For many kids, high school graduation is just a hurdle on the way to continuing their education.

However, that wasn’t always the case. During WWII, many students left class to defend our country while they were still teenagers.

George Stringent did just that. Now more than 7 decades later, he’s finally getting something many of us take for granted.

“I’m totally surprised,” he told WTAJ.

With an honorary diploma in his hand, the 91-year-old can now say he’s a proud graduate of Johnstown High School.

“I never expected anything like this, no,” Stringent exclaimed.

In 1944, George’s senior year, he gave up his education to serve our country in WWII. He enlisted in the army and spent time in Europe, France and Germany for about 2 years.

“That’s where we wanted to be at that time,” he said. “I never regretted it. When I come home my dad wanted me to go back to school, but I never did.”

Knowing the diploma was well deserved, Stringent’s family took action.

George had no idea why he was taken to a school board meeting, but his loved ones couldn’t wait to honor him.

“A lot of guys sacrificed and left school and when they came back there was a lot of work to be done,” Eddie Andolina, George’s nephew, said. “They didn’t even think about going back to school. They went right into the workforce to help build the America you and I appreciate today.”

George recognizes this is a big honor and wants everyone to know this isn’t just for him.

“I’ll accept this on behalf of all the guys that went to the service at that time,” he told us. “All of them sacrificed a great deal.”

The family said there’s no graduation party planned right now, but they’re thinking of having an even bigger celebration on George’s 92nd birthday in May.