The Class of 2022 was in for a surprise when they celebrated their graduation at the Springdale School District. In addition to honoring the recent graduates, the event paid respect to four exceptional veterans who, had they not decided to serve in the military, would have graduated in 1956. Known by their endearing nickname, “super seniors,” Carl Stults, Bobby Burke, Charles Leroy Moon, and Bob Self were among the veterans who received honorary diplomas with the graduating seniors.
These four young guys were all seniors in high school in 1956, yet none of them graduated from Springdale High School. Carl Self revealed, “Springdale didn’t recognize the GED at the time, but I took a test when I joined the Air Force. I eventually graduated from Little Rock Central with a diploma. It wasn’t until they got together for lunch one day that the school district learned about their missing diplomas.
The Class of 2022 was delighted to learn that these “super seniors” will be participating in the graduation ceremony. It was a lesson in sacrifice and honor as much as a celebration of their accomplishment. Jared Cleveland, the superintendent of Springdale, delivered sentimental letters honoring the heroes’ bravery and devotion from U.S. Representative Steve Womack and Governor Asa Hutchinson during the ceremony.
They served both during and after the Korean War, according to Womack. They weren’t thinking about themselves or asking themselves, “What about me?” at the time. They performed their duty. Isn’t that the authentic essence of America? The instructors paused to recognize the outstanding accomplishments that each veteran has made since enlisting in the Air Force in 1956.
These four extraordinary guys finally earned their long-awaited diplomas from their alma mater, after 66 years. It was a just reward for all of their hard work. “Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog,” as the saying goes.
Greetings on your honorary diplomas, Bob Self, Charles Leroy Moon, Bobby Burke, and Carl Stults! Their devoted dedication to our nation is incredibly admirable. We are fortunate to live in the wonderful country we do today because of courageous people like them. By sharing this story and expressing our gratitude, let’s honor these men for their incredible achievements and selflessness.
The Lasting Impact of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans: A Look at the Cowboy Icon’s Nine Children
Roy Rogers, the “King of the Cowboys,” and his wife, Dale Evans, the “Queen of the West,” were Hollywood legends, starring in over 100 films and “The Roy Rogers Show.” They raised a family of nine children, blending joy with tragedy.
Their children’s stories reflect the couple’s resilience. Cheryl Rogers, adopted in 1941, appeared in some of Roy’s films. Linda Lou, Roy’s biological daughter, now lives in California, surrounded by family. Roy Rogers Jr., known as “Dusty,” became his father’s manager and a musician.
Dale Evans and Roy had a daughter, Robin, who was born with Down syndrome and passed away before age two. Dale honored her in the book *Angel Unaware*. Dodie, adopted at seven months, married and became a grandmother. Sadly, Deborah, adopted during the Korean War, died in a bus accident at age 12, and Sandy Rogers, adopted after Robin’s death, choked to death at 18 in a military hospital.
Tom Fox, Dale’s son from her first marriage, became a school teacher and passed away in 2012.
Their story is one of “joy, tragedy, and enduring love,” a legacy that continues to inspire.
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