The Medina County Career Center has proudly received the Purple Star designation, recognizing its significant commitment to supporting students and families connected to our nation’s military.
The Purple Star Award is presented to schools demonstrating exemplary efforts in providing resources and support for military-connected students. More than 70 students at the Career Center have reported a military affiliation such as a family member, parent and/or guardian on active duty, in the reserves, National Guard, or who is a military-service veteran.
Darlene Cavett, a VoSE at the Career Center, and Patrick Shaughnessy, School Counselor for Brunswick students and the MCCC military liaison, played a pivotal role in securing the designation. After learning about the Purple Star program a couple of years ago, Shaughnessy initiated the application process last November. Together, the two successfully completed the rigorous application, with the school notified in April of its three-year designation.
“We’re trying to do a mix of providing services and support throughout the school day,” noted Shaughnessy. “We’re also trying to provide some opportunities for those students and their families to volunteer or participate in community events.”
In keeping with MCCC’s phenomenal spirit of community, several Career-Technical programs are contributing to the network of support for Purple Star efforts on campus.
Automotive Technology instructor Darin Lewis is a longtime champion of the Wreaths Across America program. Each year, his students seek sponsors to purchase remembrance wreaths to be placed on the graves at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery as a part of Wreaths Across America and assist with placing the wreaths in December. This year, the Career Center’s Criminal Justice program, Student Leadership Council, and Purple Star students will join in the effort as well, with the goal of placing a wreath on each grave. To learn more about Wreaths Across America or to sponsor a wreath, visit tinyurl.com/5e23rrn7.
Graphics and Printing Technology instructor Ron Kostechak added his program’s support, printing a large Purple Star banner for display and printing and providing Purple Star window clings for students and staff.
The Career Center actively honors its graduating seniors who enlist in the military during its annual Senior Awards Ceremony. Additionally, students have participated in the annual military signing ceremony at Brunswick High School.
Plans to further expand MCCC’s military-related activities this year include sending care packages and cards to deployed troops and researching opportunities for military families to participate in events outside of the school day, such as a Cleveland Cavaliers game and similar activities.
The Medina County Career Center’s commitment to military families exemplifies the spirit of community and support, paving the way for future initiatives that empower and uplift students connected to the military.
