A 96-year-old who dropped out of high school to support his family and fight in World War II just received his diploma

• The friends of a 96-year-old WWII vet arranged a surprise graduation ceremony for him this week.
• At the ceremony, Raymond Schaefer was given an honorary diploma and commemorative medal.
• Schaefer left high school to support his family and then was drafted during World War II.

A World War II veteran received his high school diploma this week - nearly 80 years after dropping out to support his family.

The Waterford Union High School in Wisconsin presented Raymond Schaefer, 96, with an honorary diploma on Thursday, the Racine Journal Times reported.

As a sophomore in the 1940s, Schaefer dropped out of the Racine County School of Agriculture, which has been closed since 1959. He then joined the army during World War II.

When he came back from duty, he worked in equipment manufacturing for decades, according to the Racine Journal Times. In that time, he had not gone back to receive his degree.

Schaefer's longtime friends told local outlets that he regretted dropping out.

"He'd say things like, 'Well, I wish I had a high school diploma but I was just too dumb.' But it's like, that wasn't the case at all. He quit school to support his family," family friend Cynthia Bennett told local Fox6 Milwaukee.

Bennett and other friends spoke to officials about recognizing Schaefer in a ceremony, which the school agreed to.

"I would love to see him get a diploma so he feels his life was totally successful," Bennett wrote to the school district.

School officials coordinated a surprise ceremony in which Schaefer would be awarded the honorary diploma in a room full of friends, family, current students, and marching band members.

Friends told Schaefer they needed his help with an errand at the school. He arrived to an atrium filled with balloons and supporters, the Racine Journal Times reported.

As Schaefer entered the building, he was greeted by the marching band, which delivered a musical performance and led him down to the atrium.

Principal Dan Foster opened up the ceremony, telling the crowd there was a "special community member" to honor.

"Raymond not only served his country, but he also served the world," Foster said of Schaefer, referring to his time in the army.

Foster and School Superintendent Lucas Francois then presented Schaefer with full grad regalia, including a cap and gown. They also bestowed upon him his diploma and a commemorative medallion honoring his alma mater.

"I waited a long time for it, never got around to it," Schaefer said. "It's great, great, very important."