Saturday, March 9, 2013

  Oldest High School Graduate: Fred Butler breaks Guinness world record

BEVERLY, MA, USA -- The city's oldest resident, 106-year-old Fred Butler, finally received his high school diploma in the Beverly High School library, setting the new world record for the Oldest High School Graduate, according to the World Record Academy: www.worldrecorda cademy.com/.

  Photo:106-year-old Fred Butler received his high school diploma ( enlarge photo )

 The Guinness world record for the oldest graduate is Allan Stewart (Australia, b. 7 March 1915) who received a Bachelor of Laws degree aged 91 years 214 days, when he graduated from the University of New England, New South Wales, Australia.

  Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the Oldest dance instructor, set by Gisel Weser (Germany) (b. 1 February 1921); she worked at Triebel-Hölzer (founded 1883), Lutherstadt Eisleben, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, since 1949. She became head of the school in 1968 and continues to teach.

Fred Butler was married for 65 years, raised five children, served in the Army during World War II and worked for years for the local water department, but the fact he never earned a high school diploma always bothered him.

The 106-year-old, from Beverly, Massachusetts, was awarded his honorary diploma on Monday during an emotional ceremony attended by school officials, state lawmakers and Beverly Mayor Bill Scanlon.

  Mayor Bill Scanlon declared Monday Fred Butler Day in Beverly.

  "I thank everyone responsible for this, I certainly appreciate it," Butler told a large crowd gathered for the ceremony.

  Butler dropped out of school after eighth grade to work in order to help his mother pay the bills.

   Daughter-in-law Cathy Butler says he regretted dropping out and always emphasized the importance of education to his children and grandchildren.
   A grandson, Mike Calabro, said Butler gave him $5 for every A on his report card.

 "He's a kind and gentle soul," his niece Helen told WBZ NewsRadio 1030′s Carl Stevens."He took care of his siblings and helped his mom as a young man. He's always been there for everyone in the family."

   Related world records:
Oldest graduate: Dr Allan Stewart sets world record

Oldest Formerly Illiterate Author: James Arruda Henry sets world record (Video)

Oldest college graduate: Leo Plass (Video)

Oldest Practicing Doctor: Dr Walter Watson

Oldest dance school graduate  - Frederick Salter