Graduating Senior

For one Warwick grad, ceremony was closure to an education that has lasted a lifetime,By Linda Smith Hancharick Warwick — When Clayton Eurich was just 17 years old, he left Warwick Valley High School after completing his sophomore year and joined the Navy. It was October 1943 and the United States was at war. His three older brothers were in the service and Eurich didn’t think twice — he just knew it was the right thing for him to do. So his mother went with him to sign the papers and he spent nearly the next three years in the Navy. After his tour was over in May 1946, Eurich returned to Warwick and went to work for the Lehigh and Hudson Railroad. He also had a business on the side as an electrician. He married his childhood sweetheart, Yettie, and went on to have a son and a daughter. After working for the railroad for 23 years, he retired, but continued his electrician business. He also became involved with the Boy Scouts, touching the lives of more than 400 boys as a leader for Warwick’s Troop 45. Although life returned to normal and was very fulfilling for Eurich, one thing was unfinished - his education. He never returned to school to finish his high school education. That chapter, though, is finally complete. Last Saturday, Eurich, 79, finally received his diploma from Warwick Valley High School, walking alongside several of his scouts. “It seemed like a little completion for me,” said the understated Eurich. His wife and daughter were there to see this student walk away with his sheepskin. And it was emotional for more than just his family. When Eurich was announced, all of his fellow graduates stood and applauded, much to his surprise. “I was surprised at that,” said Eurich. “I knew quite a few of the graduates. That made it more meaningful, a little more special.” Eurich has lived in Warwick all of his life. He said he was influenced by his older brothers - he is the seventh of eight children - especially his brother who came home on weekends from New London, Conn., while working on submarines. “My mother had to go with me to sign on,” he said, noting he was just one of many 17-year-olds who signed up. He and his three brothers were serving at the same time. “It was a different world then. There were quite a few on our ship who were 17. It was just a job to do. I was proud to serve.” And serve he did. Before his tour was up, Eurich earned four service ribbons and three battle stars in the South Pacific. A former post commander, Eurich remains an active member of the Warwick VFS Post #4662, currently serving as its chaplain. He still keeps in touch with many of his shipmates, although, he said, “there are not too many of us left any more.” But it is his scouts that have a very special place in Eurich’s heart. He has been active in scouting for 40 years and his troop has produced many Eagle Scouts. Just this year, one of Eurich’s Eagle Scouts, Evan Rotar, dedicated the bridge he built to Eurich. “I enjoy working with our youth,” said Eurich. “All kids are not bad. It has been an honor to work with them.” Obviously, they feel the same. Unlike many of his fellow graduates, Eurich already has earned his advanced degree in life. He plans on taking it easy by continuing to work with his scouts and his fellow vets. And from time to time, he’ll admire his long-awaited high school diploma.