LA GRANDE — La Grande High School’s class of 2024 was urged to be ready for change and to be catalysts for it.

“The change we must face after this chapter of our lives isn’t something we should be afraid of. We should embrace it,” Dylann Justice, LHS’s senior class president, said on Saturday, June 1, during the school’s graduation ceremony.

People who adapt to change, Justice said, will be stronger because of it.

“Change can feel like the most suffocating thing in the world, but once we adapt and learn from our experience, we are stronger and more resilient people,” she said.

The senior class president encouraged her classmates to use what they have learned to improve the lives of others.

“I hope that you use your education to help change the world to be a better place,” Justice said.

Choose sacrifice

The approximately 136 students who received their diplomas also received advice from their guest speaker, LHS social studies teacher Jesse Wright, who made two requests of the graduates.

Wright first asked the graduates to acknowledge the countless people, including those in attendance at the graduation ceremony, who made it possible for the students to make their commencement walks.

“Honor them. You wouldn’t be here without them. You are the reward they receive for their sacrifice,” he said. “As they sit here today, I hope they get the chance to reflect on all they have given up to help you, and enjoy the reward of seeing you graduate.”

Wright kept the focus on those who helped the class of 2024 with the final part of his request.

“Second, follow their examples. As you move into the next stage of your life, a stage where you get to decide the direction you would like your life to go, choose to sacrifice,” he said.

Wright said these sacrifices do not have to be huge. They could be as small as giving up time to help friends or step out of one’s comfort zone to say hi to a neighbor. The graduates, Wright said, also could sacrifice their energy to pursue an education or learn a trade.

Wright added that some graduates may need to sacrifice their pride and admit they were wrong about something.

“I have plans to try this one out sometime next school year,” Wright said in a humorous aside.

Goal setting

The importance of setting objectives was one of the points La Grande School District Superintendent George Mendoza focused on during his presentation.

“Setting goals is essential for charting your course in life. As Brian Tracy aptly said, ‘Goals in writing are dreams with deadlines,’” Mendoza said referring to the prolific and renowned motivational writer.

The superintendent, in concluding his discussion on goal setting, asked the graduating seniors to take the time to define their aspirations, create a plan of action and stay committed to their dreams.

The 12 valedictorian medalists — KaraAnn Akers, Lindsey Butler, Kai Carson, Aviendha Durrant, Lana Emerson, Hallie Grigg, Ridge Kehr, Hunter Luke, Alsea Morton, Heber Olson, Bryce Wagner and Mason Wolcott — were recognized at the ceremony.

Those who spoke included Morton, who reflected on her experiences as a mountain climber. Morton has scaled seven mountains in the Wallowas, including Ruby Peak, which she said is 8,884 feet.

Morton said reaching the summit of Ruby Peak was especially satisfying because she did not succeed in her first two attempts.

“I share this story with you because it is one of my truest moments of perseverance. Whatever your mountain is, climb it with fierce determination,” she said.

The co-valedictorian adeptly extended her analogy between mountain climbing and life.

“And graduates, I would like you to remember the higher you climb, the better the view,” Morton said.

It was a busy and festive week in Union County with high school graduation celebrations in Elgin, Union and North Powder. Page A2

LA GRANDE — The La Grande High School class of 2024 was relatively small with 136 graduates but more than held its own on the scholarship front.

The class received more than $800,000 in scholarships and cash awards, with about $500,000 coming from universities outside the region and another $300,000 in scholarships and awards from around Northeast Oregon, according to Eric Freeman, La Grande High School’s vice principal.

Freeman said it is likely that the scholarship total of the school’s graduates will grow in coming weeks.

Scott Carpenter, the vice superintendent of the La Grande School District, credits the large number of scholarships and awards students receive to the work of the school’s counseling and career center. He lauds it with doing an excellent job of making sure students know what scholarships are available and helping them apply.

Carpenter said it would be hard for students to learn about the availability of scholarships on their own.

Carpenter credits Gayle Sheahan of the LHS Counseling and Career Center with being among those who do an excellent job of helping students land scholarships.

“She does outstanding work,” he said.