The Ohio Department of Education announced Monday (April 17, 2023) that Cambridge Middle School was selected as a Purple Star School for their commitment to serving military-connected students and family. 

The Purple Star Class of 2023 includes 165 Ohio schools that received Purple Star designations. Cambridge Middle School was one of 88 schools that received the esteemed award for the first time while 77 schools earned a renewal after three years as dedicated Purple Star Schools. 

Cambridge High School earned a Purple Star School designation in 2022. 

“To be successful in school and when transitioning between school settings, Ohio’s military-connected youth require supports to ensure their unique social, emotional and academic needs are met,” Dr. Stephanie Siddens, Interim Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Ohio. “The Purple Star award your school is receiving signifies your school’s demonstrated commitment to serving these students and families.” 

Under the leadership of Jennifer Luallen, Cambridge Middle School applied to the Ohio Department of Education to become a Purple Star School. 

“This recognition shows our school’s support and pride not only to our community but to our state,” Luallen said. “All of the Veterans that make an impact on our students and staff members contribute to our Bobcat Pride. Some of the Veterans may have never been Cambridge community members, but their time spent serving the military has helped shape each Bobcat that currently graces the halls of CMS.”

Luallen’s involvement in applying for the Purple Star School recognition grows out of her involvement with the Honor Flight fundraiser at the Middle School and visiting with Veterans during the eighth-grade trip to Washington D.C. 

In a follow up conversation with Principal Heath Hayes, she heard about the High School earning Purple Star School recognition and agreed to spearhead the school’s application process.