By Paula Scott
The State of Ohio Purple Star Advisory Board has selected Ada High School to be among the 511 active Purple Star Schools in the state for 2023. According to the Ohio Department of Education, over 14,000 students in the state are part of military families. The Purple Star award is given to “schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military.”
The application was made by K-12 Assistant Principal-Transportation Supervisor Britton Devier, and Tim Vernik, the District Technology Coordinator. The Ada Schools recently commended them saying, “Their unwavering dedication to our military-connected students and their families is truly commendable. They have created a warm and supportive environment that ensures every child feels valued and included, no matter where they come from.”
In turn, Devier and Vernik said that they were “standing on the shoulders” of others who had long established a tradition of supporting students of military families, those currently serving in the armed forces, and veterans, as well as those who are interested in serving.
At the October 30 meeting of the Ada Board of Education, Devier and Vernier presented a certificate of recognition from the Ohio School Board Association (OSBA) to Interim Superintendent Dennis Recker and the board members.
Devier ([email protected]) and Vernik ([email protected]) are the designated contacts for individuals who are interested in the resources available to military families. Devier’s role as transportation coordinator gives him special expertise in assisting students with changes in transportation needs during a parent’s deployment. Vernik’s own experience in the U.S. Army and Reserves gives him a further understanding of the circumstances faced by enlisted men and women, and veterans.
Devier noted that the most recent OSBA recognition followed official designation by the State of Ohio in April. He explained that the program helps schools promote their ability to connect individuals with services and that the focus has grown beyond active duty to include pre- and post-service. He called it “a conduit for information for families, wherever they are in their journey.” Because Ada is not near a base, most active duty individuals are in the National Guard or Reserves.
Vernik told the Icon that most of the Purple Star requirements were in place. He named activities including the annual Veterans Day breakfast as part of well established outreach to the community. Purple Star status will give Ada Schools access to additional training to help serve families.
As a Purple Star school, Ada has added a “Military Families” component to its website, which is accessible HERE. It streamlines information about available resources, which include:
Family Resources: Veterans Food Pantry of Northwest Ohio, Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission, Military One Sources, National Military Family Association, Ohio Department of Education - Supporting Ohio's Military Families, Ohio Family Readiness and Warrior Support Program, Ohio Military Kids, Our Military Kids, Real Warrior Campaign, Sesame Workshop
Pet Resources: 365 Pet Insurance, Pets for Vets
Veterans Resources: Hardin County Veterans Service Office, Folds of Honor, Ohio Higher Education for Veterans, The Recovery Village Columbus, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Veterans Crisis Line
Employment and Testing Assistance: March2Success, NCDA: Sites for Career Planning, Ohio Means Jobs
Other Information: Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve, Military Impacted Schools Association
