On February 28 2006, my friend Ashlee Castro from Lakeland SC earned her Gold Medal by passing the final and most challenging test in figure skating's test structure. Passing the Senior Freeskating test and the 15 tests that must precede it is a tremendously difficult task that requires years and years of dedicated work, and a huge amount of skill. Only a small fraction of skaters can claim this great prize, and very few among the general public can claim any other accomplishment of comparable effort. Pictured with Ashlee is Michelle Hunt, her coach, friend, and aunt.
My sincere congratulations to Ashlee and to Michelle on this great accomplishment!!!