It’s never too late. 10 years later, U.S. Navy veteran earns Northwest High diploma.

Jonathon Warren’s late father gave him one final bit of advice before his tragic passing.

As a result, Warren is now a high school graduate a decade after missing out on the official graduation ceremonies.

Though he has since gone on to enjoy a very successful career, one thing missing in Warren’s life was his diploma from Northwest High School. He completed all of his high school coursework, and was set to walk across the stage alongside his classmates in 2009.

However, because of state testing he was not allowed to partake in the graduation festivities.

Recently, Warren was awarded that diploma a decade later after pushing himself in post-secondary studies. In fact, he has earned a bachelor’s degree in sports and health science through the American Military University, and he is pursuing a master’s degree in business management.

“It’s definitely a pleasure to finally be receiving something I worked hard for. And for me to be awarded my diploma a decade later, there are no words to compare to the feelings that I have,” Warren said. “It’s been something that I’ve been longing for for years, and to finally have that moment of being presented my diploma was definitely breathtaking and a blessing from God.

“I was never going to reach out to Northwest High School and ask about my diploma if it wasn’t for my dad. A few months before his death he told me whatever unfinished business I didn’t have taken care of to be sure that I complete it, no matter what it is.”

It’s almost as if Warren’s father was being prophetic. Out with his wife celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary, he was shot and killed in late 2018 while trying to break up a fight in a parking lot.

“It took me three months to really process everything. Shortly after, I enrolled into my master’s program and my father’s words continued to replay in my head,” Warren said. “It was September when I finally reached out to Northwest High School and asked what needed to be done to receive my high school diploma.”

Turns out, he had done enough and it simply needed to be brought to their attention. For his efforts, Northwest ISD trustees and administration officially certified Warren met the post-secondary requirements to receive his diploma.

Warren joined the U.S. Navy in December 2009 and served until 2015. He received an honorable discharge and finished up his reserves duty in 2018.

“I wanted to make the Navy a career, but life happens, and I’m glad to now say that I was given the opportunity to experience something greater in life that helped mold me into the man that I have become and am becoming,” he said.

He served as an aircrew survival equipment man and certified parachute rigger. His responsibilities included training aircrew pilots and other personnel in parachute rigging as well as the use of safety and survival equipment. His time in the Navy included serving overseas in Atsugi, Japan.

His recognitions include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Pistol Marksmanship Medal and more.

“Jonathon describes himself as one who doesn’t allow life’s challenges to keep him from pursuing his dreams. As a husband and father, he strives to be a role model in his family and community,” NWISD Executive Director of Secondary Education Logan Faris said.

Warren and his wife met while he was serving in Japan and they married in March 2013. They currently live in Killeen and are expecting their fourth child in May.

Warren is writing two books and is the co-owner of Poetic City, a performing arts company that allows people from any type of background to be heard, seen and given the freedom to express their individuality.

Warren is attending Western Governors University online pursuing his master’s degree, but said he is considering transferring to the University of Texas because he is impressed with their business program. He’s also considering entering the teaching field and has been accepted into the Texas Teachers of Tomorrow program to become a health science teacher, along with perhaps being a physical education coach.

And, of course, he wants to help others.

“It’s been a real passion of mine for years to give homeless people a second chance in life, especially those who still have life skills that can help them succeed before they leave this world,” Warren said. “I feel so many people are not given a second chance, and they are left to defend and fight for themselves without having the right support and tools that they need in order to make it. And with this (master’s) degree I plan on giving them that support, giving them that second chance that they need if they require it to live a successful life while they still can.

“If there was one thing that I could tell anybody it would be never give up. Life is too short to settle for less, and even if life sends you on a detour, make the best out of that detour.”

This story was originally published January 8, 2020 at 6:00 AM.