Metro

Legendary Post columnist Cindy Adams finally receives her high school diploma — just ‘800 years too late’

It’s never too late to graduate.

The Post’s own Cindy Adams says she was “stunned” to be receiving a belated high school diploma — albeit “800 years too late.”

She was finally granted one Monday in a ceremony with both the governor and mayor.

New York Post columnist Cindy Adams received her high school diploma from Andrew Jackson High School in Cambria Heights, Queens at a ceremony on July 16, 2024. Stephen Yang for the New York Post
Adams did not officially graduate from high school because she was unable to complete her graduation dress as part of her Home Economics class. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

The legendary gossip columnist explained that she became a high school dropout because she wasn’t handy with a needle and thread.

“I couldn’t sew my graduation dress,” says Adams, 94.

“In those days, we had a thing called Home Ec., short for Home Economics. I had a 90-something average, I graduated in three years instead of four but I couldn’t sew the dress.”

Adams said that her mother took it to a professional to complete but the high-school principal saw right through it.

Adams was presented with her diploma by First Deputy Chancellor Daniel Weisberg. Stephen Yang for the New York Post
Mayor Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul attended the graduation ceremony. Stephen Yang for the New York Post
Adams embracing Hochul after she officially became a high school graduate. Stephen Yang for the New York Post

“He said, ‘She didn’t make this dress,’ ” she remembered. “She doesn’t graduate. She doesn’t get a diploma. She can’t go to college.”

The ceremony, which took place at Adams’ alma mater, Andrew Jackson HS in Queens, attracted a starry bunch.

Gov. Hochul, Mayor Adams and American Federation of Teachers honcho Randi Weingarten all spoke extolling Adams.

American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten and Adams’ close friend Judith “Judge Judy” Sheindlin spoke at the ceremony, along with public relations exec Robert Zimmerman. Stephen Yang for the New York Post
Adams quipped that the diploma arrived about “800 years too late.” Stephen Yang for the New York Post

“If you had had that opportunity to graduate, you could have gone onto college,” the governor mused.

“Maybe gone on to become a world renowned celebrity columnist for a place like the New York Post, I don’t know what you would have done with that diploma but I think you’ve done all right.

“You graduated from the school of hard knocks.”

Good pal Judith “Judge Judy” Sheindlin also spoke movingly about her friend of 30 years, sharing that they met when their mutual bank teller introduced them to each other.

“She is as loyal a friend as they come,” the celebrated TV jurist said. “She is as loyal a champion as one could want, she’s honest. She is one of the most devoted people to the people who she cares for and who care for her.”