PERRYSBURG, Perrysburg Township -- Penta Career Center recognized military-connected students and their families Wednesday with a special appreciation luncheon as part of the Month of the Military Child.
About a dozen students invited family members who are currently serving, in the reserves or part of the Ohio National Guard. The event also coincided with "Purple Up Day," when students and staff wear purple to show support for military families.
School leaders say the goal is to recognize the unique challenges military-connected students face -- and to better understand how to support them.
"Military families deserve and need maybe some extra support," Ed Ewers, Penta Career Center Superintendent said. "This is our way to make sure we're supporting our students and recognizing them and their families."
Penta has been designated a Purple Star School since 2020, a recognition from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce for schools that show a strong commitment to students from military families.
During the luncheon, students received a custom challenge coin designed by a classmate in the school's Digital Arts & Design program.
Leaders say the event is also an opportunity to hear directly from families.
"What can we do better? What can we do additionally to make sure they have the support they need to be successful?" Ewers said.
For families like the Hollikers, that recognition goes a long way.
"I think it's important the school is recognizing the military kids because the military kids sacrifice a lot," said Beth Holliker, whose family has longstanding ties to the military. "Parents miss school events, sporting events and things like that. So it's nice that the schools are recognizing their sacrifice as well."
Her husband recently retired after nearly 34 years of service, much of it spent with the 180th Fighter Wing.
"Countless deployments, trips missed birthdays, missed events all those different kinds of things, and they had to endure," he said of his children.
Students say those sacrifices can show up in everyday moments even on the field.
"I've been varsity for four years, and they've missed a few different things," said Noah Holliker. "They’ve gone to as many games as they could, but there’s been a few where Dad’s pulling up right at the end, watching from his truck."
He says events like this remind military-connected students they're not alone.
"We're still the same as everyone else," he said. "We just sacrifice a little more."
School officials say they hope to continue the luncheon in the future while expanding support for military families based on feedback gathered from students and parents.