Pvt. Lindsay Starr's decision was made after school officials said they would make an exception to decades-old protocol and allow her to wear her uniform at tonight'sceremony. Marine Sgt. Lynn Kinney said she had a heartfelt talk with Starr, 17, who is working at the recruiting station during a 10-day leave. "We talked about what it means to be a Marine and understand policy and support government decisions," Kinney said. "She understands." Starr could not be reached for comment about her decision. A statement released by the North Allegheny School District indicated school officials had been in contact with the Marine Corps Uniform Board at the Pentagon, which offered Starr permission to wear her uniform under her cap and gown until after she accepted her diploma. Covering up a Marine uniform is usually prohibited. Kinney said she would advise Starr against wearing the gown over her uniform. Starr of Wexford finished high school in January after a semester of doubling up on classes in North Allegheny's accelerated graduation program. She enlisted shortly thereafter and completed Marine boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., this month. Earlier yesterday, Starr said that while enduring the challenges of camp, the thought of wearing her dress blues to her graduation ceremony motivated her to keep going. "Even before I left for boot camp, that was the main thing that pushed me through," said Starr. When she visited the high school this week to request permission to wear her uniform to graduation, a school official informed her that she was not permitted to do so.
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