89-year-old vet earns high school diploma
Among the graduating class of Everett High School's 2016 class, was one man who stood out from the rest.
Leo Byrnes, just about to turn 90 years old, earned his high school diploma, proving it's never too late to accomplish your goals.
His route to the cap and gown is a little unconventional, to say the least.
At 17, Byrnes enlisted in the Navy during World War II, serving from 1943 to 1947 when he was honorably discharged. He then returned to civilian life, marrying his childhood sweetheart.
"We met each other, actually, when I was around grade school. Got married when I was 21 and we had five boys (and) two girls. I've got 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren," Byrnes said.
He's lived a full life, but all those years, there was something missing - his high school diploma. It never quite left Byrnes' mind.
That changed with a Memorial Day program that honored local veterans and gave Byrnes' the chance to finally get that valuable piece of paper.
Byrnes' says he feels proud and hopes somewhere his parents are proud of him too.
"This is no kidding, I say 'This is what it's all about' you know," he said.
But what really struck him was seeing the other students, 18-year-olds, excited about his accomplishment.
