CANEY — When Michael Matters receives his high school degree in several weeks, the diploma will be more than just a certificate hanging on a wall.

Instead, it’ll be a symbol of perseverance and dedication.

Matters will be the lone student from the Caney Valley Virtual School to earn his high school diploma during CVHS commencement exercises on May 16. And, what makes Matters unique is the fact that he completed the four-year program in only two years.

“He has been truly dedicated to completing this program,” said Tasha Long, Matters’ virtual school instructor. “It’s rare to hear of anyone, even a student in a regular high school setting, complete high school in only two years.”

However, earning that diploma has been the chief goal for Matters ever since he he learned — the hard way — of the priceless importance of a high school diploma.

“I dropped out of high school when I was 16,” said Matters, now age 20. “High school and I just didn’t mix. I didn’t like it one bit, and I also didn’t care either. I kept thinking, ‘Why do I need this?’”

Matters didn’t realize how much a high school degree mattered until he began work as a ranch hand. His ranch boss explained to him about the value of an education — something which can only be earned through hard work, the ranch boss told Matters.

“My boss taught me to care,” said Matters. “And, I also had a goal of someday going into law enforcement. My boss told me that I probably wouldn’t get far in law enforcement unless I had my high school degree.”

So, realizing his regret in being a high school dropout, Matters wanted a second chance at being a high school graduate.

Enter the Caney Valley Virtual School.

The virtual school allows people like Matters — people who, for a variety of reasons, did not earn a high school diploma — to enroll in online-based high school courses. Graduating from the virtual school requires the completion of 24 credits with heavy emphasis on math and English comprehension.

When Matters entered the virtual school, he had only 2 1/2 credits under his belt. The thought of attaining 22 more credits seemed like a far-reaching dream.

However, Matters thought back to the wise words of his ranch boss.

“I put myself on a task: to finish in two years,” he said.

Now that he is preparing to hang his diploma on his wall, Matters said he has other goals in mind, perhaps a career in law enforcement or emergency services.

“I would like to work for the county sheriff’s department,” he said. “I have a real interest in law enforcement.”

And, knowing Matters’ zeal for completing goals, he’ll likely have his badge pinned to his chest in no time.