Amanda Elizabeth Wooton ~ Graduation

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Amanda ~ Congratulations, my dear niece.
You're a creative and energetic girl, whose determination and 'demand to be heard' will guide you through many adventures. Your
smile lights up a room and your personality commands attention. I have loved you since the day you were born, and I remain grateful
for every moment I share in your life. In a world where youth has very little reason to trust adults, I want to "Thank you" for trusting me
and 'letting me in' . I consider it an honor to be your Aunt ... and your friend. Time passes so quickly ~ it seems just yesterday I was
picking you up from preschool; dressing you up like a Spice Girl for Halloween; catching you sneaking out of the house; and, the rest
of the stories I will keep to myself for now ... when you're rich and famous, I will be able to sell them to the National Inquirer :). Ha!
Always remember that you are loved, Amanda. You have taught me alot about life ... and even more about 'living'.
~ Aunt Kathy

On June 15, 2009, we had the pleasure of being invited to attend Amanda's high school graduation ceremony, held at
the White River Ampitheatre. Watching her experience this "Right of Passage" was truly a gift. The joy beaming from
her face was unforgetable. We are so proud of her. Enjoy these graduation photos,
(left click on any photo to enlarge)

Left: Amanda, front row 5th from left; Middle: Amanda, taking in the moment; Right: The National Anthem

Left Superintendent Mr. Mike Nelson; Middle: Amanda ~ the happiest graduate, (front row); Right: The EHS Principal

Left: Presentation of Diplomas; Middle: Amanda is the last in line alphabetically; Right: Student #324? ~ "Amanda ... Elizabeth ... Wooton"

Amanda ... with proud mom, Alice ... and very happy sister, Sara

Amanda with Uncle Todd and Aunt Kathy

The ceremony ended and the caps had been thrown ~ family and friends gathered for photos, as the tour buses arrive for the traditional Sr. Party send-off.

The sense of accomplishment radiated from all their faces.
YOU DID IT, kids !
... and now you enter the world of college, adulthood, decision-making, bills, responsibility, and ...
... as was repeated in the class speakers speech:
"paying for everything yourself".

We scramble to keep up with Amanda and her friends ... hoping they actually stop long enough to shoot a photo.

(Screaching tire sound here)
"What? Pay for everything myself???"

Wahoo ~ CASH ... that will help!

... and when the cash runs out,
this might work.

The grads are loaded and accounted for ...
and the party begins.

Hey, Snickerdoodle ~
The High School chapter has closed, and I Iook forward to seeing how your life unfolds from here. As with my own children, I will be here for
you whenever you call upon me. And YES, I WILL come to visit you at the ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY ... but, remember, it has been a
long time since I attended a 'college shindig' ~ so, take it easy on me, (hahaha). Wow ~ now we are family AND "Fellow Alumni" CRAZY!
Congratulations, again & again ~
Aunt Kathy & Uncle Todd

Kathy Ann (Wolf) Babbitt, EHS Class of 1982 Alumni
Todd Allen Babbitt, EHS Class of 1980 Alumni