In segregated America in the 1930s, Merrill Pittman Cooper’s family was too poor for him to stay in school. At age 101, he finally got his high school diploma.
In 1978, he married Marion Karpeh, a single mom of three children who lived in a nearby neighborhood in Philadelphia and worked as a pharmacist.
Beckerink’s sister, Enid Karpeh-Diaz, 64, remembers her stepfather often told them to “keep the heat on.”“My mother and stepdad believed the key to economic stability and career advancement, particularly as an African American, was education,” she said. “Even though my dad did not have the opportunity to go to college — not having a high school diploma — he achieved a great deal of success in his lifetime.
Then last year, Rod Beckerink decided his father-in-law deserved something more. He worked with Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and the Jefferson School District to set up a surprise ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in Jersey City to award Cooper an honorary high school diploma.On March 19, Beckerink and Cooper’s stepdaughters took him to the hotel on the pretense that somebody wanted to ask him some questions about his long life.
Argentina Últimas Noticias, Argentina Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
California groundbreaking set for largest wildlife crossing over 101 freewayGroundbreaking is set for next month on what’s billed as the world’s largest wildlife crossing — a bridge over a major Southern California highway that will provide more room to roam for mountain lions and other animals hemmed in by urban sprawl.
Leer más »
Why You Must Factory Reset Everything: A Privacy 101 For 2022Here's how to factory reset everything including your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android phone or tablet, Router, Kindle, Echo, Sony PlayStation 4 and PS5, Xbox One, Series X and S, Google Nest or Hub and more. Oh yes, plus why (and when) you really should...
Leer más »
High school students network with industry professionals at construction competitionSaturday was the last day of the construction competition at Catalina Magnet High School.
Leer más »
Taliban ban women in Afghanistan from flying without male chaperoneThe move comes after the Taliban backtracked on their commitment to open high schools to girls.
Leer más »
California Schools Prepare for Mass, Post-Break COVID-19 TestingCalifornia’s 7 million students and school employees are getting free at-home COVID-19 tests to help prevent outbreaks at their school when they return from spring break.
Leer más »
Marana High School Principal: Threat to school deemed unsubstantial, not credibleAccording to the letter, the threat was posted to social media but police and administration concluded there was 'no substantial credible threat.'
Leer más »