A Georgia grandma has celebrated her children and grandchildren for graduating from high schools and colleges such as Texas A&M, California State University, and the University of Tampa. But on Saturday, June 1, she finally had the opportunity to celebrate her own high school graduation — in her 80s.
The 85-year-old recent grad, Shirley Smith of Americus, Georgia, told Fox News that she made her "biggest mistake" when she was going into 10th grade and told her dad "that I didn’t want to go to school." He then told her to "go to work," she told the outlet.
She worked at a dry cleaner’s and a pocketbook factory before getting married and having kids. She said she raised her children to understand the importance of education, and it appeared to work, as her kids "cried to go to school" and always wanted to go, she told Fox News.
One of her grandchildren told the outlet that Shirley "never missed a high school or college graduation for any of her children or grandchildren." She always prioritized her family, so although she thought about going back to school, it never actually happened.
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In addition to her dedication to her family, Shirley has spent lots of time helping her community. She is also committed to her involvement in her church.
She spoke to Fox News about finally receiving her high school diploma.
"I think it’s an honor and I think it’s a blessing," she told the outlet.
