LINDA WERTHEIMER, HOST: Good morning. I'm Linda Wertheimer. In 1918, schools were shut down in Norfolk, Virginia, because of the deadly Spanish-flu pandemic. When they reopened, then 15-year-old Lela Burden was holding down two jobs. She didn't come back. This week, 96 years later, Burden received an honorary high school diploma - a fitting tribute for a woman who noted on her 110th birthday, you learn something everyday, every time you wake up. It's MORNING EDITION.
In 1918, schools were shut down in Norfolk because of the deadly Spanish flu pandemic. When they re-opened, then 15-year-old Lela Burden was holding down two jobs and didn't return.