75-Year-Old Marine and Teen Graduate College Together

When Richard Smith walked across the graduation stage at 75, he celebrated more than earning a culinary arts degree. He proved that learning never has an expiration date, especially when you're studying alongside your wife.

Smith graduated from Central Texas College in Killeen this summer as the oldest member of a 424-person graduating class. His wife Arlene joined him in receiving her own culinary arts diploma after the couple decided to return to school together.

"I did it because I enjoy cooking, and it keeps my brain working," said Smith, who will turn 76 next month. After serving 21 years in the Marine Corps and retiring twice, he wanted to stay mentally active and deepen his passion for something he already loved doing at home.

Arlene admitted cooking wasn't initially her thing, but the program changed everything. "Since I started to go to culinary, I have a lot of fun and I learn a lot," she said, noting she now enjoys everything from baking to preparing meals for her husband.

At the other end of the age spectrum stood Daniel Pauley, who earned his interdisciplinary studies degree at just 16 years old. The youngest graduate in the class plans to pursue a military career, getting a head start on his future by completing college while most teens are still in high school.

Another graduate, David Gable, earned his construction trades degree and credited his adoptive father Justin Roberts with helping him overcome adversity to reach commencement day. The ceremony showcased stories of perseverance across generations.

Sunny's Take

Education doesn't follow a timeline, and this graduation proved it beautifully. Whether you're 16 and racing ahead or 75 and savoring the journey, the finish line feels just as sweet. The Smiths studying together shows that shared goals can strengthen relationships at any age, while Pauley's early achievement demonstrates how young people are rewriting traditional paths to success. These graduates didn't just earn diplomas; they showed their community that determination looks different for everyone, and that's exactly what makes it powerful.

Families celebrated outside the Christian House of Prayer, waving flags from Texas, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, turning one ceremony into dozens of personal victories worth honoring.