Lora Lois LeMond White Hardy should’ve graduated more than 80 years ago.
Hardy, who was unable to receive her diploma because she needed just four more credits from Anderson High School in 1993, was finally able to receive her certificate, according to the Associated Press.
“I lacked four credits when my dad got sick,” explained Hardy.
“I got a job at Delco, and that was about as good as you could hope for back then.”
Hardy was reportedly forced to quit school and begin working at a company owned by General Motors in order to help support her seven younger siblings. The woman, who will reportedly turn 100 this month, traveled from Florida to central Indiana to receive her well-deserved diploma.
“She has stated that her biggest regret in life is that she was not able to complete high school and earn her diploma,” stated Terry Thompson, Superintendent of the automotive company she used to work at.
Hardy reportedly sat at the front of the board meeting in her cap and gown as she was presented with a bouquet of flowers and her diploma.
“I knew I was going to get the diploma, but I had no idea it would be all this,” stated Hardy.
Hardy isn’t the only one that has received a long-awaited certificate.
Marie Hunt, who is currently 103 years old, was given her high school diploma at River Valley High School recently as well, according to People. Hunt reportedly would’ve graduated in 1928, but was also forced to drop out of school due to commuting reasons.
She reportedly spent her high school years helping to raise her eight younger siblings.
Hunt may be looking into seeing if she “might’ve been college material too” now that she received her high school diploma.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. And I didn’t have the opportunity to go and now, 100 years later, here I am!,” stated Hunt.
