Football (Boys Varsity) Eastern High School (Pekin)

Eastern dedicates new scoreboard in honor of former Musketeer and Fighter Pilot, Lt. Scot Ames Jr.

By Sean Smith | Sep 23, 2024 10:53 AM

On Friday, September 20th, the East Washington School Corporation dedicated their new football stadium scoreboard in honor of 1st Lt. Scot Ames Jr. as the scoreboard was graciously dedicated by the Scot "Rowdy" Ames Jr. Foundation. In attendance were members of Scot's family including his widow Audra Ames, his parents Scot and Ginger Ames and his sister Courtni (Ames) LaDuke. The family was joined by the Eastern Musketeer Football team and coaches along with members of the East Washington administration. The family members received a wooden plaque commemorating the ceremony. The plaque was made by the Eastern High School Manufacturing class lead by Mr. Joe Smith. The following was read during the ceremony reminding us of Scot's life as a Musketeer and as a pilot in the United States Airforce before making the ultimate sacrifice to our country. Ladies and Gentleman, At this time, we ask that you please turn your attention to the scoreboard for a special dedication ceremony. Tonight we are proudly joined by the family of First Lieutenant Scot Ames Jr. including his wife, Audra Ames and her family. Joining Audra are Scot’s parents, Scot and Ginger Ames, and his sister Courtni Laduke and family. They are being presented with commemorative plaques made by Mr. Joe Smith and students from his Manufacturing program. Presenting the plaques are East Washington School Corporation Superintendent, Rebecca Jones, Eastern High School Principal Darin Farris and East Washington Athletic Director Sean Smith and Assistant Athletic Director, Leah Starrett along with the members of the Musketeer Football Team Scot was a 2014 graduate of Eastern High School. While in high school, Scot excelled at football and baseball. After high school Scot attended Indiana State University where he was a leader for the ROTC program as the 218th Cadet Wing Commander and a Cadet Training Assistant (CTA) before becoming a member of the United States Air Force. He worked hard to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a fighter pilot and he served as a First Assignment Instructor Pilot (FAIP). During his time as an instructor, he brought motivation, knowledge, and joy to his colleagues and was often the favorite of his students. On February 19, 2021, Scot tragically passed away while doing what he loved doing and proud to be a part of; serving his country as part of the 50th Flying Training Squadron in Columbus, MS. After Scot’s death, the Scot “Rowdy” Ames Jr. Foundation was formed and has made many generous contributions to Eastern High School in particular to our football and baseball programs including our new scoreboard which bears Scot’s name in his honor. The East Washington School Community is incredibly thankful for the generosity of the Scot Rowdy Ames Jr. Foundation to Eastern High School and most importantly, we are humbled and forever grateful for Scot paying the ultimate sacrifice in serving the United States of America in the US Air Force. The way Scot lived his life was an inspiration to all of us. We are all encouraged to Live Like Rowdy, being truly grateful, loving and embracing those around you. The Scot “Rowdy” Ames Jr. Foundation and members of the East Washington School Community can carry on Scot’s legacy by Living Like Rowdy! We thank the Ames family for coming back to Eastern to be a part of tonight allowing us to honor them and to remember Scot’s Legacy. Please know that the East Washington community will always remember Scot, your family, and all of those that choose to serve our country in our Armed Forces. We know that thank you isn’t nearly enough. Ladies and Gentlemen, please take a moment to thank Scot’s family for his service and their generosity by giving a big round of applause. Musketeers! Remember to "Live Like Rowdy"!

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