Councilmember Named Distinguished Alumnus

Councilmember LaBonge speaking to 800 graduating John Marshall High School students at today's commencement ceremony at the Greek Theater.

At a two-hour commencement ceremony at the Greek Theater today, Councilmember Tom LaBonge was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award from John Marshall High School in the Franklin Hills.
In a moving speech the Councilmember recalled the people he met and lessons he learned during his long association with this landmark Los Angeles school.
"Never, ever give up," the Councilmember told students. "If you get knocked down, pick yourself up and keep going. Coach Milt Davis taught me that. He was a coach at Marshall High School."
The Councilmember encouraged the approximately 800 graduates to follow in the footsteps of their accomplished alumni: groundbreaking AIDS researcher Dr. David Ho, actor Leonardo DiCaprio and NFL Hall-of-Famer Mike Haynes.
"Each one of them stood up and made a difference," the Councilmember said. "Be that one person who stands up and makes a difference in the world."
Councilmember LaBonge, who was captain of the Marshall High Barristers football team and an all-league center, graduated in 1971. His football jersey, emblazoned with the number 50, was retired last fall.
To see more photos from the graduation, click here.