Nationwide — 90-year-old Ellouise Lewis from Gulfport, Mississippi has finally received her GED certificate after seven decades have passed since she had to drop out of school. A graduation ceremony was held at her nursing home.

“I never did get a chance to graduate until this day,” Lewis told WLOX.
Lewis was in the 10th grade when she dropped out of high school. Whenever she looked back to those days, she said she had always wished to finish her education.

The staff at the Gulfport Care Center, where Lewis has been admitted, helped make her wish come true. They reached out to Wells of South Gate, a religious organization and learning center that conducts adult classes.

“It’s a blessing to me and to my coworkers to be able to make this happen,” said Activity Director Lisa Perdue.

She took the mock test and passed it, making her the organization’s first-ever recipient of an honorary GED. Even though it is not an official GED, it still highlights Lewis’ knowledge and determination to complete SouthGate’s course.

“When they told me here that I could get my GED happy about. Still happy, excuse me, because this makes me happy to know that I can do,” she said.

Ellouise Lewis’ story is a true testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of lifelong learning. Despite facing obstacles that forced her to put her education on hold, Lewis never gave up on her dream of earning her GED. At 90 years old, she has finally achieved that goal, proving that it is never too late to pursue your dreams.

Lewis’s journey to earning her GED was made possible with the support of the staff at the Gulfport Care Center and the Wells of South Gate organization. Their dedication to helping her reach this milestone is truly inspiring and highlights the impact that a supportive community can have on an individual’s life.

For Lewis, receiving her GED is more than just a piece of paper. It is a symbol of her determination, resilience, and commitment to personal growth. Despite the challenges she faced along the way, she never lost sight of her goal and now, at 90 years old, she can proudly say that she is a high school graduate.

The graduation ceremony held at her nursing home was a joyous occasion, filled with celebration and pride. As Lewis accepted her honorary GED certificate, she expressed her gratitude and happiness for finally achieving this long-awaited milestone. Her story serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing similar challenges or obstacles in their own educational journeys.

Lewis’s story reminds us that education is a lifelong pursuit and that it is never too late to continue learning and growing. Her determination and perseverance serve as a powerful example of the impact that education can have on an individual’s life, no matter their age or circumstances.

In a world where education is often seen as a privilege, Ellouise Lewis’s story serves as a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and support from others, anything is possible. At 90 years old, she has made history by earning her GED, and her story will continue to inspire others for years to come.