School districts can award honorary diplomas to vets

Thanks to the Arkansas Department of Education Rules Governing Diplomas for Veterans, military personnel who were called to serve in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War before they were able to graduate may now receive honorary high school diplomas.

Lakeside School District announced Monday that it will offer these honorary diplomas to veterans who were not able to graduate high school because of active duty. The district is not limiting this recognition to Garland County veterans, but those in surrounding counties, as well, according to a news release.

“Our veterans have played such an important role in making our country what it is today,” Assistant Superintendent Bruce Orr said in an

email Monday. “They have had to make many sacrifices including family, time, and opportunities to serve. Lakeside would feel honored to repay veterans with this opportunity.”

Any school district is welcome to offer a diploma in accordance with the Arkansas Department of Education Rules Governing Diplomas for Veterans of World War II, The Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Qualifying veterans must have been honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States of America and be a resident of the state of Arkansas.

Lakeside will award diplomas during the Veterans Day Ceremony at Lakeside Middle School on Nov. 12. The ceremony will begin at 9:15 a.m. Veterans or family members must contact Susan Harris at 501-262-1880 or by email at susan_harris@lakesidesd.org to check eligibility.

Lakeside plans to offer diplomas each year during the middle school Veterans Day ceremony.