It’s always a big deal when someone gets their high school diploma, but when it comes after five decades and the graduate is in his 70s, that calls for a special celebration. 

This summer, the Westminster Public Schools administrative staff teamed up with Operation Recognition to ensure Tom Dreiling finally had a diploma to hang on his wall. In 1969, Tom enlisted in the Navy during his senior year at Ranum High School. The Vietnam War was at its peak and Tom determined he needed to do his part. 

Tom, who lives in Alabama, drove to Westminster for the summer graduation and with his family in attendance, he made a dream come true. 

Special thanks to WPS employees Sally Marquez, Kristen Hernandez, Principal Kiffany Kiewiet and Chief Operating Officer, James Duffy who realized how important that diploma was to Tom and they made his graduation extraordinary.