Anthony Valenti is a man you can't help but admire. At 17, he shipped out to serve in the U.S. Navy in Korea. He was a Kansas City firefighter for 41 years. He survived the legendary fuel tank explosion on Southwest Boulevard in 1959. Most importantly, he raised a great family. He didn't need a diploma to prove he's accomplished something with his life. But he wanted one anyway.

In 1947, Valenti was only 8 weeks away from graduating from DeLaSalle High School when he was told he had to ship out to Korea. He signed up with the Navy so he could join their school of music and play the saxophone. Originally, he was told he'd be able to graduate from school before his military training began. That changed with the Korean Conflict, which forced him to leave early. It meant he never got his diploma from DeLaSalle, something he always regretted.

Valenti would mention it to his family from time to time. His son, Sam, also graduated from DeLaSalle, and every year his dad wished he could go to the annual reunion banquet. Finally, earlier this year, Sam decided to do something about the void in his father's life.

Sam contacted a former principal at the school and soon a plan was put into place. This week, Anthony Valenti completed his final "requirement" for graduation. He spoke to a history class at DeLaSalle, now called DeLaSalle Education Center. The students were fascinated by his stories from the Navy and the fire department. He also passed along the same message that he always told his children and grandchildren: education is very important.

Following the talk with the history students, Valenti finally got his high school diploma in a short, but meaningful ceremony. His wife, children and grandchildren were there to see it. He turned down the cap and gown offered to him by a school official. He was worried the guys down at the fire station would give him grief for it. But he proudly took the diploma he had waited so long for. 60 years to be exact.

I was there for the ceremony and I can tell you it was emotional for everyone in the room. Again, Anthony Valenti didn't need this diploma to prove anything. He had accomplished and experienced more than most of us can dream of. But to a man who considers education to be so important, this was a void that had now been filled. Anthony, congratulations. You deserve it. It's never too late to reach your goals.