Perkiomen Valley School District's Capt. Sam Schweigert Nets Diploma

It was the recognition of a journey that took about 70 years.

Perkiomen Valley School District Board member Capt. Sam Schweigert joined the ranks of graduates as Superintendent Dr. Clifford Rogers presented Schweigert with a PVSD diploma during the Friday night.

Schweigert left school for medical reasons before earning his degree, according to Rogers. He then spent the next several decades taking part in "experiential learning ... learning through doing," Rogers said, harkening back to one of the student speeches, delivered by Joanmarie DelVecchio.

"Instead of sitting through final exams, he's been tested and graded on his application of knowledge and wisdom in the real world and passed with flying colors," Rogers said.

He traveled the world during his 47 years of military service, wrote letters to the woman who would become his wife, and worked in the retail and local government sectors.