The Pattonville School District will reserve time during graduation ceremonies to award honorary diplomas to veterans who left high school before graduation to serve in the U.S. military during foreign conflicts.

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. Family members may apply on behalf of a deceased veteran. Applications for these diplomas must be returned by March 9. Applications may be obtained by calling (314) 213-8025 or by downloading the forms at www.psdr3.org/NewsInfo/pdf/VetDipAp2012.pdf.

The ceremony will take place during Pattonville High School commencement ceremonies at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 31, at the Family Arena in St. Charles. A diploma may also be sent directly to the veteran if the person chooses not to participate in the graduation ceremonies.

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.