Elderly World War II Veteran Receives High School Diploma Decades Late, Forced to Abandon Education at 14 Years of Age
A 107-year-old World War II veteran, Orville Von Ehwegen, received his long-awaited high school diploma on May 18, 2025, after being forced to drop out of school at the age of 14 to assist his family during the Great Depression.
Von Ehwegen's journey to the graduation stage was a testament to his resilience and a poignant reminder that it's never too late to accomplish one's dreams. After a lifetime of dedication, he was honored during the local high school's graduation ceremony at East Sac County High School in Lake View, Iowa.
While growing up on the family farm, Von Ehwegen had to discontinue his education in the 8th grade, but this did not prevent him from later serving valiantly in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1942 to 1945. After receiving an honorable discharge, he opened an appliance store with his wife.
Community members, touched by his tale, came together to ensure Von Ehwegen was recognized for his extraordinary life achievements. Friends and family collaborated with East Sac County High School to arrange for an honorary diploma to acknowledge his perseverance and service.
Von Ehwegen was overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of those who worked tirelessly to help him achieve this long-held dream. During the ceremony, he addressed the young graduates, sharing his life experiences and offering words of wisdom.
Friends and family members, particularly Steve Irwin, took the lead in bringing this cherished dream to fruition. Speaking to FOX17, Irwin remarked, "East Sac County High School agreed to present Orville with an honorary diploma. When I asked if he thought this would be a good idea, he was hesitant but ultimately agreed."
Another longtime friend, Mark Gray, expressed his happiness at seeing Von Ehwegen receive his diploma. Gray told the news outlet, "It's wonderful to graduate, and learning to do things is valuable. Orville didn't go through a traditional schooling experience, but he certainly learned through life's hard lessons."
In this uplifting turn of events, Von Ehwegen's recognition was more than merely a symbolic gesture; it represented a full-circle moment and a testament to the power of perseverance. It served as a reminder that dreams, even if temporarily set aside, can become reality regardless of the passage of time.
Nia Tipton is a staff writer with a bachelor's degree in creative writing and journalism who covers news and lifestyle topics that focus on psychology, relationships, and the human experience.
Despite dropping out of school at a young age due to family circumstances during the Great Depression, Nia Tipton's piece highlights how Orville Von Ehwegen's resilience led him to receive an honorary high school diploma in his later years. His journey serves as a powerful reminder for personal growth and education-and-self-development, urging us that it's never too late to pursue dreams and learn from life's hard lessons, just like Von Ehwegen did.
