Students describe Purple Star programs for military families at Lakota Local board meeting

Students and staff from Cherokee Elementary School and Lakota East High School presented the Lakota Local Schools Board of Education with details of programs that support military-connected students after each school earned the Purple Star designation from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

The Purple Star recognizes K–12 schools that show a demonstrated commitment to students and families connected to the military. Board members were told that, statewide, “with over 3,000 public schools in Ohio, only 367 currently hold this title,” and that Cherokee and Lakota East are two of the district’s Purple Star schools.

Marcus Ott, a fifth grader at Cherokee Elementary, described activities the school holds for military families: “We have an annual Veterans Day ceremony, and students brought in pictures of family members who were or are currently in the military ... All scouts who attend Cherokee participate in a presentation of colors.” Cherokee staff and students also run a monthly “muffins with the military” program led by school counselor Jason Kennison to connect military families and give students peer support. Cherokee parent Alex Lang, who is serving in the Air National Guard, had a U.S. flag flown in the United Arab Emirates; the flag and certificate are displayed at the school, presenters said. The school resource officer, Army veteran Lieutenant Carl Sigmund, was presented with a wooden police flag by Greg Schneider, founder of Operation Ramp It Up, whose nonprofit builds ramps for veterans and people with mobility needs.

Student presenters said Cherokee maintains a page of community resources for military families and that the school currently has eight students with family members who are actively serving. Cherokee’s presentation noted the school’s longstanding traditions of honoring veterans and that Cherokee most recently renewed its Purple Star designation.

Lakota East students described a student-run Veterans Network that organizes year-round efforts including fundraising, Honor Flight Tri-State support, participation in national parades and a long-standing partnership with Blue Star Families. Emily Matting, a senior at Lakota East, said the club has joined school choir trips to Washington, D.C., to participate in national events and to greet returning Honor Flight veterans. Brooklyn Hendricks, the Veterans Club president, told the board the club’s weekend craft show averages about $1,200 in donations, which are given to West Chester VFW, West Chester American Legion and Honor Flight Tri-State.

Alumni and recent graduates who had participated in the club described Wreaths Across America and other volunteer activities that place students alongside veterans in community events. Board members praised the students’ presentations and invited the student groups to pose for photos to share on district social channels.

No board action was taken; the item was a student spotlight and informational presentation.