SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — A Parkland High School graduate received his diploma this week — 63 years after he left school.
The Parkland School Board on Tuesday gave Robert Seel, Class of 1961, his long-awaited diploma.
Seel left Parkland High School in his senior year in January 1961 to serve in the military.
Although he got his GED, he never received an official diploma from Parkland High School.
"I did it!"Parkland High School graduate and veteran Robert Seel
Seel also Tuesday received a graduation lawn sign and a cap with a tassel from 1961.
“I did it!” Seel exclaimed as he moved his tassel from the right to the left.
“I want to congratulate you for your service and your sacrifice — huge sacrifice,” Board President Carol Facchiano said. “We are thrilled that you were here tonight, that we could honor you.”
Superintendent Mark Madson said, “Hopefully there are more veterans in our community that we can potentially bestow the same honor."
Through Operation Recognition, an initiative by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, eligible veterans who meet specific criteria now can get their high school diplomas.
The district outlines its graduation requirements for veterans in Policy 217.
To be considered, veterans must have served in the U.S. military during World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War. They must have been honorably discharged, but because of entry into military service did not graduate.
Both current residents of the district and those who attended high school in the district are eligible.
Seel’s story
Seel said that when he went to school in Parkland, there were about 150 students in his class — compared to the 800 or so students in each class now.
“Parkland back then was nice and quiet,” Seel said.
Seel said his math skills weren’t great, but he liked working in the metal shop and wood shop.
“I really enjoyed working with my hands a lot,” Seel said.
But he soon decided it was time to leave.
“I just got all pissed off at school and said, ‘The heck with it,’” Seel said. I was "young and dumb.”
“When I was at my grandson's graduation last year, my daughter asked where my diploma was, and I said, ‘Geez, I don't know.'"Parkland High School graduate and veteran Robert Seel
Seel served during the Vietnam War era at the Germany/Czechoslovakia border and as an intelligence specialist for four years.
“That entailed driving around in a private vehicle with civilian clothes on, listening,” he said.
Seel attended the University of Maryland and the University of Munich. He worked as a quality control inspector for Stanley Vidmar and was Allentown city inspector for 22 years.
Seel now lives in the Northern Lehigh School District. He said he never thought about getting his diploma until recently.
“When I was at my grandson's graduation last year, my daughter asked where my diploma was, and I said, ‘Geez, I don't know,’” Seel said.
He said he would hang up his diploma — as well as his graduation road sign — in his barn.
