The Hancock County Board of Education meeting included a moment of joy as 93-year-old Carmen McBride finally received her high school diploma from the Class of 1949 Monday night.
TRAGEDY STRIKES
Carmen was only eleven-years-old when tragedy would take her mother from her. She had three siblings, ages 10, 9 and 6. Her father, Jose Rodriques, was a shift worker at Weirton Steel. The responsibility of caring for her siblings fell squarely on Carmen’s shoulders and her life suddenly not only included school, but cooking, cleaning, overseeing homework, and feeding three children before she sent them off to school. Still she persevered completing her school work and homework while fulfilling the role of mother to her three siblings. She was scheduled to graduate with the Weir High Class of 1949.
That dream fell apart when the dual role of caretaker and student became too much. She fell behind during her Senior when her homework came back marked with errors. Aware that she had maxed out her energy, Carmen quit school several months prior to her graduation. She made the decision to put family first and her own goals on the back burner.
A LIFETIME OF LOVE AND GIVING
Carmen later married James McBride and together they raised five daughters; She has been instrumental in seeing her daughters. Judy Raveaux. Linda Hone, Carol June, Barbara Nelson and Nancy Toms, reach their personal and professional goals to ensure their success. The family of five daughters has now expanded to include 31 grand, great grand and great great grandchildren, all who love and adore their”Gaga with the white hair.”
POMP & CIRCUMSTANCE
Through the years, Carmen attended many high school and college graduations for her own family. Although no degree can ensure a successful life, Carmen’s was successful in more ways than you can imagine.
Recently Carmen voiced to her daughter that her one regret in life was not finishing high school.
So as any loving family would, they set about making that dream come true. Judy contact Superintendent Dan Enich who embraced the idea and started the process.
Weir High, Principal Ted Arneault was on hand to present the honorary diploma to Carmen.
“As principal of Weir High School and having fulfilled requirements for this honorary diploma I now declare you an honorary graduate of the Weir High Class of 1949,” he said.
Superintendent Dan Enich said, “On behalf of the Weir High Class of 1949, I hereby accept Mr. Arneault’s declaration and confirm the honorary diploma from the Weir High Class of to Carmen Anita Gil. Congratulations”
And, as Pomp & Circumstance played, Carmen’s grandson placed her mortarboard on her head and turned the tassel while tears flowed from Carmen and those present. Who said dreams don’t come true.
A surprise moment came for all when Enich also gave Carmen, the “Game Changer” award, which the County presents to a citizens who have had a positive impact on their county.
Carmen’s daughter, Judy Raveaux, said the family took Carmen out to eat after the ceremony.
“She just kept saying, “was that for real?” and the family replied “Yeah, Mom. That was for real.”
Life happens, dreams get waylaid by family responsibilities, but luckily the School Administration and Board of Education never loses sight of what education has meant in their students’ lives. Even when that student is 93.
