Jerry Lee Niswander accepted his high school diploma from the Lucas School Board this past Tuesday at the monthly school board meeting. Niswander, a 72-year-old armed forces veteran, said he didn’t even know until recently that he could get his diploma.
“Anyone who quit school to join the armed forces could get their high school diploma,” explained Niswander, holding up his long-awaited diploma. “I didn’t even know about it until I recently heard something about it.” He went to the Veteran’s Administration office and filled out an application. “I didn’t even tell my wife,” he said. “I wanted to surprise her.”
With his teary wife and children present, Niswander shook the hands of all board members and Superintendent Freund and proudly posed for photos. “This means a lot to me,” said Niswander. “And I thank you.”
“No, we thank you,” responded Freund.
