The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce announced Tuesday (April 15, 2025) that it renewed Cambridge High School’s designation as a Purple Star School for the class of 2025.
Cambridge originally earned the Purple Star School designation in April of 2022.
Ohio’s Purple Star Advisory Board established strict criteria that schools must meet to be considered for a Purple Star designation, and Cambridge High School has successfully met these standards.
“I applaud and appreciate your unwavering commitment to serving military-connected students and families,” said ODEW Director Stephen Dackin in his notification letter. “Ohio’s military-connected youth require supports that consider their unique wellness and academic needs, especially while navigating school transitions. The Purple Star award signifies your school’s demonstrated commitment to serving these students and families.”
The
2025 Purple Star School Class includes 367 Ohio schools. Cambridge Middle School earned its designation as a Purple Star School in April of 2023. The Purple Star designation is valid for three years.
Under the leadership of Jennifer Luallen, Cambridge High School applied to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to renew its designation.
“This recognition shows our school’s support for active military, Veterans and their families,” Luallen said. “The support we show for our Veterans is part of our Bobcat Pride and their service to our country helps shape who we are as members of this community.”
Luallen’s involvement in applying for the Purple Star School recognition grows out of her involvement with the Honor Flight fundraiser at the Middle School a few years ago and visiting with Veterans during the eighth-grade trip to Washington D.C.
Cambridge Schools support military-connected students and families in many ways including a
Military Connection page on the district’s website that provides easy access to resources both within the school and in the local community.
In addition to supporting military-connected students, the district tries to educate students about the military and the men and women who have served or are presently serving.
“I believe part of what we should do as a school district is to help our students understand what being a Veteran means and why we celebrate Veterans Day and Memorial Day,” Superintendent Dan Coffman said. “One of the ways we can help them understand is to provide appropriate education and provide students with experiences like taking them to the Veteran’s Day Parade.”
During April, Cambridge High School joined with other schools to celebrate
Month of the Military Child. This is a time to recognize the sacrifices that military service members and their families make for the security and safety of the nation. Across the nation, states, communities, and schools celebrate in many ways, including wearing purple.
Cambridge City School District also started a
Military Honor Wall on its website that highlights alumni, current students that have enlisted, and staff members who served or are currently serving in the military.