In 1932, Margaret Thome Bekema was forced to leave school after her mother’s conditioned worsened and it became her responsibility to care for the family.
After caring for her mother, Margaret later began clerical work for the armed forces and worked as a preschool teacher for many years.
When Margaret’s family contacted Catholic Central High School and shared her story, they were only too happy to help out.
79 years after Margaret was meant to walk down the halls of her high school, she was finally presented with her finishing diploma – and rightfully so.
The Catholic Central Principal Greg Deja added, “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.”
Margaret was brought to tears upon being presented with her diploma.
Watch the touching video below.