Jackie Ashworth had been here before.
Standing amidst hundreds of parents, siblings, grandparents, other family and friends, looking out to spot her son in a sea of black and yellow graduation gowns. Taking photographs to capture the special moment as this child who it seemed had just yesterday taken his first steps, was now walking to receive his high school diploma.
Her first child had graduated from Amity a few years ago. This year, it was Justin's turn.
"It doesn't get any easier," she says prior to the graduation, thinking how Justin would be off to Bentley in the fall.
For Eric Ashworth, his son's journey to college will be almost like one of the many travel baseball games Justin played with AAU -- this time for an extended stay.
"He's ready," Eric says.
With a strong education at Amity capped off this year with a state championship in baseball, the Orange residents say they are proud of Justin's accomplishments. And they are excited for what lies ahead.
"It's such a mixed bag of emotions," Jackie says.
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