On September 11, 1961, Ibert Turney enlisted in the US Navy and spent over four years of active service. He served his country aboard the U.S.S. Independence out of Norfolk, Virginia. He was not able to graduate from Mansfield High School in 1962.

45 years later, he is now able to amend his story.

On September 6, 2007, Mr. Turney received his high school diploma from the Mansfield Independent School District. Mr. Vernon Newsom, Superintendent of Schools, awarded Ibert Turney of Keller, Texas his Mansfield high School diploma. On hand for this event was Mr. Turney's family as well as representatives from the district. Dr. Claude Cunningham, Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction along with Col. John Swahn and three cadets from the MHS ROTC were present to witness the milestone for Mr. Turney.

Mansfield ISD was able to award Ibert Turney his high school diploma because of a little known provision in the Texas Education Code. Texas Education Code (TEC), § 28.0251 states a school district may issue a high school diploma to a person who is an honorably discharged member of the armed forces of the US; was scheduled to graduate from high school after 1940 and before 1975; and left high school before graduation to serve in World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.

Anyone who is interested in pursuing their high school diploma and meet the qualifications above can contact MISD Office of Curriculum and Instruction at 817-299-6300 for more information.