May 2018 (5) Candygrams

Thursday, May 10, 2018---USC Student-Athlete Graduation Celebration Part 3

Trojan Candy made it outside in time to get my usual space under my friend and official USC photographer Pierson Clair's ladder at the bottom of the Galen Center south stairs. But, I saw three friends on the way and naturally, I stopped to take their pictures.

First I saw Davonte Nunnery and friend Uchenna Nwosu (12/13/2017).

Next I finally got a picture of friend Toa Lobendahn (12/13/2017) as he showed me his two Rose Bowl rings.

By now, all of the 2018 USC Student-Athletes ascended up the steps for the official class picture. This is the best picture that Trojan Candy could take of the student-athletes and their coaches. FIGHT ON, Class of 2018!

James Birmingham Jr, Richie Wenzel and Wyatt Schmidt

Once Pierson finished taking his pictures, the graduates dispersed quickly. I took pictures as quickly as I could. I was able to get these three football players. James Birmingham Jr, Richie Wenzel and Wyatt Schmidt.

There he was! Men's Volleyball friend Gert Lisha (5/13/2017) smiled for me.

Thibault Forget, Jens Sweaney and Henry Ji

Trojan Candy was lucky that my Men's Tennis friends waited for me to take their picture. Thibault Forget (2/28/2015), Jens Sweaney and Henry Ji (3/25/2016). Thanks, Thibault, Jens and Henry!

Women's Basketball friend Candela Abejon (3/25/2016) was nearby. Congratulations, Candela, at your new school as you finish your Master's degree.

As I headed back to the Galen Center lobby, I saw Beach Volleyball friend Joy Dennis (3/2/2017) and Track Senior Robert Ford.

It was so nice to see USC Women of Troy Basketball alumna Alexis Lloyd (3/24/2017) again.

Brittany Abercrombie, Brittany Welsh, Niki Withers, Khalia Lanier, Jordan Dunn, Danielle Geiger, Madison Murtagh, Daley Krage,Brent Crouch, Nicole Leonard, Raegan LeGrand, Reni Meyer-Whalley, and Cindy Marina

Women of Troy Volleyball Senior friends and current players posed for Trojan Candy next. Back row: Brittany Abercrombie (1/7/2018), Brittany Welsh, Niki Withers (1/7/2018), Khalia Lanier, Jordan Dunn (4/4/2018), Danielle Geiger, Madison Murtagh (1/8/2017), and Daley Krage. Front row: Head Coach Brent Crouch, Nicole Leonard, Raegan LeGrand, Reni Meyer-Whalley (1/7/2018), and Cindy Marina.

More Football friends posed for me. Jordan Austin, Daniel Imatorbhebhe and Toa Lobendahn.

USC Senior ? smiled with Women of Troy Basketball friend Marguerite Effa (4/8/2018).

Trojan Candy saw Basketball friend Samer Dhillon (3/6/2014) next.

Now, I made it into the Galen Center lobby. The first friend I saw was Cameron Smith (12/13/2017).

Murphy Slater, Brock Hudnut, James Walters, McQuin Baron, Matteo Morelli, Bryce Hoerman, Timothy Leong, Grant Stein, Lazar Pasuljevic, Blake Edwards and Lachlan Edwards

There was the Men's Water Polo Team again. Standing: Murphy Slater, Brock Hudnut, James Walters, McQuin Baron, Matteo Morelli, Bryce Hoerman, Timothy Leong, Grant Stein, and Lazar Pasuljevic. Squatting: Blake Edwards and Lachlan Edwards.

Football friend Rasheem Green (12/13/2017) and his friend posed for Trojan Candy.

Good friend Reid Budrovich (8/22/2015) smiled for my picture as he stood between his father Tony and mother Noelle.

Isabelle, Thibault, Mathieu and Guy Forget

Nearby, friend Thibault Forget posed with his family who flew in from France for the graduation ceremony. They are his mom Isabelle, brother Mathieu and father Guy.

John Plattenburg (12/14/2016) stood with his family. There was his Aunt Charlette, his dad John, Rashawn, his mom Patricia, John and Aunt Toni.

Josh, Zizi, Jordan, Daniel, and Joseph Imatorbhebhe

Trojan Candy walked over to take a picture of Daniel Imatorbhebhe's family. They were from left to right: Daniel's brother Josh (2/3/2016), his grandmother Emily, mom Zizi, little brother (and future Trojan!) Jordan, Daniel, his dad Joseph and his aunt Eru.

Daniel posed with ? next.

Staci, Nicole, Steven and Steven (Sr) Mitchell

Close to Daniel was Steven Mitchell (12/13/2017). In the picture with Steven were Staci, his mom Nicole, Steven and his dad Steven, Sr.

Now, Trojan Candy walked to the center lobby. There was Reni Meyer-Whalley with her Uncle Adam.

Reni then posed with her Women of Troy Volleyball teammate Niki Withers.

Next, I saw two football Seniors. Naturally, I took their picture! They were Jalen Jones and Jonathan Lockett with their moms.

As I walked around to the south side again, Trojan Candy just caught basketball friend Chimezie Metu (8/28/2015) before he left. I wished him "good luck" in the upcoming draft.

My last picture of the day captured how the athletic graduates must feel..JOY! Steven Mitchell Jr and Aca'Cedric Ware were dancing with JOY!

What a busy, enjoyable and joyous day for all of the student-athletes and their families!

Congratulations and FIGHT ON, USC Student Athletes!