Circleville City Schools – On Friday, December 7th, 2018, the Ohio Department of Education announced that Circleville High School was one 57 schools across the state that have been designated as a Purple Star School, acknowledging the building and the district’s commitment to recognizing and assisting military families and veterans.
“Our social studies department and students have long led the charge for military recognition and our kids are really respectful and appreciative of the service men and women we work with throughout the year, said principal Chris Thornsley. “This is a building and district commitment and we have involved everyone from our foods classes preparing meals and desserts for veterans to our art students decorating hallways. Honoring our veterans and active duty military personnel is something Circleville High School really rallies behind.”
Specifically, the Purple Star Award for military-friendly schools recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. Additionally, recipients must have a staff point of contact for military students and families who serves as the primary liaison between those families and the school, hosts a resources page for families on their school website, and hosts annual military recognition events that demonstrate a military-friendly culture.
This past year, Circleville High School has hosted a number of military honors including their annual Day of Honor Veterans panel for students, a school wide Military Signing Day Ceremony for students enlisting in the Armed Forces upon graduation, in addition to a number of veteran specific and military themed fundraisers and drives.
While the CHS student body has always been receptive of military-themed recognition and opportunities to five back, there was one pivotal moment for Thornsley that stood out at our recent Day of Honor Ceremony.
"The one thing from the assembly that really struck me was when we recognized those veterans at the end and saw our kids come down [unprompted] to shake their hand and thank them for their service," said Thornsley. "It shows that what we are doing by educating these kids and making them aware of our military families is important.
It shows that regardless of where they come from, regardless of their background, they all realize that they need to support and that we need to show our appreciation to them. It shows our kids understand and how appreciative they are of their service."
Over nine percent of all Circleville City School District students have direct ties within their immediate family to the Armed Forces. Of that nine percent, 12.1% have a sibling or parent/guardian currently serving on active duty.
Today, as we remember the 77th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, Circleville City Schools would like to again show its support and reaffirm our gratitude to all those serving past and present and the families behind them for their many sacrifices on behalf our freedom.
Circleville City School District (CCSD) is a public education institution serving the City of Circleville in the county seat of Pickaway County in south-central Ohio. The district proudly serves approximately 2,200 students annually in a PK-12 setting at Circleville Elementary, Circleville Middle, Circleville High school, and through the Circleville Digital Academy. To view the CCSD Quality Profile, please follow through to the link provided (here).