Anthony Wayne Local Schools is proud to announce its inaugural Military Signing Ceremony, a new tradition designed to honor graduating seniors who have chosen to serve their country through military enlistment. The event will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16, and is open to the public.
Modeled after athletic and academic signing ceremonies, this meaningful celebration will shine a spotlight on the courage and dedication of four Anthony Wayne High School seniors who are enlisting in the Air National Guard:
Drew Cunningham – Fire Protection
Cooper Mohr – Aerospace Propulsion
Alexander Popovitch – Tactical Aircraft Maintenance
Hayden Robarge – Aircraft Structural Maintenance
“Typically the swearing in ceremony and contract signing is attended by just a few family members,” said Mrs. Christine Young, AWJH Military Families School Liaison, Ohio Purple Star Advisory Board Member and Ohio MIC3 Council Member. “We wanted to recognize their choice to serve and elevate their commitment to serve our country to a larger, more public stage.”
Anthony Wayne Local Schools is committed to preparing students for success beyond the classroom—whether through Enrollment, Enlistment, or Employment, as outlined in the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s “Three E’s” initiative.
“While we have traditionally publicly celebrated our college-bound students and student-athletes with signing events and acknowledgements, we recognize that we need to do more for our students who are choosing a different path,” said Dr. Kevin Pfefferle, Anthony Wayne High School Principal. “This ceremony is another step forward in celebrating all of our students’ futures and provides an opportunity to thank these students for choosing to serve in the military.”
The District has a longstanding tradition of honoring its military-connected students, their families and the servicemen and women of the Anthony Wayne Community:
All AWLS buildings have earned Ohio Purple Star School designation for demonstrating a major commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families.
Each school encourages military-connected students to join the Purple Star Generals, a networking and support group designed to ensure they and their families receive strong support during deployments and other transitions related to military life.
The District honors local service members during a variety of Veterans Day celebrations and activities each year, and frequently invites them to share their stories as guest speakers.
Graduates and employees who are or have been a member of the U.S. Armed Forces are prominently recognized on the Military Wall of Honor at Anthony Wayne High School. The students being honored during the Military Signing Ceremony will be added to that display as part of the Veterans Day celebration this fall.
The Military Signing Ceremony is open to the public and light refreshments will be served following the event.
