Man, 84, awarded high school diploma

FORT WORTH, Texas, March 1 (UPI) -- A Texas man who missed his senior year of high school to fight in World War II said he has finally received a diploma at the age of 84.

Orange Cunningham of Fort Worth said he was drafted into the army in 1944 and found himself too busy with family and work after returning to civilian life to finish his education, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Monday.

Family members said Cunningham never gave up his dream of someday obtaining a diploma and he was awarded an honorary document Sunday during a ceremony at Hope of Glory Kingdom Ministries. The ceremony was co-organized by state Rep. Marc Veasey, a Fort Worth Democrat, the Buffalo School District and the Texas Education Agency.

Cunningham wore a black cap and gown with a purple and gold tassel, the colors worn by Buffalo High School, which education officials said Cunningham would attend if he were a student today. He was presented with an honorary diploma.

Veasey said Cunningham was aided by a program aimed at helping veterans obtain diplomas.

"It wasn't unusual for veterans to make this sacrifice," Veasey said.