Michigan woman, 70, achieves dream of graduating high school

DETROIT — A 70-year-old Michigan woman who dropped out of school when she was 13 finally achieved her dream of graduating high school.

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“There’s no reason not to show up in school - if you have the ability to do it - go for it,” Hermelinda Sporea told WJBK.

Sporea dropped out and started working in 1963 to help support her family after her father died, WDIV reported.

Over time she earned certificates in printing and advertising. Later, she attended beauty school and opened her own salon. She got married and had five children.

Still, something was missing.

“I always wanted that diploma - that was my dream - that diploma - I always wanted my education,” she told WJBK.

She tried three times in the past but it was not until a few years ago when her daughter started working at Utica Community Schools that her studies stuck.

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“Hermelinda really has a drive - she wanted to succeed - she wanted to graduate,” said EJ Wajeeh, director of community education. “She wanted to show everyone you put your mind to it.”

She recently finished the four-year program, not a high school equivalency, earning her high school diploma with honors. Her graduation ceremony is June 6.

Sporea, who has 17 grandchildren, said it was challenging at times, but she wanted to finish to serve as an example to them. She said she would like to get her associates degree next.

“I wanted my grandkids to see that if I could do it, they could do it,” Sporea told WDIV. “To set an example for them to never give up.”

Cox Media Group