As the audience was leaving, Trojan Candy rushed out the door in order to take a group picture of all the Athletic Seniors on the steps off Figueroa Street. As I was hurrying, I saw three very good friends.
It was nice to see my three good friends, again!
Outside, the sun was shining brightly this year, not raining like last year. Trojan Candy stationed herself right under the ladder of good friend and photographer Pierson Clair. The Graduates posed for this group picture.
As the Seniors descended the stairs to go inside for the reception, friend Courtney Jaco asked me to take this picture of her. Unfortunately, Courtney hadn't seen me inside at the bottom of the ramp, so I wasn't able to take her picture. I also wasn't able to take pictures of her Senior women's basketball teammates Drew Edelman and Alexis Lloyd coming down the ramp. Luckily, I had taken pictures of Alexis outside before the ceremony began and at the reception. Sorry and FIGHT ON, Drew!
Trojan Candy walked outside and took these pictures of some more football friends.
Then, I walked back inside the Galen Center looking for more friends.
Trojan Candy had seen friend Max Browne. I was determined to find him and take his picture. Earlier, when Max walked down the ramp during the ceremony, I tried to take his picture, but my camera flash messed up. I tried several times but his picture was too dark. Max realized my frustration. He gave me a big hug! Now, I took his picture with his teammates Rob Dooley (8/16/2012), Jeff Miller and Nick Scholssberg. Friend Chad Wheeler joined Max for another picture.
Nearby, Trojan Candy saw a very familiar face. Kris Albarado's (9/16/2011) mother Alexis was sitting at a nearby table. It was so nice to visit with her again. The last time we saw her and her family was at the Notre Dame rally on the Chicago pier last October. Kris and Alexis came to celebrate Natalie Kalibat's graduation. Here is a picture of both families. Kris Albarado, Alexis Albarado, Rebecca Kalibat, Natalie Kalibat, Peter Kalibat, Natalie's God-parents Nancy and Rob McNutt.
As a bonus, Trojan Candy was able to interview Natalie Kalibat. Natalie is from New Jersey. She competed as a diver at USC. Natalie majored in Sociology, Sports Media, Dance and Italian. Phew! Natalie likes to dance because dancing makes people feel good. She likes Country music and Hip Hop music. Natalie told me that her favorite movie is "Gentlemen Prefer Blonds." What a unique choice! She plans to get into Broadcasting. With that "winning smile" Natalie will succeed! FIGHT ON, Natalie!
By now, most of the Galen Center lobby was empty. Why is it that Jim and Trojan Candy are almost always the last ones to leave? Just then, we saw one of our favorite coaches. Women of Troy Golf Coach Andrea Gaston smiled and said hello. She introduced us to two of her Seniors---Elizabeth Doty and Victoria Morgan. What a beautiful last picture of the day!
Congratulations to all USC Athletic Seniors and FIGHT ON!
