The Springdale School District’s Class of 2022 was in for a surprise when they celebrated their graduation. In addition to honoring the present graduates, the ceremony honored four exceptional veterans who, had they not decided to serve in the military, would have graduated in 1956. Known as the “super seniors,” Carl Stults, Bobby Burke, Charles Leroy Moon, and Bob Self were veterans who received honorary diplomas alongside the graduating seniors.
These four young men were seniors in high school in 1956, yet none of them graduated from Springdale High School. Carl Self revealed, “When I joined the Air Force, I took a GED test, but at the time, Springdale didn’t recognize the GED. I eventually graduated from Little Rock Central with a diploma. Only recently, when they all got together for lunch one day, did the school district learn that their diplomas were missing.
The Class of 2022 was pleasantly surprised to learn that these “super seniors” will be participating in the graduation ceremony. In addition to celebrating their accomplishment, it gave them a priceless lesson in sacrifice and honor. Springdale Superintendent Jared Cleveland delivered sincere letters from U.S. Representative Steve Womack and Governor Asa Hutchinson at the ceremony, thanking the soldiers for their courage and selflessness.
They served both during and after the Korean War, according to Womack. They didn’t consider themselves or ask themselves, “What about me?” at that time. The call of duty was answered by them. Isn’t that the essence of America? Each veteran’s outstanding accomplishments since enlisting in the Air Force in 1956 were highlighted by the educators for a brief moment.
These four outstanding guys finally received their long-awaited diplomas from their alma mater after 66 years. It was a just reward for all they had accomplished. “Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog,” as they say.
Congratulations on your honorary diplomas, Bob Self, Charles Leroy Moon, Bobby Burke, and Carl Stults! It is very admirable how committed they have been to our nation. We are fortunate to live in the wonderful nation we do today because of courageous people like them. Let’s express our gratitude by telling this tale and praising these men for their outstanding achievements and selflessness.
