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Frerichs' Bill Allowing Veterans to Recieve Diplomas Passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD, IL - On Tuesday, State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign) passed legislation through the Illinois Senate which allows school boards to award high school diplomas to Vietnam War veterans. As a result of the draft, many high school students left for Vietnam before finishing high school.

"Raymond Collins, a veteran who was drafted before earning his high school diploma, inspired this legislation," said Senator Frerichs. "While fighting in Vietnam, he earned his GED, but when he returned home the school district refused to award him a diploma."

Raymond Collins of Catlin was 1 1/4 credits shy of graduating from Catlin High School when he was drafted. After returning from Vietnam, Collins was able to find work at the General Motors foundry at Tilton, but always felt something was missing. Last year, Diana Schutz, a family member, decided it was finally time to resolve this matter. Schutz contacted Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) and State Senator Frerichs in order to help Collins receive his diploma. The entire effort became 11 months filled with phone calls, emails, and letters. Collins eventually received his diploma last year. Diana said that Raymond kept going because he felt he would be letting his fellow veterans down if he gave up.

"Hopefully, this legislation will encourage other Vietnam Vets in the same situation as Raymond to get the diploma they deserve," said Schutz. "I want to thank Senator Frerichs for helping us get Ray's diploma and sponsoring this bill."

Senate Bill 2682 stipulates that the veterans must have been honorably discharged and had resided within the school district awarding the diploma. A similar law allowing World War II and Korean War veterans to receive their diplomas already exists and the new legislation would include Vietnam War veterans into this category.

"Raymond had to work through many roadblocks to get his diploma," said Senator Frerichs. "It shouldn't be this difficult for people who have risked their lives for this country to get something they deserve. This legislation will make it easier for veterans like Raymond to receive their diplomas."

Senate Bill 2682 passed the Senate without opposition and moves to the House for consideration.

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