Many high schoolers take their graduations for granted, and never realize how lucky they are for being allowed to receive an education.
For Margaret Bekema, graduating from Grand Rapids Catholic Central High was not possible since she was forced to leave so she could take care of her siblings, and her mother who was sick with cancer. 79 years later, however, she was finally presented with her honorary diploma. The 97-year-old burst into tears upon seeing her diploma, and thanked everyone from the bottom of her heart.
According to Greg Deja, Central Principal, “her life has been one of sacrifice and service. It has been so encouraging and inspiring for our community because her choices represent all the core values that we teach our students.”
When Margaret was 17, she was forced to leave school in order to take care of her siblings and sick mother.
“I had to quit school to take over the family. It was hard, you have no idea how hard that was. I loved high school and I had lots of friends”
Watch the video below to see this incredible moment Margaret is given her diploma.
Can you believe how long she waited to get this diploma? Share with us in the comments below.
[Featured image credit: USA Today]