News Item
Korean War Vet Receives High School Diploma
June 2010
Seventy-eight-year-old Korean War
veteran John DeSimone received his diploma from Monticello High
School on June 8, thanks to the Operation Recognition program.
Initiated in 2005, Operation Recognition entitles veterans of World
War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars to a high school diploma from
any New York
State
public school. Monticello School officials created an easy procedure
for veterans who would like to get a diploma from Monticello High
School. Earlier this year, local businessman and Vietnam veteran,
Eugene Dalpiaz, realized his dream and utilized the program to
become the first person to get a diploma from Monticello through
Operation Recognition.
When Mr. DeSimone’s daughter, Andrea Oldfield, read the story about
Mr. Dalpiaz on the Monticello School District website, she called
her dad immediately.
“I knew he always wanted to get his diploma,” said Ms. Oldfield, who
graduated from Monticello High School in 1982. “It is important to
him to set a good example for his grandkids and great grandkids.”
And that he did. His granddaughter, Kate Oldfield, who is graduating
this year with honors from Monticello High School, was present when
her granddad received his diploma. As the small ceremony ended, she
walked out into the hallway of the high school, saw one of her
friends and yelled, “My grandpa just got his diploma – how cool is
that!”
If you’re a veteran or you know
someone who may be interested in the Operation Recognition program
in the Monticello School District, please contact Pupil Personnel
Services Director Dr. Edward Escobar at 845-794-0128.
For information and help obtaining the necessary military documentation for Operation Recognition, contact Sullivan County Veterans Service Agency Director John Bridges at 845-807-0233.
The New York State Department of Labor partners with the Sullivan Works One Stop Center and is located at 50 North Street in Monticello. Veterans outreach representative, Frank McGreevy is available at that location for consultation or can be reached at 845-794-3340, ext. 0598.
Photo:
Monticello Schools Board of Education President Alyce Van Etten
congratulates veteran John DeSimone upon receiving his high school
diploma from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Michel. Also
pictured from left, are PPS Director Dr. Edward Escobar and
Monticello High School Principal Arleene Siegel.
Photo: With his new diploma in hand, John DeSimone shares the moment
with family members, from left, Andrea Oldfield, Kate Oldfield,
Daniel Oldfield, Jackie DeSimone and Lori Nixon.
CLICK HERE to read the story about Vietnam veteran Eugene Dalpiaz.