Area Soldier Graduates High School, 56 years later. - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

Serving his country caused one South Plains area man to miss his graduation, that is until this month.

Spade ISD made Sherman Jones an honorary graduate. Jones was supposed to graduate from Spade High School in 1950, but dropped out of school in 1949 and joined the Army.

Two weeks ago, Jones walked across the stage and received his diploma, fifty-six years later.

"It felt like a dream come true. Like God intended it that way," Jones said.

The graduation ceremony was the last for Spade ISD. The district is now officially closed

A United Tribute- Memorial Day 2006 Take a look at the special reports about South Plains veterans.