HUBBARD — A former Hubbard student and Vietnam War veteran was given a diploma by the Hubbard Board of Education at a meeting Monday.

Lawrence Hivner, who would have graduated in 1971, never graduated or obtained his GED diploma.

“You know, I started classes to get my GED, but I was never good with the new math,” Hivner said. “I was taking the class about eight years ago and then I quit. I just couldn’t do the math so I said, you know, I’m doing good in life. I always found jobs.”

He said he dropped out of school his freshman year.

“My mom couldn’t make it, so I quit school and I worked in a gas station for many years,” he said. “When I turned 17, that’s when I signed up (for the military). My sister signed me up and I went into the military. I went to Vietnam when I turned 17 and when I came home from Vietnam, I just turned 18.”

He said after Vietnam, he served in the National Guard until 1970, worked for the United States government and worked in auto body shops.

He said the office of Veterans Affairs helped set up the receiving of his diploma.

“It’s a nice honor,” he said. “You know, it really is a little late in life, by 72 years, but it would have been nice if it happened a long time ago. It would have helped more, but it’s nice to have for the grandkids and stuff. It makes me feel good.”

Superintendent Raymond Soloman thanked Hivner for his service.

“He reached out to the school system and we wanted to honor him,” Soloman said.

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