With Veterans Day approaching

Nov. 11, Fayette educators Monday night awarded belated high school diplomas

to eight veterans who gave up their educations to serve in World War II

and the Korean conflict.

"Just in case y'all don't

know it, we appreciate what y'all have done for this country," Board

of Education Chairman Mickey Littlefield told the men.

The school board authorized

the honor after the state Legislature this year passed a law allowing

diplomas to be bestowed on veterans who had left school in order to serve

in past wars.

Honored were Harold H. Brown,

Edward M. Edwards, Manson R. Jones, Walter H. Kerlin, Henry Edward Knowles,

M. Michael Moss, James V. Richardson and Eugene R. Walker.

Maj. Gen. Ted F. Mallory III,

who retired last week form the Air National Guard, presented the diplomas

during a special called school board meeting.

Mallory, who served 12 years

on the Board of Education himself, said he was proud to be chosen to honor

men "who sacrificed their education and much more to serve."

"This is something you

have certainly earned," added school Superintendent John DeCotis,

Ph.D.

Fayette County High School

Principal Charles Warr, Ph.D., added his own words of honor to those receiving

FCHS diplomas: "Once you're a Tiger, you're always a Tiger,"

he said.

A reception followed the presentation.

Also during the meeting, the

board approved a list of personnel changes, including promoting Noreen

Taylor from her teaching position at Brooks Elementary School to assistant

principal at Peachtree City Elementary, replacing Bonnie Hancock.

The board also approved a resolution

authorizing a loan of up to $6 million to tide the school system over

until taxes start rolling in later this month.