>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Ryder Willmarth, right, snaps a digital photo of himself and fellow La Grande High School graduate Alex Miller following Saturday’s commencement. The Observer/DICK MASON

Give La Grande High School Principal Doug Potter a call.

Potter has plenty following Saturday’s graduation ceremony. The popular principal received 140 golf balls from graduates at Saturday’s commencement. Each senior gave him one before receiving their diploma. The golf balls were as unexpected as a double eagle for Potter, an avid golfer.

He plans to use all of the golf balls unless someone calls in desperate need of several. Potter joked that he no longer has to worry about misplacing his collection.

“Even I can’t lose 140 golf balls,’’ the principal said with a smile.

Potter was among many people saluted by the class of 2008 at Saturday’s graduation. The list included Jerry Sebestyen, an LHS social studies teacher who the seniors asked to be their speaker.

“You can’t imagine what an honor this is,’’ Sebestyen said.

Sebestyen did not mention golf but spoke like the LHS Class of 2008 had the potential to go far on life’s fairway. Early in his talk Sebestyen recalled what a senior had told at the end of his sophomore year.

“Mr. Sebestyen, we (the Class of 2008) are probably not the sharpest group you ever had but, we are a class of overachievers,’’ the student said.

Sebestyen later reflected on that statement.

“After the many classes and encounters with you, I’ve come to believe that student was only half-correct. You are some of the deepest thinkers I’ve ever had as well as a group of overachievers,’’ Sebestyen said.

The LHS social studies teacher said he has long been impressed with the work ethic of the Class of 2008, noting that it helped the students excel in the athletic arena, in music competition and the classroom. He was impressed that the students continued working hard even when things went wrong.

“Another aspect of you that I loved was that you learned and grew from disappointments and bounced back as better athletes, musicians, students and young people. Many of you bounced back to win championships and achieved new goals as athletes and students.’’

Sebestyen said he was also struck by the Class of 2008’s sense of caring for others. He noted that its students

went to other countries to build homes, helped classmates in moments of need and “kept me on an even keel.’’ Sebestyen vividly remembers the day he walked into his classroom and a student in the Class of 2008 said to him “Sebestyen, you look like you need a hug.’’

Next, the boy, in front of everyone, jumped up and gave Sebestyen a warm embrace.

“You know what? I did need one (a hug) that day and I thank that youngster for it,’’ the LHS social studies teacher said.

Acting La Grande School District Superintendent Gary Howland also spoke Saturday, emphasizing with a humorous touch how much the parents of the Class of 2008 care about their sons and daughters.

“You could hardly believe it (after entering high school) when your parents agreed that they would let you have a cell phone. At the time you failed to realize that their quick support of your idea was so they could keep track of you,’’ Howland said.

Howland emphasized that the parents of the LHS graduating class will continue to want to be a part of their lives. Of the parents present Saturday few were probably more proud than the mothers and fathers of the 14 co-valedictorians, all of whom had perfect 4.0 grade point averages. The co-valedictorians, all recognized Saturday, are Ella Antell, Richard Carmichael, Calvin Erickson, Courtney Kemp, Luke Kevan, Morgan Lyons, Molly Martin, Martha McAlister, Michelle Olds, Jace Quebbeman, Jessica Roberts, Paige Sherman, Brandon Taylor and Jonathon Winde.

Roberts and Quebbeman both spoke to their classmates Saturday.

Quebbeman urged his classmates to develop a strong work ethic. He said understanding the importance of having a work ethic will take one far in life.

“When we realize how valuable work is to getting the things that we want in our life, then that will be when we realize our true potential,’’ he said.

Roberts spoke of the responsibility her class has to help alter the world’s course.

“Unique ideas and unique people are what the world needs right now. Not years in the future, but as I speak. I believe we can be the change that is so desperately needed.’’

Roberts also encouraged her classmates to help others see how much better the world can become.

“We were put on this world to ‘make waves.’ To open blind eyes to the endless possibilities. To better other’s lives.’’