Supporting Graduates of All Ages

The San Diego County Board of Education recently helped U.S. Navy veteran Robert Marshall Vincent achieve a milestone that eluded him for decades: a high school diploma.

The 82-year-old held back tears as he entered the June 10 board meeting to the sounds of Pomp and Circumstance and wearing a graduation gown and mortarboard. Surrounded by family and met with a standing ovation by the packed audience, he felt a sense of pride, completion, and belonging.

Vincent attended Castle Park Junior High School and was a part of the first class at Hilltop High School before leaving school in 1961 to join the Navy. He served eight years, including assignments at Naval Station North Island; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; the USS Intrepid; and the Coral Sea.

While he earned his GED during his time in Cuba, he was unable to receive a diploma as he remained a few credits short of graduation. When he heard about the San Diego County Office of Education’s Operation Recognition, Vincent applied right away. The program bestows honorary high school diplomas to veterans and Japanese American residents of San Diego County whose education was cut short by war or military service. Vincent became the second Vietnam-era veteran recognized under Operation Recognition. 

“I heard about it on TV one night, about a guy who got his diploma after 50 years. I thought, why not,” he said. When asked how he felt when he learned he would receive his diploma, he responded with one word, “emotional.”

As San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza bestowed Vincent’s diploma upon him, she invited him to move his tassel in the centuries-old custom marking achievement and personal growth. 

“Thank you for your service and thank you for all you have done for this country,” she said. “It is an honor to recognize you. Congratulations.”