GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — Over the past 20 years, the state has two laws regarding the distribution of diplomas to veterans – Public Act 181 of 2001 and Public Act 55 of 2014.

For the last three years, Traverse City Area Public School has been handing out diplomas to veterans who were unable to graduate high school because they were serving in World War II, Korea, or Vietnam.

TCAPS Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner says there’s certain paperwork that the state law requires veterans to provide of their dates of service. The school will then take all that information and verify the veterans do qualify under the state law. ”

But, there are options for those who do not fit the requirements.

Dr. VanWagoner says the school offers “GED programs or adult ed programs.

Vietnam Veteran John Lefle

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