Leo High School, a private Catholic school on Chicago’s south side, recently celebrated Veterans Day early by honoring alumni who served in the military.
A highlight of this year’s event was the recognition of retired Army Sergeant Fredric Arana, who left Leo High without graduating nearly 60 years ago to join the military.
He served in South Korea and Vietnam and later pursued a career in education after going to college on the GI Bill. After his son advocated for the honor, Arana, now 78, was finally awarded his high school diploma.
The ceremony was a special moment for the graduate and his family, as he officially joined the class of 1965.