A Wayne Township college graduate made history Thursday by becoming the school’s oldest valedictorian. It was commencement day at Passaic County Community College and graduate Hank Cenicola says that he couldn’t be prouder. At age 72, he became the school’s oldest student to graduate with top honors.“It was the best learning experience of my life,” he says.

Cenicola received his associate degree – one of 1,200 students at the college. But he never imagined that he would see this day. Cenicola dropped out of high school when he was 16. He later received his diploma and worked to support his family. He suddenly lost his job three years ago and went back to school.