September has been a month to remember for Kenneth Kelley.

The 77-year-old Carter County native and retired naval officer now resides in Wisconsin and recently had the opportunity to participate in a trip to Washington, D.C., with the state’s Honor Flight Branch. But while that event sticks out, another that took place Friday afternoon will always stick with Kelley.

During a trip to Tennessee to visit with family and friends, Kelley was greeted at Happy Valley High School with an honorary diploma by staff during a surprise ceremony in the school gymnasium.

Kelley attended Happy Valley until 1958 when he decided to enlist in the Navy at the age of 16 to serve his country in Vietnam. Kelley would have graduated from the school in 1960.

“I always wanted to be a serviceman,” he said, adding his family has a long list of military members.

An extensive military career awaited Kelley before his retirement. Over the course of a 22-year career, Kelley achieved the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. Kelley is the youngest individual on record to achieve that honor in that timeframe. Kelley commanded PBR boats in canals in Vietnam and accomplished various feats throughout his illustrious career.

“For someone to make that within a 22-year range and still be able to retire is incredible,” said HVHS electrical teacher James Monroe.

Monroe handled the honors of presenting Kelley with his diploma. Monroe, a naval veteran in his own right, said it was an honor to present the former Warrior with an honorary diploma. Kelley was able to finish his GED while serving overseas but couldn’t contain his excitement to finally received a diploma from the school atop Warrior Hill.

“I’m surprised and honored for them to recognize me today,” Kelley said with a smile. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been here.”

The culprit behind the event was none other than Kelley’s younger brother, Larry. Larry graduated from HVHS in 1965 and reached out to school staff to organize an event.

“He missed out on the things I was able to enjoy in school,” he said. “I wanted to do this for him.”

Kelley was kept out of the loop before the ceremony, expecting just a Veterans Day program. Smiles and cheers erupted following the presentation as Kelley was able to soak in the moment with over 10-plus family members and reps from the school.

Another bit of fun awaited Kelley after the ceremony. Before exiting, a handful of HVHS students greeted Kelley and thanked him for his service.

“It really did mean a lot for them to do that,” he said.