- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
'Operation Recognition Program' to award high school diplomas to veterans June 18
LAKEPORT, Calif. – A county program to help veterans receive their high school diplomas will celebrate its latest graduation next week.
The Operation Recognition Program will hold its graduation ceremony at 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, in the Kesey Room at the Lake County Office of Education, 1152 S. Main St. in Lakeport.
The Lake County Office of Education launched the program in 2012 to help qualifying veterans and Japanese American World War II internees complete their high school educations. It's modeled after a successful program in Sacramento County.
County officials said many people in Lake County were unable to graduate with their high school class due to military service in World War II, which lasted from Dec. 7, 1941, to Dec. 31, 1946; the Korean War, June 25, 1950, to Jan. 31, 1955; the Vietnam War, Feb. 28, 1961, to May 7, 1975; or because they were interned in WWII relocation centers for Japanese Americans.
In June 2013, three graduates – Vietnam vets Michael Dondero and James Sparks Jr., and Korean War vet Lee Woodberry Sr. – received their long-delayed diplomas thanks to the program.
Lake County Office of Education spokeswoman Shelly Mascari said the June 18 graduation will celebrate six graduates – veterans who served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
The community is invited to attend and celebrate the veterans as they receive their diplomas.
For more information on the Operation Recognition Program, visit www.lakecoe.org and type “Operation Recognition” in the Search option, or contact Lake County Office of Education Human Resources at 707-262-4151.
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