Today, because of Kentucky Revised Statute 158.140, section one, number four, World War II and Korean veterans can receive an honorary high school diploma.
The statute declares "A local board of education shall award a high school diploma to an honorably discharged veteran who was enrolled in, but did not complete, high school prior to being inducted into the United States Armed Forces during World War II, as defined in KRS 40.010, or the Korean conflict, as defined in KRS 40.010. Upon recommendtion of the commissioner, the Kentucky Board of Education in consultation with the Kentucky Department of Veterans' Affairs shall promulgate administrative regulations to establish the guidelines for awarding these diplomas."
Grayson County Community Education (GCCE) is currently putting together a list of veterans who left school for war without graduating. Angela Jones, director of GCCE is very excited about the program.
"It's an awesome opportunity for our veterans," she said.
Some business leaders have worked their way up and many people don't realize they never got the chance to graduate high school.
"The veterans have the best degree ever, they went and fought for our country. We push and push our kids today because they don't realize how important it is to graduate. You know, those veterans would have rather been in high school than where they were," said Jones.
Jones is checking with the American Legion and the discharge papers at the courthouse for candidates of the honorary diplomas. A ceremony and reception to honor the diploma recipients is being planned during Memorial Day Weekend this year. Forms will be sent to qualifying applicants.
If you or anyone you know might be eligible for this honor, please contact Angela Jones with Community Education at 879-3015 or the board of education at 259-4011.
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