Joe and Ann met in 1964. Joe, a young soldier, and Ann, a nurse, happened to sit beside each other on a bench near her hospital. They struck up a conversation, and Joe felt transported from the chaos of war. The next day, before Joe deployed, they promised to meet on that same bench, no matter where life took them. When Joe returned, he found Ann waiting, and they went on to share a life filled with family and enduring love.
Upon retiring at 55, they made it a tradition to sit on that bench every day, rain or shine. Locals began calling it “Joe and Ann’s Bench,” and young couples admired their bond. Seasons changed, but their bench witnessed each chapter of their lives.
Now, at 100, they still meet there daily. Joe helps Ann with her coat, and she straightens his hat. In their quiet moments, they feel the love they’ve built. When asked about their lasting love, Joe says, “Just find someone you want to sit with, forever,” and Ann’s smile shows she knows he means it.
Honoring the “Super Seniors” of Springdale High School
The Class of 2022 was in for a surprise when they celebrated their graduation at the Springdale School District. In addition to honoring the recent graduates, the event paid respect to four exceptional veterans who, had they not decided to serve in the military, would have graduated in 1956. Known by their endearing nickname, “super seniors,” Carl Stults, Bobby Burke, Charles Leroy Moon, and Bob Self were among the veterans who received honorary diplomas with the graduating seniors.
These four young guys were all seniors in high school in 1956, yet none of them graduated from Springdale High School. Carl Self revealed, “Springdale didn’t recognize the GED at the time, but I took a test when I joined the Air Force. I eventually graduated from Little Rock Central with a diploma. It wasn’t until they got together for lunch one day that the school district learned about their missing diplomas.
The Class of 2022 was delighted to learn that these “super seniors” will be participating in the graduation ceremony. It was a lesson in sacrifice and honor as much as a celebration of their accomplishment. Jared Cleveland, the superintendent of Springdale, delivered sentimental letters honoring the heroes’ bravery and devotion from U.S. Representative Steve Womack and Governor Asa Hutchinson during the ceremony.
They served both during and after the Korean War, according to Womack. They weren’t thinking about themselves or asking themselves, “What about me?” at the time. They performed their duty. Isn’t that the authentic essence of America? The instructors paused to recognize the outstanding accomplishments that each veteran has made since enlisting in the Air Force in 1956.
These four extraordinary guys finally earned their long-awaited diplomas from their alma mater, after 66 years. It was a just reward for all of their hard work. “Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog,” as the saying goes.
Greetings on your honorary diplomas, Bob Self, Charles Leroy Moon, Bobby Burke, and Carl Stults! Their devoted dedication to our nation is incredibly admirable. We are fortunate to live in the wonderful country we do today because of courageous people like them. By sharing this story and expressing our gratitude, let’s honor these men for their incredible achievements and selflessness.
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