Assumption Named Purple Star School by ODE
Assumption Celebrates Being Named a Purple Star School by Ohio Department of Education
The Ohio Department of Education recently recognized Assumption Academy with an Ohio Purple Star School designation for its commitment to serving military-connected students and families. To celebrate, students held a “Purple Up Rally” to celebrate and recognize military children currently attending the school.
The event started with a Color guard ceremony by the About Wolfpack Battalion ROTC – Cleveland that includes students from John Carroll University. Then, Sergeant First Class T. Kyle Bennett called forward the students and thanked them for their families’ service. He talked to the entire group about ROTC explaining junior ROTC begins in high school, then college ROTC programs including paratrooper. He then opened the floor for Q&A with the kindergarten through eighth grade students.
The most memorable question being, “What’s your favorite color,” and Sergeant Bennett without skipping a beat, quickly responding “Camouflage!”
The closing speaker was parent Erik Sedlock, Retired US Army Intelligence Officer. He talked about military life and how special it is to be a military child. He spoke of his 19 years of marriage and military service that caused his family to move twelve times. He said this forced his five children to learn to face challenges head-on, be strong and become independent. It described ways that it made his children and family stronger. He’s thankful that his youngest three children have found a home at Assumption Academy.
The celebration closed with the presentation of St. Michael the Archangel Medallions to the military children and Mr. Sedlock. Saint Michael the Archange represents the leader of all angels and the army of God.
Assumption is one of only 165 schools in the state to receive this three-year designation for meeting specific criteria set by Ohio’s Purple Star Advisory Board. Principal Rick Kaliszewski and Teacher Sharon Schreiner played key roles in applying for the Purple Star designation and creating a system of support that addresses the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of military-connected students.
The full ceremony can be found on the Assumption Academy Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/assumptionacademybvm/videos/2013286999062744