Elderly woman breaks down when presented with honorary high school degree

A 97-year-old woman who was forced to leave school eight decades ago when her mother fell ill broke down in tears this week as she was presented with an honorary diploma from her alma mater.

When she was 17-years-old Margaret Thome Bekema had to drop out of her school, Catholic Central High, because her mother Katherine was diagnosed with cancer, MLive reports.

She never graduated high school.

Ms Bekema left at the request of her father, Leo Thome, who needed her to take care of her three younger siblings so he could continue working.

She said dropping out broke her heart.

“It was hard, you have no idea how hard that was,” Ms Bekema said.

“I loved high school and I had a lot of friends.”

Now 80 years on, Catholic Central High’s principal Greg Deja decided to hold a ceremony for Ms Bekema and presented her with the honorary diploma.

“Her life has been one of sacrifice and service,” he said.

“It has been so encouraging and inspiring for our community because her choices represent all the core values that we teach our students.”

Ms Bekema proudly wore the school’s shade of blue and her graduation cap at the ceremony and teared up as her sash was placed around her neck.

“I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Ms Bekema told the audience.