Franklin County families can seek an honorary high school diploma for eligible veterans whose military service interrupted their education, including veterans who have died.
The Franklin County School District shared the reminder in a November 11 release, encouraging veterans and surviving relatives to ask about recognition available through Tennessee’s honorary diploma program.
The program covers veterans who did not receive their high school diploma because they left school to serve in World War I, World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War. Applicants must provide documentation of an honorable discharge.
A surviving spouse or another immediate family member may request a diploma on behalf of an eligible deceased veteran. The veteran does not need to be a current Tennessee resident when the request is made.
The district recommends starting with the local school system where the veteran attended high school. Requests may also be submitted directly to the Tennessee Department of Education.
Families should gather the veteran’s full name, honorable-discharge documentation, the name of the high school attended, its city and county, the expected graduation year and a current mailing address for the veteran or surviving applicant.
The recognition is not limited to living veterans, and families should not assume that a relative’s death prevents them from asking about the program.
For help with the process, contact Rachel Shields at the Franklin County School District at 931-967-0626 or rachel.shields@fcstn.net. The district can explain how to submit military verification records and other information.
Illustration by 931Go. Not a photograph of a real diploma or ceremony. No third-party photograph used. Credit 931Go.
