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Never Too Late to Graduate

Cicero High School Adds One More Graduate to Class of '26

From the Noblesville Daily Times

Written by William Fouts, on 06-11-2008 08:49 

At 99 years old, Margaret Trout has had a rich, full life. She worked alongside her late husband in the family business for 60 years. She was an office holder in Eastern Star and a board member of the First United Methodist Church in Noblesville. 

Her only regret in nearly 100 years is not getting her high school diploma. But after 82 years, and with the help of the Never Too Late Foundation – an organization that grants wishes to seniors, Trout has finally gotten her long-awaited sheepskin and an early 100th birthday present. 

With family and friends present, and decked out in cap and gown, Trout was awarded her diploma in a special ceremony Tuesday at the Maple Park Retirement Village in Westfield where she now lives. 

“I don’t deserve all this,” Trout said humbly. “If everybody had a birthday like this, I don’t know they could take care of all of them.” 

Trout, who turns 100 in September, would have graduated from Cicero High School in 1926. However, with only weeks to go before graduation, her two younger sisters contracted smallpox. With her mother also bedridden while recovering from surgery, Trout quit school to care for her family.

“We’re honored to be in the business of honoring senior citizens and their longevity and what they’ve given to us and the community at large,” said Never Too Late Founder Bob Haverstick. “Today is just a way to say thank you and give back.” 

Hamilton Heights Superintendent Tony Cook presented the diploma on behalf of her former school. Cook said her records are still on file and that the new graduate was more than deserving of her diploma.

“She was sailing along with all A’s and B’s,” Cook said. “There was no doubt about her making graduation.” 

Trout’s red cap and gown were provided by Indianapolis-based graduation gear supplier Herff-Jones. The company also reproduced a Cicero High School diploma similar to one she would have received had she graduated with her class in 1926. 

After more than eight decades, the Class of ’26’s newest member said her ceremony was just as thrilling as if she had been with her classmates, but added she wasn’t sure if it had all sunk in yet. 

“Ask me tomorrow,” she said.