It took 75 years longer than most, but Dorothy Leiss now has her high school diploma.
The 92-year-old resident of Geneva Lake Manor in Wisconsin had always dreamed of getting her degree and donning the cap and gown. She joined the workforce after completing eighth grade to help out her family and never had a chance to return to high school.
Diane Morrison, an employee with the Lake Geneva, WI, skilled nursing facility caught wind of Leiss’ dream, and was able to help arrange an honorary diploma from the local school district.
“When I shared the news with Dorothy that she was going to be awarded a high school diploma, she cried,” Morrison told McKnight’s.
Geneva Lake Manor held the graduation ceremony in July with cake and decorations. It was attended by the school superintendent and other officials. School Board President Patrick Sherman had no qualms about giving Leiss the degree. “We thought this was very deserved,” Sherman told the Gazette newspaper. “You are part of the Greatest Generation. You have been a lifelong learner.”
Leiss was overjoyed by the media-rich event.
“My life has been a wonderful thing,” Leiss told the Gazette. “I am very grateful, and I think this is fantastic. I never thought this day would come, but here I am. I did it!”
From the September 01, 2018 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
