98-Year-Old Woman Graduates From High School

June 14, 2006 — -- For one senior, high school graduation fulfills a lifelong dream. Josephine Belasco is not only a high school senior but a senior citizen.

Tonight, 98-year-old Belasco will receive her high school diploma from Galileo High School in San Francisco more than 80 years after she attended.

The story goes back to the 1920s when Belasco, an immigrant from Italy, took a job during a school break to make some extra money for her family. That job turned permanent, and for the next 36 years, she worked as an accountant for Transamerica.

She was not without regrets, though. "It was always my goal to get my high school diploma," Belasco said.

After talking with her grandson, who encouraged her to go back to school, she decided it wasn't too late. "I watched my children and grandchildren graduate, and I realized it's my turn," she said.

Her kids were surprised when she announced her decision. "When she told me I was like, 'Ma, you're 98 years old!'" said her son, Edward.

But the woman whom friends describe as active and energetic and can frequently be found shopping or cooking an Italian feast, wasn't about to let her age stop her.

She went to the Galileo High administration offices, where she had been one of the first students when the school opened.Somewhat remarkably, they were able to track down her transcript.

"She came to our office and was sweet as can be," said Galileo's longtime secretary Bettie Grinnell. "She said she was looking to finish her last semester so she could graduate," she said.

Belasco was ready to take the classes, but the administration felt that her 98 years of wisdom was more education than any class she could take, said Jenna Roshner, a documentary filmmaker chronicling her story.

Belasco will receive her honorary diploma tonight in front of a proud family and the community. The mayor of San Francisco has even declared June 14 as Josephine Belasco Day.

"I never dreamed that I would be able to achieve my goal," Belasco said. She plans to celebrate with about 30 close friends and family after the graduation. And her diploma will hang proudly in her San Francisco apartment.

As for the senior prom, she didn't make it this year -- but there's always next year.