In a prelude to Memorial Day, three veterans were presented high school diplomas at last night’s Sacramento County Board of Education meeting. The diploma ceremony, held at the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) David P. Meaney Education Center, was attended by family members and friends of the honorees. The Marine Corps League of Folsom Color Guard conducted the opening flag ceremony.
Diploma Recipients
- Jerry Lane Cushing
- Charles Edward Montue, Jr.
- Benjamin Spurlock Robinson
Diplomas were presented through SCOE’s Operation Recognition program, adopted by the County Board of Education in 2001 to retroactively honor U.S. veterans and Japanese American citizens who missed graduating with their high school classes due to wartime circumstances. Field Representative Sergio Robles also presented the graduates with certificates on behalf of Congressman Ami Bera.
A reception before the meeting featured hors d’oeuvres prepared by students of the Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School Culinary Café. Families and friends gathered for photos and refreshments following the ceremony.
Essay Contest Winner
In conjunction with the ceremony, Cordova High School senior Lauren Acosta read her award-winning essay, “Our Veterans’ Impact on America: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” and received a $500 scholarship from SAFE Credit Union—the sponsor of SCOE’s 2019 Operation Recognition Essay Contest. SAFE Credit Union Director Herb Long presented Acosta with her scholarship check.
About Operation Recognition in Sacramento County
Operation Recognition high school diplomas are authorized by the California Education Code (§ 51430–§ 51442). There have now been 198 diplomas awarded in Sacramento County (14 presented posthumously to surviving family members of veterans and Japanese American internees).
Those interested in applying for the Operation Recognition diploma for themselves or a qualifying family member may contact SCOE at (916) 228-2416.