A Lincoln County man who would have graduated from high schoolin 1947, but was drafted into the military, was presented with ahigh school diploma Tuesday during the school district’s boardmeeting.

Thomas Wesley Thornhill, a World War II veteran, was presentedwith the diploma by Superintendent of Education Perry Miller asschool board members, Thornhill’s family, friends and formerclassmates looked on.

“I am proud to present this to you,” said Miller. “Anyone whohas served our country as you have, deserves this recognition.”

The board decided last August to award diplomas to veterans whowere unable to graduate due to active duty in the military.

Thornhill was only a year and a half away from graduating atFair Oak Springs School when he was drafted into the Navy. He wasexcited about the opportunity to finally have a high school diplomato hang on his wall.

“I feel great about it,” said Thornhill. “I appreciate it verymuch.”

Other topics addressed during last night’s school board meetinginclude the approval of a loan for a class size reduction grant,the approval of names added to the substitute employee pool and afund-raising blood drive at West Lincoln.

School board members also granted Bogue Chitto Principal BobbyAllen’s request for funds to purchase a new sound system andspeakers at the baseball field. Board members believed it was areasonable request and unanimously approved it.

“We really need it,” said Joann Holmes, vice president of theboard. “They are in bad shape and we need some new ones.”

Holmes, who is a Bogue Chitto resident, added the currentspeakers and sound system is old and does not functionproperly.

The next scheduled Lincoln County school board meeting isscheduled for 5:30 p.m., Sept. 18, at the central office onMonticello Street.