‘Gramps Graduates’: 106-Year-Old Man Receives Honorary High School Diploma

Photo: @birdeebird (TikTok) A Black centenarian received an honorary diploma from a South Carolina high school this past weekend. Over a hundred people showed up to watch 106-year-old Fred Allen Smalls accept the honor from Georgetown High School on February 16, according to WPDE. Birdella Kinney, Smalls’ granddaughter, told reporters she spent more than a year planning the graduation ceremony. She also shared various clips from the event on TikTok, as well as content about her celebrated grandfather. Applause erupted as two people helped Smalls walk across the stage, accept the diploma, and turn the tassle on his graduation cap. The presenter even highlighted his “unwavering determination and spirit” after the diploma was conferred. @birdeebird ♬ Planetarium Winter Lofi Ballad(1377668) – G-axis sound music Born on February 5, 1918 in Plantersville area of Georgetown County, Smalls was raised by his grandmother and aunt, who he credits for his longevity and success in life. “He attended school in Plantersville in a building in the woods without a name,” Kinney said. “He was able to complete grades 1-5 under the instruction of Mr. Jim Skinner who taught all students in the same classroom. At the early age of 15, he accepted Christ...