modern dance recitals, Homecoming dances, Proms, synchronized swimming, and wonderful teachers. But, funny, I don’t remember anything that I learned, except Spanish! Thank heavens because I ended my career teaching Spanish!

Gordon Engstrom

Last updated 1 month ago
Now Now
State / Province: MN
Marital status: Married
Children: 2
Occupation: Retired (mostly)
Highlights of your last 50 years: I am a CPA and for most of my career I have been the CFO for a few nonprofit organizations - the Episcopal Diocese of MN, RESOURCE, Inc (now AVIVO) in Minneapolis, and EXED in Los Angeles. I retired in 2018 and am now doing part-time accounting work for some local nonprofits around Tofte, MN. I am on the ballot (in March, unopposed) to be Treasurer for the Township of Tofte (population 230). My wife Amanda and I have two daughters and four grandchildren living in New York and Boston.

Steven Eshelman

Last updated 1 month ago
Then Then
Now Now
State / Province: IL
Marital status: Married
Children: 3
Occupation: VPGM / retired
Highlights of your last 50 years: I’ve had a good run…



Chemical Engineering at ISU and MBA at University of Chicago.



About 40 years in downstream oil and gas based in Chicago with assignments in London, Kuala Lumpur and Geneva. My main hobby was getting a runway picture from the airplane window.



Quit working in 2020 and took up cycling - which is much more rewarding. Hope to ride for another 20 years, or more.



As I often say, keep living the dream!



PS - the “then” picture is the only old picture I could find.
Share a high school memory: We decided we wanted an after season swim team party - so we held a bake sale at school to pay for all the party “expenses”…

Kathy Farstad (Reece)

Last updated 1 month ago
Now Now
State / Province: MN
Marital status: Married
Children: 4
Occupation: Retired teacher
Highlights of your last 50 years: Married in 1980. 4 kids, 3 grandchildren. 4th grade teacher 15 years. Enjoying my part time retail job and tutoring elementary students.
Share a high school memory: Best memories are of being involved with theater. Hank was an inspiration for us and I maintain that being involved in the arts made my high school experience memorable.

Kevin Ferguson

Last updated 1 month ago
State / Province: MI
Marital status: Married
Children: 3
Occupation: Retired software engineer
Highlights of your last 50 years: Working at NORAD Cheyenne Mountain while in the Air Force. Seeing my daughter. My divorce. ???? Meeting my wife. Welcoming a son and another daughter. And now, I have three grandkids. Finally, the ultimate goal; a comfortable retirement.
Share a high school memory: My favorite memory was the open campus. ???? So many options! ????

I also enjoyed playing football and baseball, playing "Little Chemist" to Mr. Sturtevant's "Big Chemist" and all the people I met.