This past year was an incredible one for Vanessa and fans. It started, fittingly enough, with High School Musical 3’s last premiere stop and was a wonderful goodbye to the phenomenon that catapulted her to the good and the bad that is the world of celebrity. And for most of us, our introduction to this beautiful young talent.

As that journey ended, none of us had any idea what the rest of the year was to bring. Here are some highlights of what 2009 gave us:

January
- Attends 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards

February
- Performs in 81st Annual Academy Awards

March
- Attends Watchmen premiere
- Wins Favorite Movie Actress category in 2009 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards
- Co-hosts launch party of Flora by Gucci

April
- Chay gets confirmation from Evan that Vanessa will be doing both Beastly and Sucker Punch
- On May cover of Self
- Featured in “Beautiful at Every Age” in People magazine’s “Most Beautiful 2009” issue

June
- Begins filming Beastly in Montreal
- On July cover of InStyle UK

July
- On August cover of InStyle Makeover
- On July 26 cover of Parade

August
- Bandslam promotion and premiere
- Bandslam is released to glowing reviews
- Begins filming Sucker Punch in Vancouver

September
- Named Best Boho Style in  People magazine’s “10 Best Dressed”
- Attends Neutrogena Fresh Faces of Music Benefiting VH1 Save the Music event
- On October cover of Allure

October
- Team Hudgens members meet Vanessa and present her with scrapbook in Vancouver

November
- A Very Special Christmas 7 is released, which includes Vanessa’s “Winter Wonderland”

December
- Celebrates 21st birthday

2009 was inarguably a transitional period in her career, managing to surpass the expectations of even the most hopeful of us. So as we head into the new year, here’s a toast to the lovely and generous Vanessa Hudgens. May 2010 be filled with even more challenging roles and creative growth.

And here’s to our ongoing enjoyment of watching her star grow ever brighter.

To kick off our reflections on 2009 and our hopes and wishes for Vanessa in the year ahead, here’s Fifi:

What a year it has been for Miss Hudgens. From being the belle of the ball at the 66th Annual Golden Globes, singing at the 81st Academy Awards, to filming two very anticipated movies back to back (Beastly and Sucker Punch), our girl kept really busy. Let’s not forget her performance in Bandslam, which was praised by many critics; the end of her endorsement agreement with Red by Marc Ecko and, of course, her many charitable contributions like her participation in the A Very Special Christmas Volume 7 CD.

Just weeks ago, she celebrated her 21st birthday with a big party – a birthday which completely proclaimed her as an adult. But frankly, “age is just a number”, specially when it comes to Miss Hudgens. She has proven to the world how much of an adult she always was all the way through 2009. By making wise career choices and by staying afloat during her post-Disney era despite many things. She kept her head high, walked tall through controversies, traveled the world, lived on her own for more than three consecutive months in another country and was a consistent fan favorite for her role in High School Musical 3.

Vanessa has managed to grow up in show business and live in the spotlight with grace, poise, charm, and always with a sweet smile on her face. So, cheers Vanessa!! May you get all the best that life has to offer!! Happy New Year!!!

So what are your reflections on Vanessa in the year 2009?

Do share at Team Hudgens forum

Credit: Fifi for artwork