Matthew McConaughey has finally picked up his high school diploma three decades after graduating from Longview High School in Texas.
The Academy Award-winning actor, who graduated in 1988, also gave the commencement speech at this year's graduation, which took place at Lobo Stadium on Friday.
"Thirty-one years ago, I was you, a graduating Longview Lobo," McConaughey said, perLongview News Journal. "The most important reason for my success, and I believe what will be the most important thing for your success, the one thing that we all have that should never be for sale, the thing that we give the most of and should protect with our life, that thing is our heart."
Longview HS alumni Matthew McConaughey walking onto the field at Lobo Stadium prior to 2019 graduation ceremony tonight.
📸: Les Hassell/@newsjournal pic.twitter.com/CwUU2FmTG6
The actor continued: "Follow your heart, own your heart, make your heart your 20 at all times [...] Like the recent tornado that swung through here, it attacked, it broke a few hearts, but you will heal. You will rebuild. Why? Because you’ve got your heart. It’s your 20."
Longview graduate Matthew McConaughey is in the building‼️ #LongviewGraduationClassOf2019 pic.twitter.com/5ap5aClg6t
Elizabeth Ross, Longview ISD spokeswoman, explained that McConaughey never went back to the school to pick up his diploma after graduating. The Serenity actor was presented with his original 31-year-old diploma after delivering the speech. "Proof," he reportedly said after he was given the diploma.
His diploma wasn't the only thing the actor picked up. He was also given a 2018 Class 6A state football championship ring.
