78-Year-Old Woman Graduates CFCC Early Childhood Education Program

“It is never too late, at any age, to complete your education or improve yourself through education,” said Louise Boney, 78. This is the inspiration Louise hopes to give her 11 grandchildren as she receives her Associate in Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Cape Fear Community College this spring.

After high school, Louise never had the opportunity to pursue her dream of being a teacher. A short time spent in retirement following her time as an activity director at a nursing home, she decided retirement was not for her and took a part-time job at Wilmington Christian Academy.

At 78, Louise has completed her associate’s degree and through her hard work and perseverance — a destructive hurricane, losing her home, and relocating three times — has maintained a 4.0 GPA.

Through her journey, she wants her grandchildren to know “education provides opportunities and keeps all avenues open for your future. I want them to know the importance of education and to inspire them to be leaders and never stop striving for improvement. I hope watching me walk across the stage will show them that anything is possible through motivation and hard work.”

After graduation, Louise will continue doing what she loves — teaching three-year-olds at Wilmington Christian Academy, now equipped with a new education, skill set, resources, and experiences from which to draw.

“It is so rewarding to help young children get an early start on their education and it makes my day to get a hug and hear, “Miss Louise, I love you.”