Most 18-year-olds wouldn't miss their high school graduation, and many wouldn't go anywhere in life without their diploma, but there was little one would-be Provo High School graduate could have done to get hers.

But now Leah Moore Harris Fullmer, 94, is a high school graduate.

Tuesday at the Provo City School District board meeting Fullmer was surprised with her diploma complete with cap and gown.

Fullmer was quarantined and confined to her home with red measles (rubeola) during Provo High School's commencement ceremony in 1931. The Health Department required her to stay home until her illness was no longer contagious. Neither she nor her parents went to pick up the diploma Fullmer had earned and the school never sent it to her.

"It's just been something that's been bothering her," said her son Blaine Fullmer.

It's been 76 years and Fullmer is now a high school graduate.

"This is all a big experience for me. Here I am 95 and just getting my diploma. You'd think I was smarter than that," Fullmer said.

Director of Student Services Greg Hudnall helped her into the white gown and she threw her cap and it landed on the school board.

"The only thing we forgot was 'Pomp and Circumstance,'" Hudnall said.

Her sons had tried to locate Fullmer's transcripts for her 75th birthday, but the search was unsuccessful. Fullmer turns 95 on Aug. 31 and Blaine Fullmer thought he would try again. This time he went to Provo School District. After several days, the records were found and Fullmer was deemed worthy to get her diploma.

Provo Principal Sam Ray gave her the diploma and apologized for the delay.

"We are sorry it has taken so long to get this diploma," Ray said.

Fullmer was born in Provo and has been a lifelong resident. She lives in Sandy now, but has strong ties to community. She has four children, four step-children, 28 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Brittani Lusk can be reached at 344-2549 or at blusk@heraldextra.com.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D1.