This June will mark 100 years since the first of four generations walked across the stage and earned an Oakdale High School diploma.

On June 4, 1915 Earl Francis Haslam completed his education with Oakdale schools. He later went on to become a prominent Oakdale businessman as a co-owner of Haslam Brothers Chevrolet (now Steves Chevrolet).

On May 22 of this year, Oakdale High senior Sam Walker will take the same walk as his paternal great grandfather, completing his primary education at OHS.

An Oakdale native, the young Walker shared he felt disbelief when his father Sean first shared the unique anniversary.

“I found it when I was going through old stuff, when my mom passed,” Sean Walker stated of the unique diploma.

“It was a big deal for my dad, for us to graduate from Oakdale High School,” Sam said of himself and older brother Paul (Class of 2011).

The younger Walker has immediate plans of attending Columbia College and later transfer to a four year college. Much like his great grandfather, his goals are set on a future in business and entrepreneurship.

Well on his way, Sam started his own sno-cone business, “Cold as Ice” in 2014, offering sno-cone treats to the community as they visited the annual Farmers Market on warm summer nights.

“I called the Chamber of Commerce to find information on starting the business maybe at a local park. They directed me to the Farmers Market and I’ve also done private parties,” the young businessman said.

“I’m interested in doing anything that appeals to the public,” he continued. “I ultimately want to open my own business.”

And as far as four generations graduating from OHS in a century, the teen agreed it’s something special.

“I think it’s all pretty neat,” Sam said of the graduation anniversary.