Glaros given congressional honor for delivering diploma to dying vet

Melissa Klaric, The Herald, Sharon, Pa.
·2 min read

Jun. 20—SHARON — When Sharon superintendent Justi Glaros received a commendation from U.S Rep. Mike Kelly's office on Monday, she was speechless.

Glaros received the commendation for going above and beyond her duties when she hand-delivered an honorary high school diploma to a 98-year-old veteran in Poolesville, Md., which is about 4 1/2 hours from Sharon.

"When we found out about Justi Glaros, we jumped in and said we have to do something because this is really great," said Chookie LaCamera, a veterans and military affairs representative for Rep. Mike Kelly's office.

Richard Remp, a retired Marine from Poolesville, Md., wanted a high school diploma as his dying wish. He was a Marine who served in World War II, the Vietnam War and the Korean War. He was never able to receive his high school diploma.

After Glaros found out that Remp had entered hospice, she jumped in her car and delivered the diploma to Remp's door. He died two days later.

"Justi put in so much effort to make sure that he was able to get a high school diploma," LaCamera said. "That is an immense thing for the veteran community."

Julien Singh, post commander of the American Legion Post No. 247 in Poolesville, Md., drove to Sharon Monday for the school board workshop meeting to see Glaros receive the commendation.

"What I saw that day was a small glimpse of humanity coming back to a torn nation," Singh said. "What Justi did, to drive down, to work with the board, to get the diploma — it meant a lot to him. It was his last memory on this planet."

LaCamera presented a certificate of special congressional recognition.

"In recognition of your outstanding citizenship and dedicated service, I extend this heartfelt commendation for your efforts to honor a dying hero and demonstrating exemplary compassion," the commendation read.

Kelly also dedicated a flag to Justi.

"This flag is to applaud Sharon City School District superintendent Justi Glaros on her selfless act of kindness leaving an indelible mark on the veteran community," LaCamera said.

LaCamera presented Glaros the certificate and flag and as she teared up, she said she was speechless.

At Sharon City School District's graduation ceremony, Glaros dedicated her speech to Remp.

"I feel like I have a whole new family," Glaros said of Singh and Remp's loved ones in Poolesville, Md.

Follow Melissa Klaric on twitter @HeraldKlaric or email her at mklaric@sharonherald.com