Vietnam-era veteran receives high school diploma nearly 50 years later

It’s been nearly 50 years since Gregory Henniquan would have graduated from high school, but he didn’t receive his diploma until Monday evening — and he became a role model in the process.

Mr. Henniquan, 69, who now lives in Shaler, left Avonworth High School in 1966 to join the Navy and serve in the Vietnam war. Mr. Henniquan continued to serve in the Navy until he was honorably discharged in 1970.

But because of his decision to join the military, he didn’t graduate with the rest of his class in 1968 and never finished his high school education.

“I volunteered, but did not fight in Vietnam,” he said. “I worked on a cargo ship taking supplies to troops overseas.”

After that, he married his high school sweetheart and worked in a steel mill for 31 years and raised three sons.

Cindy Donovan, secretary to the superintendent and the Avonworth school board secretary, first heard of Mr. Henniquan’s case through meeting, and everyone was choked up and emotional.”

Cheerleaders made a congratulatory banner for Mr. Henniquan.

“Students sent cards, papers, thank yous and presented them to him at the meeting. It was a very touching meeting. I had a lump in my throat,” recalled Ms. Donovan.

“It was really fun board meeting to be at,” said Avonworth Superintendent Ken Lockette. “It was such a nice evening. His younger sister was there, she attended Avonworth and graduated from here as well.

“One of our retired teachers was here. He taught his sister. That was cool to reminisce with them.”

Mr. Lockette noted that the students were impressed that Mr. Henniquan had left at such a young age to join the Navy.

“With Veterans Day this week, the timing of this event was perfect,” he said, adding that Avonworth students and staff will walk around school with the flag all day long in order to keep the flag moving all day in honor of the holiday.

“We talk a lot about perseverance and the importance of it,” said Mr. Lockette, who admitted to getting tearyeyed as the veteran received his diploma. “Mr. Henniquan is a perfect example of that.”