The Ohio Department of Education designated LT Ball Intermediate School as a Class of 2023 Purple Star School. This honor represents the school's unwavering commitment to serving military-connected students and families.
School principal Mike Vagedes feels proud that the school is recognized, but he said the honor goes to our military families.
"Our military-connected families have sacrificed a lot for our country, and we want to do our part by being there for their children when transitioning to a new location or when a family member is deployed."
Ohio’s Purple Star Advisory Board established critical criteria that schools
must meet to be considered for a Purple Star designation. To qualify for the award, schools choose a school-based staff person to serve as a liaison between military families and the school. These liaisons complete professional development, identify military-connected students, and facilitate school community support for identified students and families.
Vagedes added, "We want to ensure we provide all the support necessary to these students, so their parents can be comforted knowing that their children are in good hands while one of them is away."
Purple Star schools also participate in at least one annual activity to support the military community. LT Ball Intermediate hosts a special event every Veterans Day to welcome and honor military families, active military, and veterans.