New school district program to recognize military veterans and their families
The Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) and the T. D. Rutan Military Interstate Children’s Compact State Council of Ohio have created resources to help districts recognize an educator, employee, staff member, coach, booster or volunteer who has served or is currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
All districts are urged to recognize these individuals during Military Family Appreciation Month at a November board meeting.
“Behind every brave service member stands a family whose love, resilience and sacrifice strengthen the very foundation of our nation's freedom,” said Dr. Kathy McFarland, OSBA chief executive officer. “We honor not only those who serve, but the families whose unwavering support makes this service possible.”
Several Ohio school districts have already committed to this program and will honor their team members in November. These districts are Clear Fork Valley Local (Richland County), Mad River Local (Montgomery County), Hamilton Local (Franklin County), Anthony Wayne Local (Lucas County), Hilliard City Schools and Medina County Career Center.
“Clear Fork Schools are proud of our country and the ones that serve in the military forces,” stated Clear Fork Valley Local Schools Board of Education member Brian Johnson. “We are honored to have veterans of the armed forces working in our schools and thank them for their service to our country.”
“We take great pride in honoring our service members, veterans, and their families,” states Zach Vorst, Hilliard City Schools board member and an Ohio National Guard veteran. “Many of our schools have earned the prestigious Purple Star designation, a testament to our commitment to supporting military-connected students. We are proud to have members of our staff serving in the military, both in our schools and throughout the community, as educators, staff, volunteers and friends.”
Darin Lewis, a Medina County Career Center instructor, appreciates this recognition. “As a member of a Gold Star family, working in an environment that promotes military support and national pride is incredibly meaningful to me and my family. This commitment to honoring our country and its heroes truly resonates in our community.”
Ohio is home to more than 750,000 former service members, the sixth-highest figure in the nation. We encourage every district to identify and celebrate these military-connected Ohioans.
Join districts from around the state in these tributes and recognize those who have served or are still serving.
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