Honorary diploma for those who left to serve

NEWS-LEDGER — JUNE 6, 2012 –

From the Yolo County Office of Education

The Yolo County Office of Education (YCOE) celebrated “Operation Recognition” on Thursday, May 24, at the Yolo County Office of Education Conference Center. The program gave honorary high school diplomas to veterans unable to earn their diplomas because they left school to serve in the armed forces.

During the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, thousands of young men and women left high school and the comforts of home to serve in the United States Armed Forces. Many veterans were not able to finish high school and receive a high school diploma.

California Education Code authorizes a local educational agency to provide for retroactive granting of a high school diploma to a former student who is a veteran of World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.

The Yolo County Office of Education was gave honorary high school diplomas to war veterans Connie Colbert of West Sacramento, Guillermo “Bill” Martinez of Woodland and and Jose Ramirez of Guinda.

  Family, friends and community members were present on Thursday as Dr. Jorge Ayala, county superintendent,  presented the honorary high school diplomas to Connie Colbert, Navy Seaman from WWII; the late Guillermo Martinez, a U.S. Army Korean War Veteran; and to the late Jose Ramirez, U.S. Army Vietnam War Veteran.  Accepting on behalf of the late Mr. Martinez  his wife Irene and accepting on behalf of Mr. Ramirez was his son, Jesus.

The ceremony opened with the pledge of allegiance by Woodland’s Boy Scout Troop 133.  The three veterans also received proclamations from Senator Lois Wolk, Fifth District, and Assembly Member Mariko Yamada, Eight District, commending them for their service and aspiration to receive high school diplomas.

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Copyright News-Ledger 2012