WWII vet awarded diploma

Surrounded by members of his proud family, Orange A. Cunningham enjoys a long-delayed graduation celebration. Pictured (L-R) are: daughter Tonya Adams, niece Janice Dawkins, Mr. Cunningham, daughter Glenda Garrity and goddaughter Silvia Sterling. Van’Go’Photo The Buffalo ISD School Board and a large gallery in attendance delighted in a special presentation ceremony which took place on Monday evening, February 22. The occasion was the presentation of an honorary Buffalo High School diploma to Orange A. Cunningham, a veteran of WWII who missed out on his 1945 graduation because he was serving his country. The new graduate will celebrate his 84th birthday this weekend.

BISD Superintendent Jackie Thomason verified that Mr. Cunningham, now a resident of Fort Worth, had qualified to receive his honorary high school diploma through meeting all the requirements of the application for veterans who did not complete high school due to armed service enlistment. Mr. Cunningham had served as an infantryman and guard in WWII from 1944-1946, and received an honorable discharge.

School Board President Jim Scott joined Superintendent Thomason in the presentation, and the school board meeting was recessed to allow a brief reception for photographs and cake. Guests included eleven members of Mr. Cunningham's family. Mr. Cunningham’s daughter Mildred Marshall confided to one school board member, “We’ve been trying to get this done for 61 years.”