The Catskill Chronicle

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.

MON TICELLO, NY – 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!”

Anyone interested in the Operation Recognition program in the Monticello School District should contact Pupil Personnel Services Director Dr. Edward Escobar at 845-794-0128.

Photo caption for above left 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.