WHEATLAND, Iowa (WQAD-TV) — It’s that time of year again where students across the nation are walking across the stage to get their diplomas, but a special graduation was held for a not so typical graduating senior in Wheatland, IA.
101-year-old Pearl Russ had her dream come true. Only making it to eighth grade, she always wanted to get her high school diploma.
“In those years we just didn’t do this, we couldn’t, because the wages wasn’t there and my dad didn’t get that much money,” says Pearl.
Wheatland Manor Care Facility where Pearl lives decided to give her a graduation ceremony. Pearl even got to dress in complete graduation attire.
“I’m so excited for her, she’s very happy,” says Pearl’s granddaughter, Linda Oliphant.
In front of friends and family, Pearl walked to get her diploma and gave a short speech afterwards, saying, “Thank you everybody for having something like this happen, it means a lot.”
Linda says she’s living proof that it’s never too late.
“It’s never too late to go do what you want do, to find your goal and your drive in life,” she said.
