In addition to honoring the Class of 2022, the Springdale School District also recognized four students who would have graduated in 1956 had they not chosen to enlist in the military.

Along with the 484 graduating seniors from Springdale High School, Carl Stults, Bobby Burke, Charles Leroy Moon, and Bob Self—dubbed “super seniors”—received honorary diplomas.

In 1956, the four men were seniors in high school, yet none of them graduated with a diploma.

Self claimed, “I took a GED test when I entered the Air Force, and Springdale didn’t recognize the GED test at the time.” “My Little Rock Central diploma is in my possession.”

The males were discovered one day while eating lunch, and that is how the district found out about their inability to obtain a high school diploma.

For the graduating class, the super seniors’ presence was a surprise that also came with a lesson.

Jared Cleveland, the superintendent of Springdale, read letters from U.S. Representative Steve Womack and Governor Asa Hutchinson during the event.

They provided service both during and after the Korean War. They weren’t self-centered or concerned with “what about me” at the time. As Womack put it. “They performed their duty. Isn’t that the authentic essence of America?

Teachers also made a record of every veteran’s achievements after enlisting in the Air Force in 1956.

These four guys earned their diplomas from their alma mater, even though it took 66 years for them to get them.

Congratulations to all four veterans, and thank you for your service! It is because of people like you that we are able to live in the country we live in today.