July, 2021

Dear Parents, Students, Teachers, and Community Members:

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Steve Doerksen. I am thankful and consider it a privilege to be the new principal of American Heritage Academy.

Walking through the main entrance and entering the hallways on campus truly reflects the American heritage and values that have made our country strong. The first sight upon entering the school is a very large and commanding bell honoring the Fourth of July. After viewing and passing the bell, one observes General George Washington, the Commander-in-Chief, on his knees “interceding for his beloved country” to the “Ruler of the universe,” as recorded by eye-witness Isaac Potts. Then, turning to the right, the visitor experiences the hallway lined with pictures of the numerous past presidents of the United States. Of particular interest to me is the American Flag that flew over this premises on the morning of September 11, 2001. Adjacent to that is the Flag of Honor and Flag of Heroes, commemorating the names of those who perished on that fateful day. I recall that dreaded morning vividly. Of further interest to me is the Instrument of Surrender signed in 1945 that ended the War. As a child, I remember visiting and boarding the U.S.S. Missouri where the unconditional surrender to the Allied Forces occurred. And my favorite speech is also on display, “I have a Dream,” orated by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial nearly six decades ago. American Heritage Academy bears quite the hall of American history. You, as a community member, are encouraged to pay us a special visit and view our “museum” - a plethora of extraordinary and historical images and representations that serve to enlighten us about our common American history and heritage.

Again, I am privileged and thankful to play a part in the education of our students at American Heritage Academy. Our Fathers risked their lives and died to advance and secure our Freedom. Therefore, it is in this context and heritage that I would like to engage the educational charge of this institution: to be thankful for those who came before us and to use our liberties, not as a license for selfishness, but rather for embracing our responsibility to learn in the hopes and aspirations of serving others, while making this community, this country, and this world a better place for all people.

God Bless,

Steve Doerksen

Principal

AHA Cottonwood