Military Coin Presentation
Friday, August 21, 2026 • First home football game of the season.
Bay High Memorial Stadium • 29230 Wolf Road, Bay Village, 44140
Presentation will occur at approximately 6:50 p.m., before the game starts.
On Friday, August 21, 2026, Bay Village City School District, a Purple Star District, will be presented with a Purple Star Command Coin from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) at Bay High School’s first home football game of the season against Ashland High School. Superintendent Scot Prebles, Treasurer Autumn Reed, Bay Village Board of Education Members (Debbie Callihan, James Goodman, Kevin Ballantine, Amy Huntley and Dr. Andrey Stojic) and the district’s Military Liaisons (Pat Reitz, Megan Basel, Kelly Baon, Anne Hart, Christopher McArn, Mark Kevesdy and Robert Grossman) will accept the coin.
The Purple Star Command Coin, officially known as the MIC3 (Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission) & Purple Star School Challenge/Command Coin, is a commemorative medallion presented to Ohio schools and educators that display outstanding support for military-connected students and families.The State of Ohio awards these coins to recognize institutions that have achieved "Gold Standard" practices in easing transitions, deployments and academic integration for children of active-duty service members, National Guard, Reserves and veterans. The coins are usually presented to school administrators, counselors or the school's designated Purple Star Liaisons.
During this presentation, Bay Village Schools’ 42 Military-connected families and their 72-military connected students, will be asked to stand on the 50-yard line. The Command Coin will also be used in the ceremonial coin toss to start the football game with Bay vs. Ashland.
Key Details and Origin:
This coin will be distributed by the Ohio Military Commissioner, Pete LuPiba, a role he has held since 2012. LuPiba is the founder of the Purple Star School Award. He currently serves as Deputy Director for the Ohio Office of Budget and Management, and previously served as Public Affairs Officer at the Department of Education and Workforce. A U.S. Navy Veteran, LuPiba was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Symbolism: In military culture, a challenge/command coin signifies belonging, special achievement, excellence and unit pride. Receiving this coin recognizes a school district’s commitment to creating a welcoming, military-friendly community.
How Schools/Districts Earn the Coin:
Schools/districts that receive the command coin must first earn the Purple Star School Designation from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. To qualify for this designation, schools must meet specific criteria:
Have a designated staff point of contact (liaison) for military families.
Require liaisons to complete professional development regarding the special needs and considerations of military students.
Identify military-connected students and ensure teachers are aware of their specific situations.
Host at least one supportive activity or event each year for military students and families.
For more information on the award, to find a list of current Purple Star schools or to view the application requirements, visit the official Ohio Purple Star Designation webpage.
To learn more about Bay Village City School District’s Purple Star Designation, please click here. To view Bay Village School’s Military Resources website page, please click here.
Editor’s Note: In the spring of 2026, Bay High School installed a POW/MIA Chair of Honor at Bay Memorial Stadium. You can read more about this initiative here.