Flower box honors late teacher
By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
Retired McKeesport Area High School Academic Principal John Bertoty said he cried tears of joy twice this week because of honors he and his family received.
He learned that the Boy Scouts of America would be giving him an honorary award, then found out a group of elementary students from McKeesport Area School District planted flowers in memory of his recently deceased daughter, Debra Bertoty.
John Bertoty, a White Oak resident, was the Eagle Scout Class of 2018 honoree at the 61st annual Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner held Thursday by the Boy Scouts of America Westmoreland-Fayette Council. He was recognized for “his many years of service both to the scouts and the community,” according to Eagle Scout and event chairman David S. Delisi.
“People who know me will be surprised to hear this, but I was speechless when they told me I would be honored. I’m never speechless,” John said with a laugh.
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