NORTH READING, MASS. (WHDH) - A North Reading woman is celebrating two big milestones this week: She is turning 100 years old and she received an honorary high school diploma.
Clare Piciutto had to drop out of high school at the age of 16 so she could get a job and support her family. Her daughter said she still educated her children and grandchildren, encouraging them to go to college to take advantage of an opportunity she never had.
A graduation ceremony was held at the O’Leary Senior Center, where Piciutto wore a cap and got her honorary diploma from North Reading High School. North Reading Superintendent John Bernard jokingly reminded her about an outstanding library fine she had that has grown to $700.
A birthday party will be held for Piciutto on Saturday. The town has also declared Aug. 19 to be Clare Piciutto Day.
Piciutto said her secret to living a long life is lots of olive oil.
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