Serving Those Who Served: How OHVA Stands Behind Military Students and Families 

At Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA), we strongly believe in supporting and recognizing our military heroes and their families. In appreciation of U.S. Armed Forces members, OHVA has proudly held Purple Star School status since 2020, when we became the first virtual school in Ohio to earn the distinction, and among one of the first schools in the state.  

What is a Purple Star Award? 

The Purple Star Award was created to recognize schools demonstrating a clear commitment to students and families connected to any branch of the US military. The mission of the program is to recognize and care for the kids and their military families, who often face a unique set of challenges. The programs and support are provided at no cost to the families, regardless of what stage of military service they are currently in. 

Where did the Purple Star Award begin? 

The Purple Star began right here in Ohio! The program was created by Pete LuPiba, a U.S. Navy veteran who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom and now serves as Commissioner for Ohio’s Military Children Interstate Compact Commission (MIC3). LuPiba and his colleagues at the Ohio Office of Budget and Management recognized the nation’s first Purple Star Schools in 2017, and the program has grown rapidly ever since — the program is now found in 42 states and more than 1,000 schools.  

How do schools receive and retain Purple Star designation? 

For a school to meet its Purple Star designation, it must appoint a school liaison to support military-connected students and serve as a point-of-contact for anyone in their family.  

Heidi Ragar, OHVA’s Manager of At-Risk Services, takes on this role at OHVA. Her responsibilities include connecting with each military student and family who is a part of OHVA, organizing events such as meet-and-greets or student recognition ceremonies, and attending multiple professional development training sessions throughout the year. Ragar’s professional development requirements are sanctioned through the Department of Education and Workforce; afterward, she teaches OHVA staff what she learned to make sure they’re up to speed on the needs of each family.  

In addition to having a school liaison, all Purple Star schools have dedicated online resources and school contacts for military families available on their websites.The awarded schools also hold recognition events or support meetings to help students and their families acclimate to a new setting. To retain their designation, schools must build upon these resources and programs to showcase their continued commitment.  

In what ways does OHVA support families in the armed forces? 

As a Purple Start School, OHVA supports military families through various school-wide support initiatives and recognition ceremonies. Handmade cards are sent to each individual veteran family in a program that partners with the National Junior Honor Society. Fifth-grade students at OHVA create slideshows to honor and show gratitude for their classmates and families with military connections. Teachers also give students opportunities to share stories about veteran family members during “Class Connect” sessions, and staff members who are veterans are highlighted on OHVA’s social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. 

OHVA also holds two yearly award ceremonies to recognize and honor the students and families in the program. These include partnerships with the Daughters of the American Revolution, which offer scholarships and special recognition for military-connected students. During April’s Month of the Military Child, the school observes “Purple Up Day,” where staff wear purple and celebrate the contributions of military families by wearing as much purple as possible. 

Additional responsibilities also include ensuring students are well-informed about the opportunities that can come from military service, and what each branch has to offer. Recruiters are invited to connect with students to share their experiences and discuss possible pathways for a future in the armed forces. Students also learn about Ohio’s Military Seal, a route to graduation that opens doors for students interested in a future in the military.  

What does the Purple Star Award mean to OHVA and its staff? 

OHVA is proud to be the first virtual school in Ohio to earn a Purple Star Award. The designation is more than a badge of honor—it’s a sign of our academy’s commitment and responsibility to serve those who have served our country. The school’s dedication to this cause remains visible through the programs it puts in place, the students it supports, and the relationships it builds with military families. OHVA’s Purple Star School status is not just a recognition of what the school has done—it’s a challenge to continue to build and strengthen its support for kids and military families for years to come.  

Visit our Military Family Support page to learn more about how OHVA supports our military families!