Graduating high school is a big milestone for many people. It’s something you only get to do once and signifies the start of either college or your “adult life.”
However, not everyone is fortunate enough to graduate. Some may end up leaving school early, and sometimes it’s not the choice they want to make but the one they need to make.
That was the case for a 17-year-old boy named Vince Golembiowski. When the Korean War began in 1950, he made the difficult decision to leave school to serve in the war.
After serving in the military, Golembiowski wanted to officially graduate high school and receive his diploma, but he thought it was too late for him. He settled with getting his GED and moved on with life.
70 years passed, during which Golembiowski had a family and eventually retired.
He was expecting to live out his golden years and enjoy the accomplishments he’d already made in life, but his son had a surprise for him – one last accomplishment that he’d always wanted to do. His son had arranged for him to receive his official high school diploma!
Golembiowski’s high school, Clyde-Green Springs Schools, shared the news on Facebook, saying, “Vince Golembiowski had never received his high school diploma since he went off to war. He did get his GED later, but thanks to his son Mike he will be receiving his diploma from his high school, Clyde High School, 70 years later.”
Naturally, Golembiowski was floored with the news and couldn’t believe it! When he first received his diploma, it was wrapped like a gift and he had no idea what was inside. Upon opening the package, he said, “Are you serious? You’ve got to be kidding me.”
After he takes a moment to process it, he gets really quiet like he’s about to cry. It’s heartwarming to watch:
Following the news that he was getting his official diploma, Golembiowski got to attend a school board meeting to “officially graduate” from high school. You can see the pride in his eyes as he stands up to receive his diploma.
Watch the video below: