| CIRCLEVILLE, OH – The Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) celebrated the graduation of over 20 youth at the Circleville facility’s Ralph C. Starkey High School today. It was a memorable day, with over 100 youth, family members, staff, and leaders in attendance to recognize the 2025 Fall graduates. The event honored the students who completed the requirements for their high school diplomas or GEDs while in the care of the agency. |
 Superintendent Dr. Michael Jackson for the Buckeye United School District expressed his pride in the graduates, highlighting the commitment students demonstrated throughout the school year and the meaningful progress seen across classrooms. “The graduates of Ralph C. Starkey High School have shown extraordinary courage and perseverance,” said Dr. Jackson. “Their journey has not been easy, yet each of them made the choice to keep going—to learn, to grow, and to believe in a future greater than their past.” Principal Dr. Milner delivered remarks to the youth on thinking about their future while staying focused moving forward. |
 “This is always a great time of the year to celebrate our young men for their accomplishments, but the message I want to drive home for my guys is to not continue to carry the bricks from your past because you will end up building the same house,” said Dr. Milner. “Change for yourself, not for those who continue to tear down your foundation.” The Columbus City Council President, Shannon Hardin, attended the ceremony as the keynote speaker and had words of advice for the youth. |
 “I need you to go back to your neighborhoods, back to your families, and be the person that you were meant to be,” said Hardin. “For the city or town that you are from to be great, you’ve got to go home and be great. We still have such high expectations for you. Make sure you have high expectations for yourself.”Families and guests applauded as students shifted their tassels, marking the closing of one chapter and the start of the next. The event concluded with photos, congratulations, and encouragement for the graduates as they look toward the future. |
