T-L Photo/JOSIE BURKHART The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce recognizes St. Clairsville High School with the Purple Star award, as leaders of the district show commitment to students and families connected to the nation’s military. Pictured from left are Assistant superintendent Christina Laudermilt, Superintendent Walter Skaggs and high school Principal Justin Sleutz.

FOUR SCHOOLS in Belmont County joined the ranks of Purple Star schools, being honored for their commitment to families connected to the military.

St. Clairsville High School along with Union Local Elementary, Middle and High schools are now Purple Star schools.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce recognized these schools among its 2025 Purple Star class and renewed the designation for others, including Harrison Central Elementary and Junior and Senior High schools and Barnesville Elementary, Middle and High schools.

Schools can renew their Purple Star status every three years. Martins Ferry High School is also a Purple Star school but received the recognition last year.

The Purple Star award recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to the nation’s military, according to the Department of Education and Workforce. Schools that earn the award will receive a special Purple Star recognition to display on site.

Schools must apply to earn a Purple Star Award and complete required activities, such as having a staff point of contact for military students and families who serves as the primary liaison between them and the school. The military liaison provides schoolwide professional development on special considerations for military students and families.

For the full list of requirements for schools, visit the Department of Education and Workforce’s website at education.ohio.gov.

St. Clairsville High School applied for the award because it provides recognition of the school’s efforts to provide something to military members, Assistant Superintendent Christina Laudermilt said. She added that the school’s relationship with the American Legion Post 159 is very good.

“We appreciate all that our veterans have done for us and try to make it a big thing for our kids and for all those veterans in our community,” high school Principal Justin Sleutz said.

“It’s about awareness,” Superintendent Walter Skaggs added. “To just make the veterans aware of how much we appreciate them by getting this award and seeing what we’re doing.”

St. Clairsville schools recognize military members during home football games, have a Veterans Day assembly, have the band participate in the Veterans Day program at the Belmont County Courthouse, recognize all of the military enlistees at graduation and have a great relationship with the American Legion.

The Union Local School District wanted to apply for the designation after being inspired by Curriculum Coordinator Jen Wooding, who is a parent of a child serving in the nation’s armed forces and understands the unique academic and emotional needs of military-connected youth, Superintendent Zac Shutler said.

Shutler said he believes the district is worthy of the award because of its unwavering commitment to “customer service,” as Shutler described it, by viewing the students and their families as valued customers, and like any high-performing organization, strives to provide highly tailored, high-quality support that addresses their specific needs.

For the district’s military families, this often means proactively offering social and emotional support during deployments.

“Receiving the Purple Star designation demonstrates our district’s deep understanding and appreciation for the sacrifices military families make in service to our country,” Shutler said. “We recognize that this service comes with unique challenges for the entire family, and this designation demonstrates our commitment to providing the necessary support and resources to help these students thrive academically and emotionally. We strive to be a supportive partner for those who serve and protect us.”

This is Barnesville Exempted Village School District’s third renewal of its Purple Star status, as the district continues to show commitment to the families of the military. The district initially applied for the Purple Star award because it recognizes the unique challenges military families face, especially during times of transition, Superintendent Micah Fuchs said. He added that applying for the recognition was a way to not only highlight the district’s commitment, but to also hold itself accountable to continually improve the services and resources it provides.

Barnesville schools have taken several concrete actions to support military-connected students and their families, such as designating a staff member as its military liaison to help with smooth transitions, provide emotional and academic support and connect families to local resources.

Fuchs said when the district first received the Purple Star award, it was a proud moment that affirmed its efforts to support military families were making a meaningful impact, which was a motivator to keep building on that foundation.

“Now, with the renewal of this recognition, it shows that our commitment isn’t temporary – it’s embedded in our culture,” Fuchs said. “It reflects growth, consistency and the lasting value we place on supporting every student, including those who serve or have family members serving our country.”