La Grande High School graduation set for June 4

Dick Mason, The Observer, La Grande, Ore.
·2 min read

Jun. 2—LA GRANDE — The approximately 110 students set to graduate from La Grande High School this weekend will enjoy a unique distinction — theirs will be the first class in three years to be part of a commencement ceremony not impacted by COVID-19 protocols.

This will be a big switch from 2020 when students received their diplomas while in vehicles with their families in a drive-thru event. In 2021, graduation was conducted in LHS's gym but attendance was restricted so that social distancing rules could be met. Graduates were allotted five tickets each to give to family members and friends for commencement.

No tickets will be needed to attend the Saturday, June 4, graduation ceremony because COVID-19 infection rates have fallen dramatically. Commencement starts at 10 a.m. and the doors to the gym will open at 8:30 a.m.

Rich McIlmoil, La Grande High School art teacher and head football coach, was selected by LHS students to be the graduation speaker. The educator said he will be addressing "a great group of kids."

McIlmoil said this year's senior class has a number of excellent leaders and is filled with hardworking students.

"A lot of the students are driven," he said.

Those who will be saluted at the June 4 commencement include the class of 2022's valedictorians — Derek Begin, Braden Carson, Cole Jorgensen, Isabelle Kump and Carter Perry. All have earned straight A's throughout high school.

McIlmoil also said many students in the class of 2022 are versatile individuals who have participated in an array of activities, including art, music and athletics.

He noted that has gotten to know a wide variety of students in the class with different interests, talents and backgrounds because he is both a football coach and an art teacher.

"It is not a common duo," he said.

He believes the students in the class of 2022 are closer because of the pandemic.

"They have had to be strong together," McIlmoil said.

The educator said the challenges students have faced due to COVID-19 have made them stronger.

"They will be using their trials as fuel to push them through life," McIlmoil said.