14 May 2023
HALSTEAD, Kan. (KSNW) — It was a moment, unlike anything Halstead High School has ever experienced. 95 year-old Wilbur R. Nachtigal received his diploma Saturday afternoon, after a 78-year delay.
“It’s a big honor for anybody, but especially me,” said the Halstead native, who would have been a member of Halstead’s 1946 graduating class. Instead, he made the selfless decision to leave high school at age 17 to serve in World War II.
The veteran was a payroll clerk in the U.S. Marine Corps, holding the rank of Private First-Class. For his sacrifice, Halstead High School gladly awarded him his long-awaited diploma.
“This is really something special. I didn’t expect this much. And I’m very proud they gave that much to me,” said Nachtigal.
Dragons principal Chad Baalman says Nachtigal inquired about receiving a diploma just a few weeks ago.
“Kind of the process I went through was I presented it to our school board to make sure they were okay with it first. And there wasn’t just a yes from them, it was a ‘Why wouldn’t we want to do that?’ And so it’s just kind of a special thing for obviously myself but also for the kids,” said Baalman.
Three generations of Nachtigal’s family attended the ceremony, including five of his great-grandchildren. They say they couldn’t be more proud of all his accomplishments.
“He’s very smart, he’s very astute. He is a mechanic; he’s helped this town. They all used to know where he lives, he knows everybody. So, for him to have this honor is just such a beautiful thing,” said Hillary Cardenas, Nachtigal’s granddaughter.
While this is the first time Halstead has awarded a veteran with their diploma, Principal Baalman looks forward to the possibility of recognizing others in the same way.