Paul Powell:
CLASS OF 1973
Richmond High SchoolClass of 1973
Richmond, IN
Julia E. Test Junior High SchoolClass of 1970
Richmond, IN
Sarah Scott Middle SchoolClass of 1968
Terre haute, IN
Oakdale Elementary SchoolClass of 1965
Grand rapids, MI
Marquette Elementary SchoolClass of 1964
South bend, IN
Paul's Story
'I'm just proud'
Diplomas given to former servicemen who enlisted before graduating
BY RACHEL E. SHEELEY . STAFF WRITER . September 7, 2008
Like many a high school graduate who finally has his diploma within grasp, Paul Powell said he was "relieved" Saturday.
Powell, whose enlistment in the Air Force prevented him from receiving his Richmond High School diploma with the Class of 1973, finally received that symbolic certificate during a ceremony at Civic Hall Performing Arts Center. The Richmond High School Alumni Association and school board awarded diplomas to six men who left school for military service before graduation. The degrees were bestowed through Indiana's program to provide veterans with diplomas.
Powell, of Indianapolis, and Darrell Hoskins of Richmond, were the only recipients still living. Family members received the diplomas on behalf of three other men, and the alumni association will display Everett Shelton's degree because none of his relatives could be located.
Powell said that as he crossed the stage, received the frame...Expand for more
d certificate from Supt. Allen Bourff and shook the hands of school board members, he almost started crying.
"I'm just proud to have it in my hand," he said after the ceremony. "It means more to me than words can express."
Powell said that even though he earned his Graduate Equivalency Diploma in the Air Force, it always bothered him that he didn't have his high school diploma. He said he particularly missed it as he watched his daughter, Lori Benages, receive her college degree.
Benages said it was pretty neat to see her father finally claim his diploma. Powell's fiancée, Cheryl Silverthorne, wiped tears away as he received it.
Powell said he will now take the diploma to work to show it off and then probably display it in the living room for a long time to come.
Like Powell, Hoskins had secured a GED, but felt receiving a diploma was long overdue. He was thrilled when he learned the state government had approved Vietnam veterans as eligible for a diploma.
"I really appreciate it," he said. "I think I earned it and I think I deserved it."
Register for Free to view all details!
Yearbooks
Register for Free to view all yearbooks!
Reunions
Photos
