Purple Star Designation

At Incarnate Word Academy, we are proud to be recognized as a Purple Star School, a designation that honors our commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families. Pursuing this designation reflects our mission to serve all members of our community with compassion and care, recognizing the unique challenges faced by families who serve our nation. By creating a supportive environment, providing tailored resources, and fostering a deep understanding of military life, we ensure that every student thrives academically and personally, no matter where their journey takes them.

7th Grade Dog Tag Ceremony

In September of 2024, Incarnate Word Academy proudly hosted our annual 7th Grade Dog Tag Ceremony, an event dedicated to honoring our nation’s veterans. Organized by Ms. Stacy Shalala, the ceremony welcomed veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces to share their powerful stories of service, dedication, and sacrifice with our students.

The event opened with the National Anthem and a moment of prayer, setting a reflective tone for the day. A key highlight was when our 7th-grade students received personalized dog tags, presented to them by the veterans—a meaningful gesture symbolizing the values of service and commitment.

The ceremony also included discussions on leaving a legacy and student reflections on The Giving Tree, connecting the story’s themes of selflessness to the lessons learned from the veterans.

We are deeply grateful to these heroes for inspiring our students and strengthening the bond between our school and those who have served our country. This cherished tradition continues to instill in our students the importance of service to others.

 

Ms. Stacy Shalala

Ms. Stacy Shalala

Purple Star Liaison

Other partners include the Strongsville VFW Post #3345, Wreaths Across America, and the Parma Elks (hosts of IWA’s Annual Patriotic Writing Contest).