At 100 years old, Pearl Neumann had accomplished many of her life’s dreams. She devoted herself to raising her family, being a longtime leader in her community, and volunteer service. But one dream took more than 80 extra years to accomplish: earning her high school diploma.
All of that changed recently when she was honored with a diploma from Spencerport High School.
Neumann’s Story
In her sophomore year of high school, Neumann’s schooling was interrupted. She was needed to help on her family’s farm in Spencerport, a town in upstate New York west of Rochester, and was unable to complete her degree.
After leaving high school, Neumann remained in Spencerport, a canal town in Western New York west of Rochester, devoting her life to service.
Over the decades, Neumann remained busy in her hometown. Along with working on the local ambulance, she helped new immigrants in the area get established. Of the time helping newcomers to the United States, she says, “It makes you feel good all over. You’re not only helping somebody else, but you’re also helping yourself to stand on your own two feet and fight for the good old U.S.A.”
High School Graduate At Last
For all her accomplishments and service to others, regrets still lingered for never receiving her high school diploma – until now. At age 100, Neumann now lives in a nursing home and uses a walker to get around. But she remains feisty as ever. With the help of the staff at the nursing home, Neumann made a request to finally receive her high school diploma. Sean McCabe, principal at Spencerport High School, said he found her efforts humbling. “It’s a life that was centered on family and on service to others and service to the community,” McCabe said.
“I certainly would say everything has well-exceeded anything associated with graduating from high school.”
Spencerport High School held a special ceremony for her, finally honoring her with a diploma. She will also be included in the high school’s Class of 2023 display that will hang in the school’s hallway. During the ceremony, Neumann said, “I’m proud of what I did. I’d do it all again in a minute if I had the ability to do it and the health to do it.”
Her advice to others: Stand up for yourself. “By golly, stand on your own two feet,” she said. “Don’t let someone else tell you what to do because they think they know more than you do. Baloney!”
Neumann spent many decades actively helping others. Now, the staff at the nursing home ensures she receives the Long-Term Care she requires at this stage of life. By getting a Long-Term policy today through your association and AMBA, you can have peace of mind knowing you can maintain your financial independence, so you won’t have to rely on family members, and help protect your assets and preserve your children’s inheritance. Plus, this policy pays in addition to any other insurance you already have.
Ask a skilled AMBA agent if a Long-Term Care policy, endorsed by your association, is right for you. Find out more by calling AMBA at 866-615-4063 o click to request a free Benefits Review.
Fuente: https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/100-year-old-woman-graduates-high-school
