At 82, Founder of Miguel's Jr. Finally Earns Her High School Diploma

CORONA, CA — Southern California is celebrating one of its special longtime residents this 2025 graduation season.

At the age of 82, Mary Vasquez — who, along with her husband, Mike, founded the Miguel's and Miguel's Jr. restaurant chain decades ago in Southern California — graduated from Corona-Norco Adult School with a high school diploma.

The achievement marks the businesswoman's longtime educational dream.

Donning a green cap and gown, Vasquez beamed as she accepted her diploma at the May 22 Corona-Norco Adult School graduation ceremony held inside the Corona High School gym.

Vasquez's story is remarkable. She was born in a very small town called Santiago Maravatio, Guanajuato, in Central Mexico. She attended school for only six years because that was all that was available to her at the time.

"And after that, I was very sad because I always loved school," Vasquez tells a film crew that created a moving mini-documentary about her for the Corona-Norco Unified School District.

The sadness didn't last. Vasquez received another educational opportunity at the age of 10, when her aunt asked her to attend school in Celaya, the restaurateur tells interviewers.

The town was more than an hour away, but Vasquez was eager and studied there for two years.

The education helped her secure employment as a secretary, a role she held for five years.

It was in Mexico that Mary (then last name Sanchez) met her future husband, Mike Vasquez.

A tribute to Mike , posted to Hispanic Lifestyle following his death on October 27, 2020, at the age of 82, chronicles his early years and meeting Mary.

"Born to Mike and Andrea Vasquez and raised in San Bernardino, California, Mike was the oldest of seven children and took on the role of a fatherly figure to his siblings at a young age, working hard to help provide for his family," the article reads. "Road trips were frequent weekend adventures and eating together was a favorite pastime.

"Mike’s early career began in carpentry, working in construction with his brothers," the write-up continues. "One day on a trip to Mexico in 1961, Mike was introduced to Mary Sanchez, and it was love at first sight. The couple continued a long-distance relationship while Mary was living in Central Mexico. After 3 years of courting, Mike proposed, and they married in November 1964. The newlyweds moved to San Bernardino, where they lived for eight years before moving to their forever home, the city of Corona."

It was in Corona that Miguel's restaurant was born. CNUSD's mini-documentary tells a condensed version of the story:

When Mary asked Mike who would run the eatery, he looked at her and said, "You are."

"Me?" Mary asked. "My English is limited."

"You'll learn," Mike responded.

Mary did learn, and after the businesses were launched (Miguel's in 1973 and Miguel's Jr. in 1975), she resumed her schooling, but it wasn't easy. By that time, she and Mike had kids — six would be the grand total.

The business-mom attended night school in Corona while running the family business during the day, she recalled to interviewers, but it became too much.

"I just decided not to go to school anymore," she said.

That changed years later when she met the current Corona-Norco Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Sam Buenrostro.

One day, he was in her restaurant.

"He was asking me questions about my dreams," she recalled to interviewers. "My dream was to have an education, to have a career."

Two weeks later, Mary got a call from Corona-Norco Adult School. A representative asked her to come to the campus. She did.

"Do you still want to go to school?" campus officials asked.

"Yes," was the answer.

During the May 22 graduation ceremony, Mary told fellow classmates, "Never stop learning. Never stop believing. It is never too late. Work hard, go back to school, and build a future you deserve."

The audience erupted in applause when Mary finished her commencement address, and Dr. Buenrostro gave her a big hug.

Adult Education teacher Christina Hyatt said Mary's graduation is bigger than just one person.

"I think it's not just her graduation that she can celebrate, but the graduation of all her friends who were spurred on and inspired by her coming every day and working hard."

Mary Vasquez continues to be involved in the family business. The original Miguel's restaurant at 1039 W. 6th Street in Corona is still open, as are 22 Miguel's Jr. locations spread across Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Mary and Mike Vasquez are pillars of the Corona business community. In 2009, their story was read into the congressional record by Rep. Ken Calvert.

According to the CNUSD, Mary Vasquez is "a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams."

The article At 82 Years Old, Miguel's Jr. Founder Earns Her High School Diploma appeared first on Murrieta The News Pulse .