Ted Sams, 77, should have participated in the graduation ceremony of his high school in San Gabriel, California (United States) at the same time as his classmates in 1962. But it is ultimately only 60 years older late, on May 27, that the septuagenarian, dressed in the traditional outfit, was given the official document, says The Washington Post.
A control caught too late
Several obstacles stood between the student and obtaining his secondary school leaving certificate. Five days before the end of the year, the high school student had been punished for indiscipline on the campus of the establishment. He had thus failed a final history exam and was therefore not officially a graduate at the time of the festivities. He was then able to retake the test, which he passed. However, he had a bad surprise when he got his diploma.
To deliver the famous document to him, the school administration asked him to pay a fine for an unreturned class book. Ted Sams refused to pay the 4.80 dollars, or about 4.60 euros. He indeed preferred to keep the money for his summer vacation. But over time, the regrets arrived. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the failed event, the American’s children contacted the San Gabriel high school explaining the whole story to them.
A standing ovation
The missed ceremony was therefore finally made up for. Amid nearly 500 high school students, Ted Sams, in a blue gown and hat, received both his high school diploma and a standing ovation from onlookers, family and fellow students. “I was afraid that the kids would think me crazy and wonder what this old man was doing there, explained the septuagenarian. But […] everywhere I went, I was congratulated”.