“We hope that alumni are proud to see their names on the military wall and that they are proud graduates of Northmont High School,” said high school Principal David Inkrott.
“We hope that our current students gain an appreciation for the sacrifices made by members of the military and their families. In addition, there may be some students that take the time to research whether the military is a profession that is right for them,” he said.
The wall is located in the center of the building. It is nearly 20 feet tall and 16 feet wide and features a mural above the names.
Enlisted military members will have their name, year of graduation from Northmont and service branch listed. Commissioned officers will have their names, year of graduation, college attended and service branch. Service academy graduates will have their name, year of graduation, academy attended and service branch along with their picture.
Planning for the Military Wall of Honor began in March 2019 and has involved Inkrott; Beth Harlow, high school administrative assistant; Jenny Wood, information officer; Lt. Col. Ken Knotts; Senior Chief James Griffin; and Cory Caudill, media specialist.
The school’s art, athletic and Navy Junior ROTC departments and woodshop and custodial staff also provided support.
Inkrott said a lot of research was done to determine what was appropriate for the military wall, which was created in conjunction with Ideal Image. It was not modeled after any other school’s wall, he said.
The project was pursued for several reasons, Inkrott said including the district being “very proud and appreciative of all veterans, especially graduates from Northmont High School.”
In May 2019, the Ohio Department of Education recognized the school with a Purple Star Award for commitment to students and families connected to the military. The high school also has focused on three E’s for students following graduation: Enroll in college or trade school, gain Employment, or Enlist in the military, Inkrott said.
The project has been supported by many Northmont organizations, the high school classes of 2012 and 2019, Ideal Image and Northmont City schools, he said. “The support has been fantastic from both the community and veterans,” Inkrott said.
The wall initially will have more than 230 enlisted name, 34 commissioned officers and 10 service academy graduates.
Knotts said there are many more graduates who are veterans and likely unaware of the efforts to establish the wall. Other Northmont High School graduate who served in the military can be added by completing the internet based application at http:bit.ly/MilitaryWall or by calling Col. Knotts at 937-832-6010.
HOW TO GO:
Northmont Military Wall of Honor dedication
Jan. 25, 6:15 p.m., Northmont High School
Special note: Guests are asked to park adjacent to Door 14 at the east side of the high school. Ceremony will be held near the Spanish Steps. Guests are invited to the varsity basketball game after the ceremony. During the game, all military members and families will be honored.
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