Teresa Ramirez, 61, graduates from Midland High in same ceremony as grandson

Teresa Ramirez was just one month from graduating from Midland High in 1980 when she dropped out due to life circumstances.

“I was working and going to school and dealing with personal issues at the time, and finishing school just wasn’t a priority,” Ramirez said. “I regretted it for years.”

Last month, Ramirez, 61. closed the chapter on that long-standing regret, joining the nearly 1,500 Midland ISD seniors who walked across the stage during graduation ceremonies, according to the school district.

“It was something I had always wanted to do, and now was the time to do it,” said Ramirez.

Ramirez benefitted from a Midland ISD effort to help adults return to school to receive their diploma. She was only one half-credit short of the graduation requirement, the school district said.

The process was put on hold by COVID, then Ramirez decided to wait until 2023 so she could graduate in the same ceremony as her grandson. While adult graduates generally accept their diplomas privately or as part of a small ceremony, Ramirez decided to be part of the big commencement ceremony.

“I definitely wanted to be a part of the whole celebration,” she said. “It was like I was finally in the position where I should have been 43 years ago.”

Inspired by her accomplishment, Ramirez’s husband is reportedly considering getting his high school diploma as well, according to Midland ISD.