The story of Cindy Adams, a legendary gossip columnist for The Post, serves as a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to graduate from high school. At 94 years old, Adams finally received her long-awaited diploma in a special ceremony attended by the Governor and Mayor of New York City.
Adams explained that she became a high school dropout due to her lack of sewing skills. In the 1940s, Home Economics was a mandatory subject, and students were required to make their own graduation dresses. Despite having an average score of 90-something and completing high school in just three years instead of four, Adams could not sew her dress, which led to her not being granted a diploma.
The event took place at Andrew Jackson High School in Queens, where Adams had originally studied. The ceremony was attended by Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, and Randi Weingarten from the American Federation of Teachers. Each speaker praised Cindy Adams for her resilience, determination, and talent in becoming a renowned columnist despite not having a high school diploma.
Governor Hochul playfully suggested that if Adams had received her diploma earlier, she might have gone on to become a famous celebrity columnist for The New York Post or pursued some other remarkable path. Judge Judy Sheindlin, a close friend of Cindy Adams for over 30 years, also spoke movingly about their friendship and shared that they had first met through their mutual bank teller.
Cindy Adams’ story illustrates the importance of never giving up on one’s dreams or educational goals. Whether it’s a high school diploma or a college degree, there is always time to achieve success in life. As she proudly holds her long-overdue diploma, Adams serves as an inspiration for anyone who may have faced setbacks in their educational journey.
