97-year-old sheds tears of joy after getting high school diploma

Margaret Thome Bekema cried before receiving her honorary diploma from Catholic Central High School at Stone bridge Manor on Thursday October 29.

The 97-year-old should have graduated from high school in 1936, but it wasn't until nearly 80 years later that she received the honorary degree.

"Catholic Central is proud to honor Margaret with the diploma she should have received long ago. Even though Margaret never officially completed high school, her story as a former Catholic Central student has impacted the school and our community," said principal Greg Deja in a press release issued by the school. "The selfless way Margaret lived her life truly embodies Catholic Central's core values and we are proud to now officially claim her as a Catholic Central alumna."

Principal, Greg Deja presented the diploma to her at the Yorkshire and Stonebridge Manors, a senior community in Walker, Michigan.

"I thank you from the bottom of my heart," said Bekema in a video uploaded by Mlive.com.