For the eighth year in a row, the Pattonville School District will set aside time during graduation ceremonies to award honorary high school diplomas to veterans who left high school before graduation to serve in the United States military during foreign conflicts. The ceremony will take place during Pattonville High School commencement ceremonies, slated for 7 p.m., Thursday, June 4 at the Family Arena in St. Charles.  Since 2002, Pattonville has awarded more than 100 honorary diplomas to veterans of World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. -Read-More- Pattonville participates in a state program, called “Operation Recognition,” that is sponsored by the Missouri Veterans Commission and Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. House Bill 441 provides official state high school diplomas to veterans who served in foreign wars.  Local school districts may award the honorary diplomas, which are issued by the state. Honorary graduates who participate in the Pattonville ceremony will also receive a medal and an American flag from the school district in appreciation for service to their country. The program is open to any resident or former resident of Missouri. Veterans can qualify regardless of whether they attended public or private schools and regardless of whether the school still exists or not. Family members may apply on behalf of a deceased veteran.  Applications to receive a diploma may be obtained by calling (314) 213-8025 or by visiting the Pattonville Learning Center, Room 303, at 11097 St. Charles Rock Road in St. Ann.  Deadline to return applications to the Pattonville School District in order to participate in this year’s graduation ceremony is Friday, March 13. Diplomas may also be sent directly to the veteran if the person chooses not to participate in the graduation ceremonies. A copy of the veteran’s honorable discharge papers or DD-214 is required to be submitted along with the application. The Missouri Veterans Commission will verify that an applicant is eligible to receive the diploma. -End-