NYM School presents honorary diploma during graduation

Photo by Chad Koenen
New York Mills High School Principal Michelle Young presents an honorary diploma to the sons of the late Arnold Mattson during graduation on May 28.

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

The New York Mills Class of 2021 welcomed a new member to its graduating class during commencement ceremonies on May 28. The family of the late Arnold A. Mattson was presented an honorary diploma.

Mattson’s sons accepted the honorary diploma from NY Mills High School Principal Michelle Young. Mattson served in the United States Army during World War II. He served with the 48th Engineers starting on Sept. 11, 1942 and was in Africa, Italy, France, Germany, Austria and England.

He received the decoration of the Bronze Service Arrowhead, Distinguished Unit Citation and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 20, 1945 as a Corporal.

Mattson has since passed away, but the NY Mills School presented his family with an honorary diploma. The diplomas can be presented to discharged veterans who served in the United States military during World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam Conflict. 

The diplomas are typically given to discharged veterans across the country who were unable to complete their high school education because of service in the armed forces.