Anthony Wayne High School in Whitehouse, Ohio, held its first military signing ceremony on Oct. 11, 2025, recognizing seniors who have signed letters of intent and six‑year commitments to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, primarily with the Ohio Air National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing.

The event, introduced by Christine Young, the district's military family school liaison and a seventh‑grade social studies teacher, brought together students, families, school leaders, recruiters and veterans. Young said the ceremony mirrored athletic signings but noted that “these students have already signed their official mountain of documents,” underscoring that the school event was ceremonial rather than the enlistment itself.

The ceremony matters locally because it publicly acknowledges military‑bound graduates and highlights support systems for military families. Pete Lupiba, a U.S. Navy veteran and commissioner with the Ohio Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3), told the seniors that serving would be consequential and urged commitment: “If you remember any 3 words from me this evening, go all in.” Lupiba also highlighted Ohio's role in expanding the Purple Star schools initiative that recognizes schools that support military students.

Most students honored at the ceremony signed six‑year contracts with the Ohio Air National Guard. Cooper Moore signed with the 180th Fighter Wing, with a military occupational specialty in aerospace propulsion; he was scheduled to begin about seven weeks of basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, followed by nine weeks of technical training at Sheppard Air Force Base. “The main reason I joined the Air National Guard was I wanted to serve my nation,” Cooper said.

Alex Popovich signed a six‑year contract to serve as a tactical aircraft maintenance crew chief and was scheduled for about seven and a half weeks of basic training followed by 13 weeks of technical training at Sheppard. “I decided to join because, first and foremost, I wanna serve my country,” Alex said, adding he also valued education benefits that would help pay for college.

Hayden Robarge signed for aircraft structural maintenance with an initial plan of seven and a half weeks of basic training and 11 weeks of technical training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. Drew Cunningham signed for fire protection with a planned seven and a half weeks of basic training and 10 weeks of technical training at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas. Drew said he joined to follow his father's example and to gain discipline and structure: “The reason I chose to join the military was because I wanted to follow my father's footsteps.”

Recruiters and school staff described the students as respectful and determined. Technical Sgt. Javier Graciani, the 180th Fighter Wing recruiter who worked with several of the students, said Cooper “impressed us with his respectful demeanor,” and that the next months of training would be demanding but achievable. Technical Sgt. Olivia Elling was identified as Alex Popovich's recruiter in remarks introducing his signed commitment.

School leaders and community members attended. Christine Young introduced special guests including Kevin Herman, superintendent of Anthony Wayne Local Schools; Dr. Kevin Pfefferly, principal of Anthony Wayne High School; and board member Mike Stomm. The program included presentation of colors by American Legion Post 384 and remarks from veterans and recruiters.

The ceremony also included family participation: parents placed ceremonial stoles on their sons' shoulders and students placed service covers (hats) on their heads as symbols of commitment. Organizers encouraged attendees to visit the students after the ceremony and thanked recruiters for attending.

The event emphasized local leadership and the district's support for military families through programs such as the Purple Star designation and MIC3 resources. No school board motion or vote took place during the ceremony; the signing event was a public recognition of enlistment paperwork the students had already completed.

The seniors recognized at the ceremony included Cooper Moore, Alex Popovich, Hayden Robarge and Drew Cunningham. Attendees were encouraged to thank each student for their commitment and refreshments were offered after the program.