NILES — While their peers celebrated graduating high school alongside family and friends, a number of World War II veterans missed their own ceremony to serve their country.

For Niles World War II veterans, there is still an opportunity to celebrate the milestone and collect their high school diploma.

While a veterans’ diploma program has existed for several years, Niles Community Schools District administration is hoping to spread the word about it and grant diplomas to veterans who apply. Family members can also apply to collect a diploma on behalf of a veteran, including deceased veterans.

Niles Community Schools district officials are discussing the possibility of handing out the veterans’ diplomas during the adult education graduation ceremony in May.

The program is based on guidelines established by Public Act 181 of 2001 and applies only to World War II veterans who were called to serve immediately between Dec. 16, 1940 to Dec. 31, 1946. The law grants the board of a Michigan school district permission to authorize a high school diploma to a World War II veteran from this time frame.

Dana Daniels, the president of the Niles Community Schools Board of Education, said the program was initiated in Niles about five to six years ago when a family member whose dad was a veteran called to see if the earned diploma could be obtained.   

Daniels said implementing the program was an easy decision to make.    

“Niles Community Schools is honored to recognize the sacrifices made by area veterans through the designation of a high school diploma to a World War II veteran each year,” Daniels said. “We encourage area veterans, or veterans’ family members on their behalf, to apply for this well-deserved recognition. We can’t do enough for those guys.”

Linda Spletzer, administrative assistant to Superintendent Dan Applegate, is helping to organize the program. For veterans who qualify, Spletzer said being able to officially get their high school diploma after all these years will likely be a memorable moment. 

“I think they would be thrilled and happy that finally someone is recognizing them for what they actually did,” Spletzer said. “It was a big decision that they had to make. Our World War II veterans did not hesitate to come to the defense of our country.”

According to the Niles Community Schools District, more than 635,000 Michigan men and women served their country from across the state during World War II. The U.S. Department of Affairs estimates that about 135,000 of them still call Michigan home.

To apply for the diploma, veterans or those wishing to apply on behalf of veterans are asked to call the Niles Community Schools administration building at (269) 683-0732 to start the application process. Those who call should press one to speak with Spletzer.

To apply, a copy of the veteran’s discharge from military service indicating honorable service between the specified time frame and a signature from the veteran is needed. Specific to Niles, the veteran must have been enrolled in Niles High School or a predecessor to be eligible. The school will likely verify the veteran’s enrollment via their own records.

Spletzer encouraged those wishing to get a diploma this spring to apply by April 25 at the very latest. The diplomas are ordered and must have time to be delivered.

“If it always bothered their dad or mom because they were never able to get a diploma because of active duty commitments … [this is a way] to check that off their bucket list,” Spletzer said.