Ridgell McKinney couldn’t bring himself to tell his teacher that a friend was responsible for the knuckle cracking during a test. Threatened with failing the class because of his refusal to point out the other boy, Ridgell dropped out of McKinney High School, even though it was right before graduation.

Ridgell went on to serve honorably and bravely in the Army Air Corps, flying 50 missions in a B-24 bomber during WWII, before becoming a civil servant working in McKinney’s Veteran’s Hospital. And now, at the age of 93, Ridgell McKinney will finally receive what he gave up 73 years ago. On Thursday, September 27, 2007, he will receive his high school diploma.

To celebrate this happy occasion, Collin County Judge Keith Self presented Ridgell McKinney with a proclamation recognizing his long awaited achievement.

Congratulations to Ridgell McKinney, and let us know who you’re taking to the prom!

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