At the respectable age of ninety-seven, Margaret Thome Bekema accomplished one of her dearest wishes by obtaining her high school diploma decades later.
Born in the United States and living in Michigan, Margaret started her studies at Catholic Central High School but never finished them, an event that should have taken place in 1936.
Her life took a drastic turn when, at seventeen, she was forced to suspend her studies to take care of her mother, who was suffering from cancer, as well as her brothers and sisters.
This important decision strengthened her role as a homemaker and allowed her to assume many responsibilities early on.
However, the wish to finish her studies never left her. During her interview, she recalled her school journey with emotion, expressing her love for learning and the friendships she had made there.
Her will and determination touched her family and others. Motivated by her story, Maureen Geary, a relative, contacted her school to award her an honorary diploma.
The school officials responded enthusiastically to this request and organized a special ceremony to celebrate this late achievement.
On October 29, 2015, Margaret received her diploma during an emotional ceremony, where she could not hold back her tears.
Greg Deja, the school’s principal, expressed his satisfaction in being able to reward such a worthy former student, highlighting the significant impact her story had left within the community.
Margaret’s words on this occasion were filled with gratitude; she admitted how difficult it had been for her to give up school and take on such family responsibilities.
This experience shows us that dreams are not limited by time and that education can open horizons at any age.
