By Mark Abromaitis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Kenneth Smith is an inspiration to every generation.

At age 83 the Maris Grove resident has become  the toast of the media since he joined about 450 other high school students and received his diploma at Chester High School’s graduation ceremony this past June.

After Smith’s uplifting story got picked up in the Delco Times and the  Philadelphia Inquirer, his face was soon splashed all over the local news and Internet outlets, including Good Morning America. Smith’s story was later picked up for worldwide distribution by the Associated Press.

“It’s been a crazy summer,” Smith says modestly about the media frenzy surrounding his graduation. “But if I can get high school kids to stay in school and put education in perspective, it’s all worth it. Too often kids are mistaken and think that high school is all they need. I say, ‘It’s not the end; it’s just a step. Always look to get that next degree.’”

A tale worth telling
For the few who haven’t heard Smith’s story, the World War II veteran missed his chance to graduate from high school when the Army drafted him in 1943. After honorably serving overseas, delivering weapons and supplies to troops on the front lines, he returned home. Shortly after his tour of duty, his father passed away. Smith found himself as the sole provider for his family.

So Smith did what was needed. He took care of his family and went to work for the state. He retired three decades later. “When you’re working and taking care of a family, you don’t have time to even think about education,” Smith says.

Smith says later in life after having lost his wife, “I began to think long and hard about things. And I thought about that degree.”

Then Smith’s friend, Evelyn Nero, learned about a state legislature bill that allows school districts to award degrees to veterans whose education was interrupted by military service. Thinking of her friend, she helped arrange the honorary degree.