A fifth-generation Union County native, Rood was born and raised in La Grande. She attended high school locally and earned her degree at what was at the time Eastern Oregon State College.

LA GRANDE — La Grande High School’s class of 2025 received many pieces of advice on Sunday, June 1, during the school’s graduation ceremony.

Oregon schools by Jan. 1, 2026, must fully implement a policy of banning cellphone use during the school day under a new executive order Gov. Tina Kotek issued July 2, 2025. (Getty Images) SALEM ...