The Sacramento County Board of Education awarded high school diplomas to four Sacramento-area residents in a ceremony June 4, 2002. Diplomas were presented through a special program — Operation Recognition — which honors veterans and Japanese American citizens who were unable to continue high school due to World War II or the Korean War.
Receiving diplomas at the June 4 ceremony were:
- Leonard Harry Hansen (Army, WW II)
- Carmin Hawk (Army, Korean War)
- Billy G. Mathews (Army, WW II)
- Ray G. Sample (Army Air Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, WW II)
The ceremony was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by the Hiram Johnson High School Air Force ROTC color guard under the direction of Chief Sanborn. County Board of Education trustees then cast a unanimous vote to award the diplomas. Local media captured the ceremony and the reception which followed. Family members, friends, education officials and representatives from veterans organizations joined in the celebration. A flag-decorated cake was served by C.K. McClatchy High School students, and honorees posed for photos in front of an Operation Recognition display. One recipient, who learned of Operation Recognition from media coverage following a previous Sacramento County Board of Education ceremony, expressed his hope that others in the community would apply for the diploma.
Operation Recognition applications are available through local veterans organizations, branches of the Sacramento Public Library, and at the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE). Interested persons can also contact the Sacramento County Office of Education Public Information Office at (916) 228-2417.
Diplomas will be awarded throughout the year as applications are received.
Operation Recognition was adopted unanimously by the Sacramento County Board of Education in October 2001. At the first Operation Recognition ceremony, held on January 15, 2002, diplomas were awarded to 12 individuals.