DALLAS CENTER, Iowa —

The Dallas Center-Grimes School District honored a man who never got the chance to graduate, but spent decades helping students reach their own dreams.

Paul Little, 98, received his high school diploma Thursday at his nursing home in Dallas Center, 80 years after he would have graduated from Dallas Center High School in 1946. Little left school during his junior year to work and help support his family.

At the surprise presentation, Little appeared stunned when the superintendent arrived with the diploma.

“I think it’s very important. We need to support the kids in schools,” he said.

After leaving school, Little farmed for years outside Panora. He and his late wife, Eleanor, later made it a priority to support students at Panorama High School.

“For the last 15-18 years he’s given money out to help our kids get jump-started to the next stage in life,” said Kasey Huebner, superintendent for Panorama Community Schools.

Huebner said more than 150 students have benefited, and each earned a place on what the family calls Paul’s Hall of Fame.

When Little moved back to Dallas Center and into the nursing home, he brought more than picture frames. He also brought $50,000 for the education foundation.

“We’re excited to play just a little role in recognizing the awesomeness that is a guy like Paul in our community,” Scott Blum said.

Little’s donation now supports students in the district he once would have called his alma mater.

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