Former 1st Grade Student is Present at Teacher's 106th Birthday - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Former 1st Grade Student is Present at Teacher's 106th Birthday

Wednesday is Tollie Schaumberg's 106th birthday.

She is truly a treasure--Especially for the family and friends who turned up from across the country to celebrate her big day.

But her love story extends beyond family.

A former student is also "present" for Tollie's big day.

A touching reunion for a teacher and her student.

"I could depend on her being a good one." says Tollie Schaumberg/106-year-old.

Tollie's former first-grade student from McClusky is also now living at Touchmark.

"I remember her coming over to my house and visiting with my mother--she was a wonderful teacher." says Vi Nicola/Tollie's 1st Grade Student.

The two have known each other for 85 years, and Wednesday afternoon, they get to catch up on the good ol' days.

"She's a little girl from first grade, and she was shy and I was too really, it was my first year of teaching, but we get along didn't we?" says Tollie.

"We had moved to Mcclusky, I was six years old, I was shy, didn't have many youngsters to play with, but I remember her taking charge of me, and she was just wonderful, made me feel right at home." says Nicola.

"I had heard of her, but this is the first time I've seen her, and I was quite amazed, that is quite the story in itself." says James Peters/Tollie's nephew.

Since Tollie turned 100--family and friends have been trying to make it to every one of Tollie's birthday parties.

Her daughter-in-law came from Florida, her grandson came from Texas.

Her nephew traveled here from Dickinson.

"It's just a nice gathering to say happy birthday to Tollie and enjoy it with her." says Peters.

Tollie moved into Touchmark in 2007--and is the oldest resident they've had.

But her memories are still sharp.

(Tollie, what did you most like about teaching?) "The kids."

When it comes to connecting with kids---the former teacher hasn't lost her touch, and she still has wisdom to share.

"Just live the way you are, be yourself, that's the safest thing." says Tollie.

Vi is also a February birthday girl.

She turns 91 next Tuesday.

Tollie was featured as one of the Beautiful Women of North Dakota.