85-Year-Old Receives Honorary High School Diploma 67 Years After Original Graduation Date

An 85-year-old woman from Georgia finally graduated high school on Saturday, June 1, nearly seven decades after her intended graduation date.

An 85-year-old woman from Georgia finally graduated high school on Saturday, June 1, nearly seven decades after her intended graduation date.

Shirley Smith, a resident of Americus, was delighted to learn on her 85th birthday that she would be awarded an honorary high school diploma. This recognition was made possible by Eric Finch, the chief of police of Montezuma Police Department, in appreciation of her unwavering dedication to her family and her support of their education over the years.

“I’m thankful,” Smith shared in an interview with Fox News Digital. “I think it’s an honor and I think it’s a blessing.”

Smith’s journey began on a tobacco farm in Wilmington, North Carolina. In 1956, after tobacco prices fell, her father faced the challenge of supporting his six children. Consequently, the family moved to Somerville, New Jersey.

“I was going to the 10th grade, and I told him the biggest mistake that I made was saying I didn’t want to go to school,” Smith recounted. “He said, ‘Go to work.'”

Smith first worked at a dry cleaner and then at a pocketbook factory. Soon after, she married and started her own family, eventually relocating to Georgia. Although she considered vocational school, raising her children took priority over her education.

Despite not completing her formal education, Smith emphasized the importance of schooling for her children. She ensured they pursued their education diligently, which they happily did.

“Matter of fact, they cried to go to school. Even when it was snowing, they wanted to go to school,” she recalled.

Today, Smith takes immense pride in her children’s and grandchildren’s educational achievements, which include degrees from Texas A&M, Montclair University, California State University, Fullerton, the University of Tampa, and the University of Mississippi, among others.

Smith’s family is incredibly proud of her, believing she more than deserves this honor. “My nana never missed a high school or college graduation for any of her children or grandchildren,” said her granddaughter, Brianna Robinson. “I couldn’t be more honored and inspired. She always taught us to chase our dreams and that all things are possible if you keep faith in God.”

Smith attributes her diploma to divine intervention, believing that God’s plan allows for those with experience over formal education to be recognized for their efforts.

“I’m really appreciative, and I’m really thankful to God,” she said. “I always try to figure out, what do people see in me? I draw people, no matter what color they are, who they are — I just draw people.”

As for her next steps, Smith laughed and said she is preparing for her ultimate journey. “I’m getting ready to go to heaven, that’s what I’m getting ready to do,” she said with a smile. “I’m going to get my reward from Him.”

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, LINDAIKEJI