HOHENFELS, Germany -- With caps and gowns, honored guests, jubilant spectators and even a commencement speaker, it seemed like an ordinary graduation ceremony, but there was one small difference. There was only one graduate.
Seventeen-year-old Senior Billy Schirlls is the first Hohenfels Middle/High School Class of 2015 graduate, and he flung his hat in the air at a special ceremony at the school, Dec. 12.
Schirlls' journey began last year when his dual active duty parents learned they would be PCSing before the end of the school year.
"They were very proactive in that they came to me last spring and asked what they needed to do to possibly graduate so that Billy's not transitioning to another school so late," said Kendon Johnson, HMHS counselor.
"Mr. Johnson was an essential part in all this," said Schirlls' mother, Sgt. 1st Class Hope Sitton. "He helped find out what credits Billy still needed, got him into the courses over the summer, and got him into courses he needed this year so he could accelerate and graduate before we PCS."
While Schirlls is not the first senior in HMHS history to graduate early, he is only the second to have a private ceremony.
"Usually they just want their diploma and a photograph," said Cristina Echevarria, HMHS principal. "But really it's up to the parents and student."
Though the ceremony was brief, it was well-attended by students, faculty and community members, and the pride and emotions on display were just as deep as they will be when Schirlls' classmates graduate in June.
"It feels great that they would do this for me," said Schirlls. "I just wish I could stay longer."
The family headed to their new assignment at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, Dec. 14. Schirlls plans to study for a career in sound engineering and is hoping to attend the University of Miami in Florida.
"The fact that the school was so willing to work with us and to do this was just a blessing because, you know, you don't want to miss out on graduation," said Sitton.
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