Iowa Man, 98, Finally Receives High School Diploma 80 Years After Leaving School to Support Family

Paul Little was supposed to walk across the stage at Dallas Center High School in 1946 with his graduating class. Instead, he left during his junior year to work and help support his family. More than eight decades later, the 98-year-old finally received his high school diploma in a surprise ceremony at his nursing home on September 17.

Little's story is one of sacrifice, community, and a lifelong commitment to helping young people succeed, even after his own education was cut short.

Why did Paul Little leave school in 1946?

Little attended Dallas Center High School in Grimes, Iowa, and was on track to graduate in 1946. However, circumstances at home forced him to make a difficult choice. He left school during his junior year to work and earn money for his family.

There was no graduation ceremony for him and no diploma to take home. The decision belonged to a different era, when earning money could take precedence over finishing school.

How Paul Little gave back to Iowa students

After leaving school, Little built his working life around farming in nearby Guthrie County. The years passed, but his connection to education never faded. He and his late wife, Eleanor, became supporters of local students and education programs.

Kasey Huebner, superintendent of the Panorama School District in Guthrie County, told CBS19: “For the last 15 to 18 years he's given money out to help our kids get jump-started to the next stage in life.”

Little's generosity eventually reached the district where he once attended school. After moving back to Dallas Center, he connected with the DCG Education Foundation and offered financial backing for graduating seniors.

According to a statement from the DCG Education Foundation: “We were alerted to Paul's story by the DCG Education Foundation. After moving back to Dallas Center, Paul connected with this group and offered financial support to our graduating seniors. Paul gave $50,000 to the DCG Education Foundation, and scholarships are now given out annually to our seniors.”

An honorary diploma for a lifetime of service

On September 17, officials from the Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District visited Little at his nursing home and presented him with the diploma. The surprise visit was arranged after the district learned of his story through the DCG Education Foundation.

Scott Blum, superintendent of the Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District, said: “We're excited to play just a little role in recognizing the awesomeness that is a guy like Paul in our community.”

The district described the honorary diploma as a way of thanking Little for his decades of support. His $50,000 donation has led to scholarships being awarded to seniors each year, ensuring his legacy continues to benefit students long after his own school days ended.

What does Paul Little's story mean for Iowa?

Little's story is a powerful reminder of the values that define Iowa communities: hard work, sacrifice, and giving back. He missed out on the final stage of his own education, yet spent years helping students move forward with theirs.

More than 80 years after he was supposed to graduate, school officials finally placed a diploma in his hands. This time, there was no unfinished school year waiting ahead of him.