AMBER  LEAHANNE  CARTER

                                        August 8, 1976~June 10, 1999

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Amber began dancing at the age of three. She danced in countless recitals and community gatherings to the delight of her family and friends.  At the age of ten, she became a member of Danse Classique Theatre, a local ballet company in Albuquerque.  While dancing with this company, she performed with the Bolshoi Ballet from Russia.

In 1989, Amber moved from New Mexico to the California Central Coast where she attended Judkins Middle School, and Arroyo Grande High School.  She was a member of the Gilbert Reed Ballet from 1990~1992 and toured the public schools dancing in Peter and the Wolf as well as other productions.  She became a cheerleader for AGHS in 1991, and also was a member of AGHS Dance Company all four years.  Amber choreographed many numbers for Kaleidoscope and Dance Company in both ballet and jazz.

Amber graduated from AGHS in 1994, and was accepted to the University of San Diego, where she majored in Psychology.  She attended school there until 1995, when she was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease, a cancer of the lymph nodes.  While undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, she continued her education at Allan Hancock College and continued to take ballet classes.  She was placed on the Dean’s Honor List for her outstanding academic performance while at Hancock.       

            Amber’s fervent wish was to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology so she could become a therapist and help others dealing with the struggles of having a life-threatening disease. 

             After a four-year battle with cancer, Amber passed away quietly at her home on June 10, 1999.  She is remembered and loved by her family, Tom and Janine Carter and Bridgett Carter-Janowicz.