Longtime West Islip resident Bill Taus, who left school to join the Armed Forces during war time, received an honorary diploma from West Islip High School Principal Ken Hartill during commencement on June 29. Joining 342 seniors in the Class of 2002, the 84-year-old veteran who served during D-Day at Normandy and is the recipient of many medals and awards including the Purple Heart, wore a cap and gown as he accepted his diploma.

Taus is pictured, right, seated next to, from right to left, Assistant Superintendent for Business Joan Niles, Director of Personnel Mikki McCullough, Board of Education Trustee Barbara McAteer, Vice President Kevin Micucci and President Susan Lipman. All of Taus’ children are West Islip graduates.