COTA Graduation

We got up at like 4:30 Thursday morning and got ready, headed down to Tucson. Marce and I slept pretty much the whole way. When we got there, I had to entertain Marce during a dress rehearsal and room inspections. We waited in Shar's classroom. They had a film strip going that they gave all the cadets. We ended up packing way too many snacks, drinks, and diapers. It really wasn't super long and Sharrid got a break to come and be with us before the ceremony started. During the ceremony, they gave all the little kids crayons and paper but it only interested Marce for like 2 seconds. He tried to escape a couple of times. I had to fetch him. Luckily he was good when I had to take video and pictures, therefore I got all the video and pictures I wanted, sometimes taking video and a snap shot at the same time using both of my hands. The ceremony was the perfect length of time, but good it wasn't any longer because of Marce. It was neat to be in that setting though. After graduation, we headed into town to find a restrurant. After awhile of driving in down town Tucson, seeing U of A campus, and Tucson HS, we found IHOP! I ate my weight in breakfast foods. I still can't believe it! I ate my whole plate, plus about 1/3 of Sharrid's second plate which was a T-bone steak with sides. Yeah, Sharrid had 2 plates, the first was Pecan Pancakes, but then he felt like a steak so he asked for another menu. Then we drove home. What a day! Sharrid is now a Correctional Officer! He goes for his first day of official work on Tuesday. He has a normal schedule this week, and he'll find out what schedule (graveyard or swing) he'll be working after this week. He's hoping for swing. These pictures are not in order but it won't be that big of deal. Congratulations Officer Hill! You are no longer known as Cadet Hill!


Sharrid with his Sargeant Martinez. All the cadets really loved him including Sharrid. He will miss him.

Sharrid with his "celly". He was a member of the Church also.

Shar's class earned their flag their 3rd week of Academy. They were very proud.

Sharrid signing his class flag. Class 824. The flag was very significant to the cadets.

The cadets marching out after the ceremony.

Sharrid's certificate from being the top 3rd cadet for academics. The top 3 got awards.

Sharrid with his badge on.

Myself pinning Sharrid's badge on him.

Some of Sharrid's class, class 824.

Sharrid receiving his graduation badge and certificate.

Bad picture, but Sharrid received a special award for his academics as he graduated in the top 3. He was 3rd out of 38 cadets!

In the graduating ceremony, Shar and the cadets sitting around him. Some of these people he will still see at the prison he is assigned to, but others will work in different prisons around the state.

Sharrid in full cadet uniform. He also has a spiffy Jacket he can wear when it's cold, and I think the hat might be just for the Academy.

Marcelus with Shar's uniform cap on.

Sharrid said the area of Tucson they were in was very beautiful.

Sharrid got really close to the cadets in his class.