JACKSON (AP) - Sixty years after Dean Percival's high school classmates graduated, he now has his diploma, too.
Percival was presented his diploma from Axtell High School in Kansas during a ceremony Friday in southeast Missouri, where the 78-year-old now lives.
Percival dropped out of school in the 10th grade to help support his family, which included five siblings, though it didn't hold him back: Percival became a member of Mensa - an organization for people who score in the 98th percentile on intelligence tests - in addition to his work as an artist, inventor, writer, builder and winemaker.
Axtell principal Bob Bartkoski made the 600-mile trip to give Percival, of Cape Girardeau, the diploma. He told about 50 friends and relatives it is based on Percival's life experiences and accomplishments. Percival's career was mostly with sign companies in several places, including Cape Girardeau.
Percival he wore a paper mortar and tassel as he received the framed diploma. Barely able to speak, he admitted he was "all choked up."
"It was overwhelming," Percival said. "All my friends came out. It was gratifying to have them all here. It feels like (you were) fortunate to be at your funeral while you're still alive."
Percival earned a GED in 1972, and was told he could contact his high school to get a diploma. He did so about 15 years ago - but his request at the time was turned down.
Percivial spoke with Bartkoski at a high school reunion last spring in Kansas. Three months later he was asked to document his accomplishments.
Recently, Bartkoski called Percival on his cellphone while Percival was golfing and told him his request for a diploma had been approved
Percivial's wife, Elvia, organized Friday's event.
"I'm very proud," she said of her husband of 40 years. "I don't tell him because I don't want him to get the big head."