CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — In the past 100 years we've had 18 presidents, experienced the Great Depression, sent a man to the moon and allowed women to vote.
But for Cornelia Davis, her life at 100 years old, means she gets to get up tomorrow for work at Galvan Elementary School and continue to impact the lives of children.
The school celebrated "Granny" Davis, who was born in 1920, and is still going strong.
She has been with the Corpus Christi Independent School District for the past 25 years as a member of the Foster Grandparents Program.
"Everybody says, 'Are you going back?' and I say, 'If I can go back, I'm going back. Because it gives me something to do and something to think about.' "
The celebration included the school's choir singing "Happy Birthday," several balloons, hugs, 100 flowers, and cake.
She doesn't have kids of her own, but that never stopped her from taking care of generations of kids, who after all these years still come back to visit her.
"The kids, I don't think, understand how advantageous it is to be in the presence of a 100-year-old, wise woman," said Galvan Elementary teacher Melissa Garcia said. "But I've heard some stories that have been incredible. She's very essential in my classroom."
Davis said she is glad to be at Galvan and be celebrated.
"I'm glad I can see," she said. "I'm glad I can walk and talk and take care of myself."
"Granny" Davis credits working with the children to staying sharp at her age.
"If you don't use it, you lose it," she said pointing to her head.
This former World War II riveter lives alone.
"Her mind, her spirit, her wisdom is incredible," Garcia said.
Principal Diana Ybarra hugged Davis as they shared a laugh.
"She's such a hard worker, even at 100 years old," Ybarra said. "She has a wonderful work ethic."
Davis is described as self-sufficient and independent.
"It's wonderful to be here," Granny Davis said. "It's wonderful to have so many people love you and think something of you."