Update: Amber Slatton passed away Monday December 28, just nineteen days after she graduated from Whitwell High School.
Previous story from Dec. 10:
I’ve written before about my love for Marion County. It’s where I got started in radio, and I feel like I’m home every time I cross that county line. Let me cut to the chase: I’ve never been more proud of the people of Marion County. Look at this picture, this amazing picture.
Whitwell High principal Teena Casseday, Amber Slatton, class of 2016, and Director of Schools Dr. Mark Griffith
This photo was taken at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger on Wednesday December 9, 2015: Graduation Day for Amber Slatton of Whitwell High School. Amber has waged an amazing fight against cancer for the past eight months. Her school, and all of Marion County have been behind her 100 percent, with donations, signs, prayers and parades. Less than 48 hours before this photo was taken, Amber’s mom, Tonya Foshee sent a message to Dr. Mark Griffith, the director of schools. “Amber would like to go ahead and graduate, if we can arrange that.”
Griffith went to work. Josten’s said, “We’ll have a diploma ready for you tomorrow.” The State Board of Education came through with personal salutes from Commissioner Candice McQueen and Governor Bill Haslam. The awards Amber had earned at Whitwell High prior to her illness were printed and framed. The hospital staff was in attendance. Marion County school central office administrators were there. The town of Whitwell must have shut down, because the city officials came to be with Amber on her big day. Amber’s family cheered her on. This was a full-fledged graduation ceremony.
Amber’s classmates were unable to attend, but they were there in spirit. Which brings us to the next photo: can you imagine anyone who could inspire the students from Marion County’s three high schools to wear the same color? Amber did. On Wednesday, the school colors of orange and purple were put aside in South Pittsburg and Jasper. Marion County was full Whitwell red, in honor of Amber.
Like many cancer patients, Amber has good days, and others that are not so good. On this day she was the Amber her friends know and love: spunky and feisty. Now that she’s a Whitwell High graduate, her dream is to attend Middle Tennessee State University to study orthodontics. Amber knows she is loved by her family, friends, and classmates. Thanks to news coverage and social media, she is also known and loved by total strangers who have prayed for her and contributed to help with expenses.
Marion County has its share of feuds and rivalries. But mention the name “Amber Slatton,” and Marion County has one voice. The sign pictured below says it all.
We are Praying for Amber and her family. May God Bless you all.
Amber if you see this I am a graduate student at Middle Tennessee State University and I graduated from Whitwell High School as well. I know absolutely nothing about the Health Sciences department here (I am in the human sciences departments but have had many friends go through it and say that it is one of MTSUs best and I believe them. If you have not had a proper tour of campus yet and would like one I would be happy to show you around campus and Murfreesboro. It’s a great place to live and an amazing place to study. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
-Nicole
We wish you the best Amber. My family will be praying for you. From my family to you Congratulations on your graduation. You will go far in life.
Amber, I remember you as a sweet quite little girl coming to the Library at WES. What a beautiful young lady you have become. Congratulations on your graduation, I’m so proud of you. May God bless and keep you in His loving arms. We love you.
Loretta
Congratulations to a very deserving girl. It had to be difficult to study when you are sick and worried. You are one brave, beautiful girl. Also I am very proud of the townspeople in your area for their support. God Bless you and your family as you go forward in life.
God Bless thus family. My prayers are with them. My daughter was diagnosed in June 2015 with Leukemia while she was 28 weeks pregnant.She continues her chemo while caring for Kendalynn. The support of This Town is heartwarming! I can’t imagine the loss for this family!