Billy Lee's education ended when the Imperial Japanese Army overran Indonesia in March of 1942. The Diamond Bar resident was only 11 years old at the time.

"My father had two plots of land and I had to help him grow food to feed our family during the war," Lee explained.

Throughout the occupation, the young man worked hard to help his family survive. After the war, Lee got a job and settled down to raise two sons and a daughter.

"I always stressed the importance of education, because I wanted my children to live better lives," the 82-year-old recalled.

On June 4, the octogenarian will receive his GED from Rowland Adult and Community Education. He will celebrate his academic success with his 21-year-old

With the help of counselor Joe Miraglia, the 82-year-old will receive his GED from Rowland Adult and Community Education on June 4. (Photo by Gina Ward, courtesy of Rowland Unified)
granddaughter Audris Fan, who is graduating from the University of San Diego with a bachelor's degree in biochemistry.

"We didn't even know he was studying for his high school diploma, he kept it a secret from the family," said Fan, an alumni of Diamond Bar High.

So the proud Diamond Bar family will be celebrating two graduations this year, even though the graduates are separated by 61 years in age.

"I didn't know if I could do it, so I didn't tell them I was going to night school," Lee admitted.

Not only could he do it, now the senior citizen plans to go on to Mt. SAC in Walnut to continue his education.

"We've had students in their late 60s, but Jimmy is a great role model."We've had students in their late 60s, but Jimmy is a great role model. He's been so motivated


to do this, spending 222 hours in the classroom," noted Rocky Bettar, director of Adult Education. Click HERE for entire story!