Violet Edwards, 96, Shatters Records as Oldest African-American Woman to Graduate with 100% Honors
Born in Jamaica in 1925, Edwards broke barriers early in life, becoming the first in her village to attend school with a full academic scholarship to Happy Grove High School. Despite challenges during World War II, she earned the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate, displaying unwavering determination.
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Violet Edwards, a 96-year-old trailblazer, has made history by graduating from Mercy College in New York with an impeccable 100% grade-point average, setting a new standard for age-defying academic achievement.
Born in Jamaica in 1925, Edwards broke barriers early in life, becoming the first in her village to attend school with a full academic scholarship to Happy Grove High School. Despite challenges during World War II, she earned the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate, displaying unwavering determination.
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In the 1980s, Edwards initially pursued higher education at the College of New Rochelle, New York, but financial constraints interrupted her academic journey. Returning to Jamaica, she embarked on a successful career with the Jamaica Postal Service, prioritizing support for her daughter, Dr. Christine Edwards, who now serves as the medical director of the Florida Perinatal Center, LLC.
Undeterred by the passage of time, Violet Edwards resumed her college journey, facing financial hurdles and health challenges. Accepted as a transfer student at Mercy College, she navigated the intricacies of online classes with the assistance of her family.
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Adapting to technology at 96, Edwards humorously commented, "Everything was on pad paper and pencil. I can't say I've enjoyed it, but I'm going along with it." Her indomitable spirit persisted even in the face of a cancer diagnosis during her final year.
Today, Violet Edwards stands not only as the oldest African-American woman to graduate but as an inspiring symbol of resilience, determination, and the timeless pursuit of knowledge.
