IN A CLASS OF HIS OWN

At 97, John Steiner receives honorary diploma from Sandy High School

By Garth Guibord

The Sandy Post, Dec 22, 2009

John Steiner’s father, Henry, took his son out of Sandy High School after two years, but at the age of 97 he was given an honorary diploma, which was presented Monday, Dec. 14.

Garth Guibord / Sandy Post

ADVERTISEMENTS

When John Steiner was just 16 years old, his father, Henry, pulled him out of Sandy High School to work on the various log buildings now renowned as “Steiner Cabins.” In his father’s view, learning a trade was more important than finishing his education.

“I’d rather go to school,” said John, now 97. “I didn’t have anything to say about it.”

But Steiner’s education in life, including serving in the Marines, was acknowledged at the Oregon Trail School District board of directors meeting Monday, Dec. 14, when he was presented with an honorary diploma. With a great-granddaughter and a great-grandson in attendance, Steiner received a standing ovation and a firm handshake from each board member.

“Presenting John Steiner with his diploma was a moving experience,” Superintendent Shelley Redinger said in a statement. “Everyone in attendance could see how much it meant to him.”

Local builder Mark Fritch raised the issue with the district to honor Steiner with the diploma. Fritch met Steiner six years ago, struck up a friendship and discovered that Steiner had not received his diploma.

“If any guy has earned his diploma, it’s John,” Fritch said. “It’s 79 years late, but by God we got it done.”

School in the 1920s

Steiner spent two years at the school, taking classes that included English, history and typing, with approximately 25 students in each class. He also played baseball but noted that he was on the “second team.”

During the first year, he and approximately 10 other students who lived east of Sandy would catch a ride with a mailman who drove a Dodge pickup, sitting on seats that ran lengthwise on either side of the truck. For the second year, the high school had a bus to shuttle students back and forth.

1 | 2 Next Page >>