All Four Westlake City Schools Earn Prestigious Purple Star Designation

Westlake City Schools is proud to announce that all four of its schools—Westlake High School, Lee Burneson Middle School, Dover Intermediate School, and Westlake Elementary School—have been awarded the Purple Star designation by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce as part of the Purple Star Class of 2025.

This prestigious honor, announced by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) Director Stephen D. Dackin, recognizes schools that show an exceptional commitment to supporting students and families connected to the U.S. Armed Forces. In total, 367 schools across Ohio received the designation this year, including 115 first-time awardees and 252 renewals. Ohio is now home to 700 active Purple Star schools.

The designation is valid for three years and highlights each Westlake school’s ongoing efforts to meet the unique needs of military-connected students. Schools must designate a military family liaison, complete professional development, and engage in annual activities such as peer-to-peer transition programs, staff training, and schoolwide recognition events honoring military service.

“This honor reaffirms our district’s commitment to creating welcoming, supportive environments where every student feels seen, valued, and supported,” said Superintendent Dr. Scott Goggin. “Our schools provide stability and a strong sense of belonging for students during times of transition, and we remain dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of our military families.”

This recognition affirms our commitment to empowering every student — including those from military families — to achieve their educational goals, direct their lives, and contribute to society. It reflects our vision of a dynamic, student-centered learning environment built on respect, support, and continuous growth.

Each Westlake school will receive an official Purple Star banner and certificate to proudly display this honor. The announcement also coincides with national recognitions: the Month of the Military Child in April—which raises awareness of the experiences and challenges faced by children in military families—and Military Appreciation Month in May, a time dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of military members and their families.

For more information on the Purple Star designation and the full list of awardees, visit the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s Purple Star School webpage. For more information about support and resources available for Westlake City Schools military families, please visit https://www.wlake.org/registration1/military-family-resources.