Students from across Cochise County become one family at Tombstone High School

TOMBSTONE, Ariz. (KGUN) — Tombstone High School is an “A” rated school, and its buses drive 400,000 miles a year to bring students from across Cochise County.

But no matter what city they’re from, once they step on campus, they’re all Tombstone Yellowjackets.

“We’re a family as a school itself," Senior class president Anthony Piro said.

“We’re all just a big community, everyone knows each other," Elya Wildgen said.

With just over 400 students, Principal David Thursby and his staff prepare their students for college, or a job after graduation.

The school offers classes in everything from math to welding, and even has a shooting range on campus.

And students say the teachers is what makes Tombstone a special place to learn.

“They try and help you get that 'A'," Senior Erin Posey said. "They’ll make you work hard for it, but they will be ready to be there if you need it.”

They’re also valuable to Principal Thursby.

He says while other schools in the state have difficulty with keeping and recruiting teachers, Tombstone High School continues to give a consistent education to its students.

“I talk to principal friends, and they talk about the teacher turnover," He said. "But I’m blessed with teachers who have been here for a really long time and they’re good at what they do.”

Despite all of the special programs, being “A” rated, and full teaching staff, Wildgen says there’s still more to prove.

“I think we get overlooked because we’re a really small school," Wildgen said.

Piro adding their size and diversity makes them stronger.

“There’s some things we don’t have, but it just makes us all connected and together," Piro said.

As the school makes an effort not to just get achieve an ‘A’ rating, and get the highest test scores.

“But to help their students become better people," Posey said.

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Adam Klepp is a reporter for KGUN 9. At his previous station in Yuma, Adam focused on a range of local issues including the border, water rights and healthcare. He is originally from Detroit, Michigan, and attended both Loyola University Chicago and Syracuse University. Share your story ideas and important issues with Adam by emailing adam.klepp@kgun9.com or by connecting on Twitter.

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