In
The News:In
The News:
Lifetime
of learning earns diploma for 83-year-old
'It's
something I always wanted, but I never thought it would happen'
By Bethany Nolan
Herald-Times
Staff Writer
November
13, 2004
With a lifetime of experience behind her, Vera Mathis finally got her high school diploma Friday.
Decked out in a cap and gown of "Panther purple," the surprised 83-year-old received an honorary diploma from Bloomington High School South amid the shouts and cheers of family and friends.
"I would've never, never, never suspected this," she said, her lower lip trembling with emotion. "It's something I always wanted, but I never thought it would happen."
Mathis, who's staying at Bell Trace Health and Living Center while recovering from a broken leg, recently shared her deepest life regret with a caregiver there - that she'd never been able to finish high school.
That caregiver contacted Never Too Late, an organization that fulfills wishes for the elderly, which promptly arranged for Mathis to receive her diploma.
As
a youngster, Mathis said she loved school and made good grades. Her favorite
subjects were English and "anything to do with reading," as well as
gym class.
"That's
where I really excelled, playing basketball, baseball," she said. "I
love baseball."
But with an ill father at home who needed care and not a lot of money for books, Mathis wasn't able to graduate. Soon after, she married and started her family.
"I often thought about it, but raising my family, I was busy," she said. "Then I got them raised, and I thought it was too late to go back."
Daughter Jonell Frye said her mom often spoke of her wish to finish school, adding, "I'm just thrilled that's been fulfilled for her. ... This is something she's always wanted."
And granddaughter Mendy Sattinger said her grandmother exemplifies a motto she takes to heart - "Never stop living."
Daughter-in-law Bobbi Mathis said her mother-in-law has always treated her as her own daughter.
"She's had a lifetime of loving and helping people," she said. "That's an education in itself."
As for Mathis, she's already got plans for her new diploma.
"I'm going to hang it up right where I can see it," she said.
Wishing and hoping
If you know someone who has a wish they'd like fulfilled, contact Never Too Late.
The Indianapolis-based organization, a nonprofit run by volunteers that strives to fulfill wishes for elderly people, now has a Monroe County chapter.
For details, to volunteer or to donate, contact Shannon White, director of the local Beatrice Vaughan memorial chapter of Never Too Late, at (812) 876-9909 or glamrsglen@bluemarble.net.
Reporter
Bethany Nolan can be reached at 331-4373 or by e-mail at bnolan@heraldt.com.