Four veterans receive their diplomas nearly 70 years after they left high school to join the Air Force

When the Springdale School District celebrated the remarkable Class of 2022, they also bestowed a long-overdue honor upon four extraordinary individuals. Carl Stults, Bobby Burke, Charles Leroy Moon, and Bob Self, affectionately dubbed as “super seniors,” were recognized alongside the 484 graduating seniors of Springdale High School, receiving honorary diplomas.

These men, who would have graduated back in 1956 had they not answered the call to serve their nation in the military, had their sacrifice acknowledged in a poignant moment during the ceremony. Despite being high school seniors at the time, circumstances prevented them from receiving their diplomas.

Bob Self shared his experience, recalling, “I took a GED test when I went into the Air Force, and at the time, Springdale didn’t recognize the GED test. I got a diploma from Little Rock Central.” It was only later that the district learned of their omission while encountering the men during a casual lunch.

The inclusion of these “super seniors” came as a delightful surprise to the graduating class, imparting a profound lesson in honor and sacrifice. Springdale Superintendent Jared Cleveland, in a touching gesture, read letters of commendation from Governor Asa Hutchinson and U.S. Representative Steve Womack, underscoring the selflessness and true spirit of service demonstrated by these veterans.

Reflecting on their service during the Korean conflict and beyond, Representative Womack wrote, “They served during the time of the Korean conflict and beyond. At that time, they didn’t think about themselves, they didn’t think ‘What about me?’ They answered the call of duty. Is that not the truest spirit of America?”

Educators also took a moment to highlight the remarkable achievements of each veteran since their enlistment in the Air Force in 1956. Despite the 66-year delay in receiving their diplomas from their alma mater, the recognition was deeply deserved.

In celebrating these four veterans, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and express our profound gratitude for their service. Their sacrifices are a testament to the freedoms we cherish, and it is because of individuals like them that we are privileged to live in the nation we do today.

Let us join together in sharing our congratulations and expressing our gratitude to these distinguished men for their remarkable accomplishments and unwavering sacrifices. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog! 🐾🎓❤️