Wanted: Veterans who put graduation on hold

Virgil Swanson had planned to graduate from Hutchinson High School with the class of 1956.

Instead, he joined the military, serving in both Korea and Vietnam. High School Principal Ron Johnson said Swanson received his GED certificate while in the service, but visited Johnson last summer to inquire about receiving an honorary Hutchinson High School diploma.

Johnson said the school agreed to do so during its annual Veterans Day program, scheduled for 9:45 and 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11. Johnson said other veterans who had a similar experience can ask about receiving honorary diplomas.

Depending on when Johnson receives the request, a diploma presentation may or may not be possible for this year’s Veterans Day ceremony. “We don’t want to do anything hastily,” he added.

But, he invites interested veterans to call him at (320) 587-2151. Johnson said, “We certainly want do anything we can to help people who had their lives put on hold because of their service to their country.”

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com)