At the age of 94, legendary columnist Cindy Adams finally received her high school diploma on her birthday, presented by Governor Kathy Hochul. The long overdue degree was a testament to Adams’ persistence and determination. Despite having a PhD in NYC, Adams had never graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in Queens due to failing home economics and being unable to sew.
Adams had always been open about her lack of a high school diploma and had even written about the ordeal in 2022. She recounted her experience of being set for college at 15 but being denied graduation because she couldn’t sew her own graduation dress. After her mother paid a professional to finish the dress for her, the principal refused to give her the diploma, stating that she hadn’t made the dress herself. This setback meant that Adams couldn’t attend college and served as a reminder that a college education was necessary for success.
The closure of Andrew Jackson High School in 1994 marked the end of an era. However, Adams’ high-powered friends had been campaigning for years behind the scenes to rectify the situation and allow Adams to finally receive her diploma. Previous officials had insisted that she sit for a GED, but Governor Hochul was determined to make it right and personally presented Adams with her long-awaited diploma.
The diploma ceremony was described as “very classy,” with Hochul privately honoring Adams for her achievement. Alongside the diploma, Adams was also given a plaque that featured the degree, an image of her alma mater, and a “Discharge Card” from the school dated May 1, 1946. The event was attended by several prominent figures, including former NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Woody Allen, Al Sharpton, Kellyanne Conway, Bill O’Reilly, and Don Lemon.
Adams, known for her wit and vivacity, shared some details about herself on her 94th birthday. She humorously mentioned her physical attributes, stating that she was a size 8, 5-foot-4, weighed 118 pounds, and wore a 34B bra. She also added a historical touch, claiming to have been present when the Egyptians were building the pyramids.
The gathering to celebrate Adams’ birthday and witness her diploma surprise was a star-studded affair. Alongside the previously mentioned attendees, soap opera legend Susan Lucci, Rosanna Scotto, Cuomo’s mother Matilda, Larry Kudlow, John Catsimatidis, Scott Stringer, New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd, News Corp CEO Robert Thomson, and New York Post Group Editor-in-Chief Keith Poole were spotted toasting Adams.
This heartwarming story of a 94-year-old columnist finally receiving her high school diploma serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams. Adams’ persistence and the support of her high-powered friends led to this momentous occasion. It is a testament to Adams’ resilience and determination that she can now proudly call herself a high school graduate, even if it came 78 years later.
