SOUTH GLENS FALLS – At 105 years old, Ruth C. Scinto is realizing her dream of becoming a high school graduate.
Born on Aug. 1, 1919, Ruth grew up during the Great Depression. Like many of her generation, she left school in the 10th grade to help support her family. At 16, she was working in a hat factory, where she was the only woman operating machinery. Her early life was defined by hard work, sacrifice and resilience.
Though she always valued education, life’s responsibilities took precedence. But her desire to finish what she started never left.
“It's never too late to learn. And feel good about yourself and to be proud,” she said.
Earlier this year, Ruth confided in her daughter, Mary, that she wanted to earn her high school diploma. Mary, determined to help, reached out to the Tri-County Literacy Center of Glens Falls. That’s when Ruth’s diploma journey truly began.
She was paired with volunteer tutor Pauline Neilson. Twice a week, Pauline visited Ruth, bringing large-print books and tailored lessons. Nielsen would handwrite information in large lettering so Ruth could see it. They studied for one to two hours per session, covering everything from reading comprehension to geography. Despite facing serious challenges — failing eyesight, hearing loss and the physical limitations of age — Ruth persevered.
“She wasn’t doing this for a job or college,” Mary said. “She just wanted to learn. That was enough.”
Upon learning that she would have to take a computer-based test to get her GED from New York state, the team headed in a different direction, reaching out to the South Glens Falls Central School District, who worked to award Ruth an honorary degree.
Tri-County Literacy Center Executive Director Roseann Anzalone and board member Suzanne Merrill reached out to SGFCSD Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Tim Dawkins about helping Ruth get her degree.
“Ruth Scinto and Pauline Neilson are two amazing ladies who prove that when someone believes in you, you can accomplish anything. Our volunteers are the heart of what we do and Ruth's accomplishment showcases how one person, in this case Pauline, can make a major impact in someone's world,” Anzalone said.
“At 105 years old, Ruth has earned far more than one diploma. SGF was thrilled to work with the Tri-County Literacy Center to ensure that Ruth’s hard work would be rewarded,” Dawkins said. “Her determination to receive her diploma will hopefully show others that it is never too late to go back and get your degree. She has also shown that education is a lifelong pursuit, and that seeking knowledge never goes out of style.”
Dawkins presented Ruth — who was decked out in an SGF red cap and gown — with her diploma at her residence at Schuyler Ridge Residential Healthcare on July 9. Three of her four children were able to attend, and the remainder of her extended family got to watch via livestream, Ruth’s very first Zoom meeting. Her team from Tri-County Literacy were also on hand to witness the moment.
“I’ve never, ever seen my mom so happy, so relaxed. It was one of the best days of our lives,” Mary said.
For Ruth, this was so much more than just a ceremony—it was a celebration of a life dedicated to learning.
“I was numb,” Ruth said. “I couldn’t believe that after all these years, I was finally holding a diploma. I didn’t think I had done anything special. But I felt so good about myself. I did it.”
From left: Pauline Neilson, Ruth C. Scinto and Tim Dawkins show Ruth's diploma to family members via Zoom.