By GARY DEMUTH

Salina Journal

BROOKVILLE -- McPherson College president Ronald Hovis apologized for not being "the" president.

"I hope you're not too disappointed that the president of the United States didn't come to Kansas twice to speak at a graduation," he said with laugh.

While President George W. Bush appeared in tornado-ravaged Greensburg earlier this month to speak at the 2008 Greensburg High School commencement, Ell-Saline Jr.-Sr. High School seniors had to settle for a college president.

But no one sitting in the Ell-Saline gymnasium Saturday afternoon seemed to mind. Hovis inspired the graduates by illustrating the trailblazing path followed by a great president, Abraham Lincoln.

Lincoln, he said, was a man driven by principles, was persistent in the face of uncertainty and adversity, and knew how to deal with criticism.

"Lincoln tried new things," Hovis said. "Some he failed in, and he moved on. Failure is just a temporary condition. He knew how to deal with criticism and to forget slights."

Ell-Saline's 2008 commencement began with the traditional "Pomp and Circumstance" march, played by the Ell-Saline Middle-High School Band. The 33 seniors entered two by two from the back of the gymnasium. Each carried a single red rose to give to a parent or other loved one who stood waiting for them by the temporary stage at the front of the gym.

Opening remarks were given by senior class president Tricia Walker, 18, who said the class of 2008 was particularly close.

"We always laughed together and had fun and good times," said Walker, who plans to attend Kansas State University in the fall. "It's going to be weird not going to class with everyone anymore."

Valedictorian Stetson Schmutz gave thanks to all of the parents for laying the foundation for the graduates to build upon.

"Our class was always ready for new challenges, whether it was sports, academics or just the next day of class," said Schmutz, 18, who played football, basketball and ran track at the school, as well as being selected as a 2008 Governor's Scholar for academic excellence.

"Our journey has been marked with determination, humor and honor," he said.

Remarks also were made by Salutatorian Jessica Marie Higgins, who said, "We worked very hard for this day, and now we have the possibilities to do whatever we want."

While senior Lydia Weed is looking forward to future possibilities, she also doesn't want to say goodbye to her classmates.

"We've really gotten close this year," said Weed, 17, "especially since our senior trip. All the cliques disappeared then, and we all accepted each other. It's an emotional time for us."

nReporter Gary Demuth can be reached at 822-1405 or by e-mail at gdemuth@salina.com.