Jerry Lee Lewis Graduates High School

Thursday night the Concordia Parish school board awarded a diploma to perhaps the school district's most famous student. Jerry Lee Lewis, The Killer, was awarded a high school diploma at the age of 78.  The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member can now add Ferriday High School graduate to his resume.

According to a report in the Natchez Democrat newspaper, Lewis and his wife had been discussing making a request to the Concordia Parish School Board for some time. The board acted on the request this past Thursday night by adopting a special policy change to make the diploma possible.

Lewis was expelled from school as a youngster for playing a boogie-woogie version of a hymn. His musical career took off soon after that and he never earned his high school diploma.

The certificate awarded to Jerry Lee Thursday as presented by the board read:

"This certificate is awarded to Jerry Lee Lewis for having made a significant contribution to the music industry through his life's work. The awarding of this diploma is based on his exemplary service to the community and in recognition of his bringing worldwide fame to the Town of Ferriday and Concordia Parish."

Jerry Lee Lewis is known for being a pioneer in the early days of Rock and Roll music. Among his hits are Great Balls of Fire, Breathless and High School Confidential