This Grandma Finally Accomplished Her Dream Of Graduating From High School At 85
There are many adults and elderly people living in America who never graduated from high school because they were forced to work and contribute to their family’s bills as teenagers.
However, sometimes, they can get their diplomas, something they’d been hoping to get for years.
One 85-year-old woman finally got to live out her dream of becoming a high school graduate this year, and her story is truly inspiring.
Shirley Smith is an 85-year-old woman living in Americus, Georgia. She grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina, on her father’s tobacco farm, and her family eventually moved to New Jersey.
In the late 1950s, Shirley’s life changed when she told her father she didn’t want to go to school one day, and he told her that she’d have to go to work instead. And she did.
As a teenager, Shirley worked several jobs instead of returning to high school to support herself and her family.
She worked at a dry cleaner and eventually a purse-making factory before getting married, starting a family of her own, and moving down to Georgia with them.
Shirley was a very dedicated mother and wanted the best for her children, which meant prioritizing their care and education over hers.
While she may have had the opportunity to go to vocational school or get her GED over the years, she focused on ensuring her kids got the best education possible.
michaeljung – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
These days, Shirley is now a grandmother. She has proudly watched her children and some of her grandchildren graduate not only from high school but also from esteemed colleges, such as Montclair University, the University of Mississippi, Texas A&M, and California State University.
Not only is Shirley known in her community for being a fabulous mother and grandmother, but she’s also performed wonderful acts of service over the years.
As a member of her local Baptist church, Shirley has participated as a missionary in her community and has been there for the less fortunate and ill.
One of the people most touched by Shirley’s caring spirit and devotion to helping others was the Chief of Police of the Montezuma Police Department, Eric Finch, who helped arrange an honorary high school diploma for her.
So, on Saturday, June 1st, 2024, Shirley walked across a stage at a local high school graduation ceremony and received her honorary diploma 67 years after her original intended graduation date.
In interviews, Shirley mentioned she was grateful for the honor and was pleased to be rewarded for her efforts.
Congratulations, Shirley!
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More About:Human Interest