106-year-old man finally earns high school diploma

At 106 years old, Fred Butler of Massachusetts has finally received his high school diploma.

The Associated Press has reported that Butler never reached it to the ninth grade. He had to drop out in order to support his mother and five younger siblings.

In a ceremony that took place on Monday in the Beverly High school library, Butler, sitting in his wheelchair, was granted his honorary degree, reported The Boston Globe.

Butler was born in Beverly in 1906. Before the ninth grade, he spent his time working at a print shop in the mornings and then would attend school in the afternoon. However, once he was offered a full-time position instead of just mornings, he decided to drop out of school and pursue his career at the print shop.

He never let go of his regret having left school.

Butler has a lot to show for it all. He was married for sixty five years, served the United States in World War II, has five children and worked at Beverly’s water department in which he retired in 1975.

Despite his decision, Butler always stressed the importance of education.