HotmailGreat-grandmother earns GED
79-year-old left school in eighth grade to farm in 1940s; hopes to inspire
 | Special feature |
 | Tales of survival A gator victim who got a new high-tech hand; a mom who woke from a coma; a police officer who flatlined twice. Learn how all these people and others came through life-threatening situations. |
 | Slideshow |
 | The Week in Pictures Yankees fans, Pakistan train crash, festival of lights, Iran protest, rodeo clowns, H1N1, toddler bowling and more news and feature photos from around the globe. more photos |
 |
 Health bill’s passage a boost for Obama? Nov. 8: NBC’s Jenna Wolfe speaks with David Gregory, moderator of “Meet the Press.” |
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Ola Mae Venable spent only three days in eighth grade before deciding she'd rather work on her family's farm.
That was in the 1940s. Now, at the age of 79, Venable is a great-grandmother and the proud holder of a diploma.
Venable earned a General Educational Development diploma on Tuesday when she passed her final math test.
She sailed through science, social studies and other tests, but math didn't come easily. Venable spent the last five months studying practice tests and working with a tutor to learn algebra and geometry, The Winston-Salem Journal reports.
She said she didn't know it would be quite so difficult, but she was determined to finish. She didn't want to drop out of school twice.
Venable now has six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She hopes to inspire other people who think they're too old to finish school.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM PEOPLE |
 People Section Front |
| Add People headlines to your news reader: |
Sponsored links
Resource guide