WWII vet to receive belated diploma at Struthers graduation Sunday

STRUTHERS

Robert Wallace, an Army veteran and Struthers resident, missed out on much of his high-school experience.

He never went to prom or homecoming, and he never wore a graduation cap and gown.

That’s why he’s excited to walk across the stage Sunday to receive an honorary diploma from Struthers High School.

“I told them I had to walk,” Wallace, 60, said. “I’ve been waiting on this for years. I still have trouble believing it’s happening. I’m going to be a nervous wreck.”

Struthers City Schools, in partnership with the Struthers Fallen Soldiers Project, awards honorary diplomas to veterans who did not have the chance to complete high school due to their service.

An Ohio law passed in 2003 allows school districts to award diplomas to veterans who left school to join the armed forces during World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War.

To qualify, a veteran must be an Ohio resident or previously have been enrolled at an Ohio high school. The individual must provide documentation of honorable discharge.

The legislation also allows women to receive diplomas if they left high school during World War II, the Vietnam War or the Korean War to provide for their families or assist with the war effort.

Read more about the matter in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.