Lake Hamilton School District is providing veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War who were unable to complete high school due to deployment the opportunity to receive a diploma.
A 97-year-old World War II veteran will receive a special diploma approved by the Arkansas Department of Education during a graduation ceremony on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, a district spokesman said Friday.
"The district is very appreciative of those that serve. We got involved as a way to honor and recognize the service of our military veterans by providing an opportunity for those who were unable to finish high school due to deployment in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War to receive a high school diploma," said Brian Bridges, the district's communications coordinator and head of the Veterans Diploma Program.
According to a news release, for a veteran to be eligible to receive a diploma from Lake Hamilton High School, the Arkansas Department of Education requires they must have been honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces, be an Arkansas resident, and have served a minimum of 18 consecutive months in active duty or been discharged with a service-connected disability during one of the following:
ā¢ For veterans of World War II, between Sept. 16, 1940, and Dec. 31, 1946.
ā¢ For veterans of the Korean War, between June 1, 1950, and Jan. 1, 1954.
ā¢ For veterans of the Vietnam War, between July 3, 1965, and May 15, 1975.
A veteran will need to submit a Veteran Diploma Application (http://bit.ly/LHSDVetDiplomaApp) and any of the following documentation of honorable discharge as evidence of eligibility:
ā¢ A War Department Adjutant General's Office Form.
ā¢ A Naval Personnel discharge document.
ā¢ A Report of Separation from Active Duty.
ā¢ A DD Form 214.
Online applications are available at http://lhwolves.net, and physical copies can be picked up at the school district's Administration Office at 205 Wolf St. in Pearcy.
Attendance at Lake Hamilton Schools at the time of deployment is not a requirement to receive a diploma, the release said.
Applications and documentation must be submitted to the Administration Office by 3:30 p.m. Friday. Mail or drop off the application and documentation to 205 Wolf St., Pearcy AR 71964, to the attention of Brian Bridges.
After all documents are reviewed for certification of eligibility, a diploma will be granted at the Veteran Graduation Ceremony on Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m. in the Lake Hamilton High School Auditorium.
The Lake Hamilton High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps will present the colors and lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and the choir will sing the national anthem and alma mater, Bridges said.
Call Bridges at 501-767-2306 or email [email protected] for more information.
Local on 11/04/2019