Dublin honors educator and community leader dedicated to preserving veterans’ stories
(Dublin, Ohio) — The City of Dublin has selected John Witt, a longtime educator at Dublin Scioto High School, as the 2026 Independence Day Grand Marshal in recognition of his commitment to honoring veterans, amplifying their stories and strengthening support for military families across the community. Witt will preside over the Independence Day Parade and Evening Celebration.
Witt has taught at Dublin Scioto High School for 22 years, and also serves as a football coach and club advisor. His impact reaches far beyond the classroom, creating programs that help students learn directly from those who have served.
In 2013, Witt founded the Veterans Story Event, an annual student-led recognition of more than 225 individual veteran stories. Since its inception, the event has honored more than 3,000 veterans and is supported by the Dublin Education Foundation and the Nick Rozanski Memorial Foundation.
In 2019, Witt collaborated with Dr. Patricia Santanello and Rob Kuhn to establish the Immersive Experience, bringing together students from AP Studies, Theatre III, Maker Space and engineering classes to create interactive learning environments for elementary students to learn about historical events.
In 2025, Witt helped establish the Veterans Experience with students Maya Falco and Zoe Lefferts. Through more than 75 interviews and 150 hours of work, the team developed an immersive exhibit that explores the experiences of the men and women who served our nation.
In addition to teaching, Witt advises Scioto’s Interact Club, Multicultural Club and, most notably, the Scioto Purple Star Club. Founded in 2022, the Purple Star Club followed the State of Ohio’s designation of Dublin Scioto as the first school in Dublin named a Purple Star school, recognizing ongoing support of military-connected students and families.
Witt also serves as a M.A.S.H. Pantry Advisory Board member, supporting efforts to assist veterans and military families across Ohio. His recognitions include being named Dublin City Schools’ 2021 Golden Shamrock recipient, a three-time Dublin Community Champion Award recipient and a 2025 Dublin City Schools Hall of Fame Inductee.
Witt and his wife, Kortney, have been married for 27 years and have four children: Hannah, Zach, Emma and Gracie.
The Grand Marshal honor is bestowed annually upon an individual or couple who has made a significant contribution to the City of Dublin through volunteer or professional efforts and has demonstrated patriotism through the development of community and/or community values.
For more information on the 2026 Independence Day Celebration and a complete schedule, visit DublinOhioUSA.gov/community-events/independence-day-celebration/.
About the City of Dublin, Ohio, USA
Dublin is a city of around 50,000 residents located just northwest of Columbus, Ohio. It offers residents and corporate citizens responsive services, attractive housing, superior public education, direct regional highway access, abundant park space, thoughtful and strategic planning, innovative ideas and technology and a dynamic community life. Dublin is ranked the number one small city in Ohio and is consistently ranked one of the safest cities in the nation. It is home to more than 20 corporate headquarters, an entrepreneurial center, 4,300+ businesses, world-class events and the urban, walkable Bridge Street District. For more information, visit DublinOhioUSA.gov or call 614.410.4400.
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