Hillsdale's Brooke Martin instrumental in supporting students of military families

Ashland Times-Gazette
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JEROMESVILLE − Hillsdale Local Schools' Pre-K-6 and 7-12 schools received the Purple Star designation from the state for 2024.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin announced the award.

Among 171 Ohio schools honored as members of the Purple Star Class of 2024, 97 of which are first-time designees and 74 renewals, Hillsdale Local Schools stands out for its commitment to serving students and families connected to the United States’ armed forces.

The district's military family liaison, Brooke Martin, spouse of an active-duty US Air Force airman, has been instrumental in supporting the 21 military students and their families within the district.

Brooke Martin, Hillsdale's military family liaison, display certificates the schools received from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. Her leadership and efforts were instrumental in achieving the Purple Star designation. (PROVIDED BY HILLSDALE LOCAL SCHOOLS)
Brooke Martin, Hillsdale's military family liaison, display certificates the schools received from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. Her leadership and efforts were instrumental in achieving the Purple Star designation. (PROVIDED BY HILLSDALE LOCAL SCHOOLS)

"The Purple Star designation is a significant honor that reflects our district’s commitment to our military-connected students and families," said Dr. Cathy Trevathan, superintendent. "We are immensely proud to receive this recognition, highlighting our ongoing dedication to providing support and resources to those who serve our country."

"The Purple Star school designation recognizes these schools’ commitments to serving students and families connected to the United States armed forces.," Dackin said in a letter to the district. "Future Forward Ohio, the state’s strategic priorities for education, recognizes the importance of overcoming obstacles to learning.”

Support for military-connected students and families

Over 15,000 Ohio students have one or more parents serving in the military. Some of the students will attend six to nine different schools between kindergarten and grade 12, according to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce website. Military-connected students also can be challenged by a parent’s deployment. Schools play a vital role in supporting these students and families by connecting them with the necessary resources and assistance they need.

“To be successful in school and when transitioning between school settings, Ohio’s military-connected youth require supports to ensure their unique wellness and academic needs are met. The Purple Star award signifies your school’s demonstrated commitment to serving these students and families," Dackin said.

Hillsdale Local Schools celebrated their military-connected students during April, the Month of the Military Child. The district participated in a nationwide spirit week and hosted weekly military kids gatherings. During these gatherings, students had the opportunity to meet each other and received a special treat each week, generously provided by local organizations.

The district is supported for the gatherings by the community members and organizations

More activities and supports are in the planning stages, including special activities for November, the Month of the Military Family.

The Purple Star designation recognizes those who complete two required activities plus another optional one as outlined by the state. One requirement is choosing a school-based staff member to serve as a liaison. The liaisons undergo training, identify military-connected students, and facilitate supports for them throughout the school community.

Home to 600 Purple Star schools, DeWine commended Ohio’s leadership in supporting military families in a press release, stating, "Ohio is a leader in its support to military families, and the Purple Star program is a wonderful example of how this support extends to children in our schools. I applaud Ohio’s Purple Star schools and thank them for supporting military-connected students and ensuring they have the services and learning resources to succeed."

Purple Star awardees receive a Purple Star recognition to display in buildings. A Purple Star school receives the designation for three years, after which the school can apply for renewal.

For additional information and resources available for military families, visit Military Family Support webpage.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Hillsdale achieves Purple Star designation from State of Ohio