Wednesday, August 22, 2001
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Wednesday, August 22, 2001 |
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World War II veterans to receive diplomas World War II veterans who did not graduate from high school due to their service in the war can now apply to the school district where they attended high school to receive their high school diplomas. House Bill 176, which was signed into law April 20 and became effective July 1, allows school boards to award diplomas to honorably discharged veterans who served in World War II between September 16, 1940 and December 31, 1946 and did not graduate from high school. The Fayette County Board of Education has already received three diploma requests from former Fayette students who served in World War II. In order to be eligible to receive a diploma, veterans must complete an application and furnish proof that he or she is a World War II veteran whose education was interrupted as result of service. Only honorably discharged veterans who served between September 16, 1940 and December 31, 1946 and who did not graduate from high school qualify for a diploma. Veterans must furnish proof that they attended high school between 1937 and 1946 with graduation years ranging from 1941 to 1950. Veterans who meet these requirements and who have earned a general educational development (GED) diploma are also eligible for a high school diploma. The bill also provides for the awarding of diplomas to veterans who are deceased and who meet the eligibility requirements. The new law encourages school boards to award the diplomas on or near Veterans Day in November in order to bring to the attention of students the importance of the day and the great sacrifices made by World War II veterans. In keeping with the law, the Fayette County School System plans to issue diplomas to World War II veterans at a called Board of Education meeting Nov. 5. "We look forward to honoring our veterans in November by presenting them with their high school diplomas. We appreciate the tremendous sacrifices that each of them made for our great country. We see this as an opportunity to show our gratitude for their service," says Dr. John DeCotis, superintendent of the Fayette County School System. Veterans wishing to apply for a diploma must do so with the board of education of the school district where he or she attended high school. Veterans who were high school students in the Fayette school system can call the board of education at 770-460-3535 to receive an application by mail. Interested applicants can also pick up an application in person at the board of education offices at 210 Stonewall Ave., Fayetteville.
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