When we celebrated the Class of 2022 in the Springdale School District, we took a special moment to honor four individuals who would have graduated in 1956. These four students made the brave decision to join the military instead of completing their education.
Carl Stults, Bobby Burke, Charles Leroy Moon, and Bob Self, now referred to as “super seniors,” were awarded honorary diplomas alongside the 484 graduating seniors of Springdale High School. They were all seniors in 1956 but had never received a diploma from the school.
Self recalled his experience, saying, “I took a GED test when I went into the Air Force, and at the time, Springdale didn’t recognize the GED test. I got a diploma from Little Rock Central.” It wasn’t until recently that the district discovered their oversight.
One day, when the men were having lunch, the district officials came across them and learned about their situation. The inclusion of these super seniors came as a surprise to the graduating class but brought with it an important lesson.
During the ceremony, Springdale Superintendent Jared Cleveland read letters from Governor Asa Hutchinson and U.S. Representative Steve Womack. Womack highlighted the spirit of selflessness displayed by these veterans. He wrote, “They served during the time of the Korean conflict and beyond. At that time, they didn’t think about themselves, they didn’t think ‘What about me?’ They answered the call of duty. Is that not the truest spirit of America?”
Educators also took the time to acknowledge each veteran’s accomplishments since joining the Air Force in 1956. These men have achieved remarkable feats in service to their country.
It may have taken 66 long years, but these four veterans finally received their well-deserved diplomas from their alma mater. They exemplify the motto, “Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog!”
Congratulations to all four veterans! We want to express our deepest gratitude for your service. It is because of courageous individuals like you that we enjoy the freedoms we have today. Please join us in celebrating their accomplishments and thanking them for their sacrifices.
