Westerville Central High School has been awarded a Purple Star designation for its commitment to serving military families, a renewal of an honor the school received from the Ohio Department of Education in 2019.
Westerville North was awarded the designation last year and Westerville South received the designation in 2020.
“I applaud and appreciate your unwavering commitment to serving military-connected students and families,” Dr. Stephanie K. Siddens, interim Superintendent of Public Instruction said.
Siddens announced that 263 Ohio schools received Purple Star designations as members of the Purple Star Class of 2022. Ninety-four schools received the award for the first time and 169 schools received renewal designations this year. The Purple Star school designation recognizes these schools’ commitments to serving students and families connected to the United States armed forces. The Purple Star Advisory Board, formed by the Ohio departments of Education, Higher Education, Veterans Services and Adjutant General, helps decide eligibility.
About 35,000 Ohio students, including the children of active duty, reserve and Ohio National Guard families, have one or more parents serving in the military. Some of these students will attend six to nine different schools between kindergarten and grade 12. Military-connected children also can be affected by a parent’s deployment. Schools can help students and families face these issues by connecting them with the resources they need.