ROCKFORD (AP) — One thing in particular has bothered Violet Toscano during her nearly century-long life: She never received her high school diploma after dropping out of school to help her family during the Depression.

That regret was remedied in part on Friday when the 98-year-old Rockford woman donned a bright red cap and gown to receive an honorary diploma at a ceremony filled with with "Pomp and Circumstance."

The Rockford Register Star (http://bit.ly/VDoYWb) reports that Toscano was supposed to have graduated with the Rockford High School class of 1934. But she left one semester short of her graduation to take a job at National Lock Co., so she could help provide for her family.