Larry Penberthy marched at commencement Tuesday at Franklin High School, fifty years after he left the campus to enter the Air Force.

kgw.com

Larry Penberthy receives his diploma 50 years after leaving Franklin High School.

Penberthy, sporting a white goatee, joined the teens in maroon caps and gowns. At their age back in 1959, his entry into the military meant he had to settle for a G.E.D.

Recently, the Department of  Veteran’s Affairs made a deal with school districts to allow those men and women to return for their diplomas. 

Penberthy was joined by 25 family members, including four grandchildren. “You don’t know what you’re missing until you go back and see it for yourself,” he said.