We are proud to announce that EVERY BUILDING in the James A. Garfield Local School District has been awarded the prestigious Purple Star designation from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce! This honor recognizes our district’s deep commitment to serving the unique needs of students and families connected to military service.
The Purple Star Award is given only to schools that meet rigorous criteria in providing comprehensive support for military-connected youth—students who often face challenges related to frequent moves, family deployments, and transitions. We are proud to say that JAG has not only met these expectations—we’ve exceeded them.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Chris Forgacs, our Military Family Liaison, and Kristi Fiorentino, our Student & Family Liaison, for their outstanding leadership in ensuring that our military families are welcomed, supported, and celebrated throughout their time at JAG. Their work has made this recognition possible and continues to make a lasting impact in the lives of our students.
To celebrate this achievement and honor our military families during April, Military Family Appreciation Month, we hosted two special events:
• A student cookout for all students from military families that was held at noon on Wednesday, April 23.
• A family celebration at the JAG baseball and softball games with a community cookout that will take place on Thursday evening, April 24. All military families are invited!
In addition to these recognitions, we continue to build our Veterans Wall at the high school, which honors James A. Garfield graduates who have served in the armed forces. It stands as a daily reminder of the pride we have in our community and our unwavering respect for those who have served. If you are aware of a graduate who may not yet be recognized on the wall, please contact Chris Forgacs (cforgacs@jagschools.org) to get that Veteran placed on the wall.
We thank the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and the Purple Star Advisory Board for this honor—and we thank our military families for the strength, sacrifice, and resilience they bring to our district.
Go G-Men—and thank you to all who serve!
