🐾Today’s Bulldog Alumni Spotlight: Austin Menker, Class of 2016🐾
Austin Menker (Class of 2016) has built a life centered around service, family, and community. Austin currently serves as a Trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol at the Piqua Post. He lives in Russia, Ohio, with his wife, Brooke, their twin daughters, Oakley and Olivia, and their German Shepherd, Raider. While Austin takes great pride in his career, he says his greatest accomplishment is the family he and his wife have built together.
Following graduation from Milton-Union, Austin served seven years in the United States Marine Corps, including a deployment to Iraq. He describes that experience, along with his continued career in public service, as one of his proudest professional achievements. In 2025, Austin was honored as the Ohio State Highway Patrol Piqua Post Trooper of the Year, a recognition that reflects his commitment to serving others.
Looking back, Austin says one of the most important lessons he has learned is that success comes through consistency, hard work, and the way you treat people. Life may not always follow the path you expect, but discipline, perseverance, and strong relationships can carry you through any challenge.
Some of Austin's favorite memories from Milton-Union include the 2016 football season and winning league championships in wrestling during his junior and senior years. Athletics played a major role in shaping his character, and one coach left a lasting impression.
Coach Art Ratcliff was more than a wrestling coach to Austin. Beginning in first grade, Coach Ratcliff became a mentor and father figure who continued to support him long after graduation. Austin credits Coach Ratcliff with helping shape the person he is today. He also extends his gratitude to Mrs. August, Mrs. Avey, Mrs. Fasick, and Ms. Hill, educators who held him accountable, believed in him, and continued to encourage him beyond his high school years. Austin says their investment in him as both a student-athlete and a person made a lasting impact.
Growing up in West Milton taught Austin the importance of hard work, respect, accountability, and pride in what you do. Those values have stayed with him throughout his military service, law enforcement career, and family life.
His advice to current students is simple:
"Don't worry about having everything figured out. Set goals, surround yourself with good and like-minded people, and be willing to put in the work when things get hard. Be someone your younger self, your community, and your family would be proud of."
Austin believes being a Bulldog is about more than attending school. It represents a community and friendships that last a lifetime.
"Being a Bulldog isn't just something you were in high school. It represents your community and friendships that last forever. No matter where life takes you, you'll always have a home to come back to and a community that cares about you. It's a place to slow down and remember where you came from."
Reflecting on his journey, Austin shares that without the investment of his teachers, coaches, and lifelong friendships formed at Milton-Union, he would not be the person he is today. What began in the small town of West Milton has taken him through 12 states and 4 countries and now has him raising his own family just north of the community that helped shape him.
Thank you, Austin, for your service, leadership, and for representing Bulldog pride so well.
Want to share your story?
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/fADjUt9qJH
Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog! 🐾
Austin Menker (Class of 2016) has built a life centered around service, family, and community. Austin currently serves as a Trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol at the Piqua Post. He lives in Russia, Ohio, with his wife, Brooke, their twin daughters, Oakley and Olivia, and their German Shepherd, Raider. While Austin takes great pride in his career, he says his greatest accomplishment is the family he and his wife have built together.
Following graduation from Milton-Union, Austin served seven years in the United States Marine Corps, including a deployment to Iraq. He describes that experience, along with his continued career in public service, as one of his proudest professional achievements. In 2025, Austin was honored as the Ohio State Highway Patrol Piqua Post Trooper of the Year, a recognition that reflects his commitment to serving others.
Looking back, Austin says one of the most important lessons he has learned is that success comes through consistency, hard work, and the way you treat people. Life may not always follow the path you expect, but discipline, perseverance, and strong relationships can carry you through any challenge.
Some of Austin's favorite memories from Milton-Union include the 2016 football season and winning league championships in wrestling during his junior and senior years. Athletics played a major role in shaping his character, and one coach left a lasting impression.
Coach Art Ratcliff was more than a wrestling coach to Austin. Beginning in first grade, Coach Ratcliff became a mentor and father figure who continued to support him long after graduation. Austin credits Coach Ratcliff with helping shape the person he is today. He also extends his gratitude to Mrs. August, Mrs. Avey, Mrs. Fasick, and Ms. Hill, educators who held him accountable, believed in him, and continued to encourage him beyond his high school years. Austin says their investment in him as both a student-athlete and a person made a lasting impact.
Growing up in West Milton taught Austin the importance of hard work, respect, accountability, and pride in what you do. Those values have stayed with him throughout his military service, law enforcement career, and family life.
His advice to current students is simple:
"Don't worry about having everything figured out. Set goals, surround yourself with good and like-minded people, and be willing to put in the work when things get hard. Be someone your younger self, your community, and your family would be proud of."
Austin believes being a Bulldog is about more than attending school. It represents a community and friendships that last a lifetime.
"Being a Bulldog isn't just something you were in high school. It represents your community and friendships that last forever. No matter where life takes you, you'll always have a home to come back to and a community that cares about you. It's a place to slow down and remember where you came from."
Reflecting on his journey, Austin shares that without the investment of his teachers, coaches, and lifelong friendships formed at Milton-Union, he would not be the person he is today. What began in the small town of West Milton has taken him through 12 states and 4 countries and now has him raising his own family just north of the community that helped shape him.
Thank you, Austin, for your service, leadership, and for representing Bulldog pride so well.
Want to share your story?
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/fADjUt9qJH
Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog! 🐾
MUHS Seniors: the FAFSA is open! Our Counselors will be holding a FAFSA night on Thursday, October 22nd in the Library/Media Center at 6pm. A Wright State University Financial Aid representative will also be here to help you through the process. Students and a parent/guardian should create their FSA ID beforehand and bring a device with them. If you have any questions, call the Counseling Office at 937-884-7950.
Congratulations to our Abbey Credit Union September students of the month Sophia Blackburn, Hadley Galentine, Stella Blackburn, & Elaina Wolf. Way to go ladies & keep up the great work!
Congratulations to our September staff member of the month, Andrew Wade! Mr. Wade dedicates a lot of time to our students in the classroom and on the field as a football coach. He has also been named our new Varsity boys tennis coach! A huge thank you to @Patterson's flowers for the bouquet!
🍂 October Attendance Spotlight
Success doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built one day at a time.
Every class attended is another opportunity to ask questions, collaborate with classmates, and prepare for what comes next. The habits you build today will shape your future tomorrow.
📚 Be present.
🎯 Stay engaged.
🐾 Live the Bulldog Way.
Every Day Counts because every Bulldog matters.
#EveryDayCounts #BulldogPride
Success doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built one day at a time.
Every class attended is another opportunity to ask questions, collaborate with classmates, and prepare for what comes next. The habits you build today will shape your future tomorrow.
📚 Be present.
🎯 Stay engaged.
🐾 Live the Bulldog Way.
Every Day Counts because every Bulldog matters.
#EveryDayCounts #BulldogPride
(MUHS) Reminder: Parent-Teacher Conferences are tomorrow, Thursday, October 1, from 3:30–6:30 p.m. It’s not too late to schedule a meeting with your student’s teachers! Please contact teachers directly or call the high school office at 937-884-7940 to schedule a conference.
The Freshmen class is fundraising in order to help establish their account for their high school career. A portion of the sales will go back to the Freshmen class! Orders are due by October 9th! Turnaround time to get products is about 2 weeks! Orders can be shipped to wherever OR can be arranged for pick up.
(MUHS) School Attendance Announcement: Finish September strong! Consistent attendance leads to stronger academic performance and lifelong success.
Tomorrow afternoon, MUHS will hold our Homecoming assembly. We have adjusted the class period schedule to accommodate it. If your student has late arrival, please make sure they are aware of tomorrow’s adjusted times and arrive in time for their first scheduled class.
(MUHS) Last reminder that Homecoming Outside Guest forms are due today by 3pm. Homecoming tickets are on sale until 11:30pm tonight. Please visit https://www.muschools.com/o/high-school/page/purchase-athletic-tickets for ticket information.
Please help us welcome our 2026 Homecoming Court! Freshman Attendant Lainey Day, Representatives Brooklin Crowe & Kylie Hammond. Sophomore Attendant Campbell Berner, Representatives Stella Blackburn & Isabella Stapleton. Junior Attendant Aubree Bates, Representatives Ava Lightner & Katie Muncy. Senior Representatives Rylie Thokey, Chloe Crabtree & Addyson Bechtel. Queen Candidates Sophia Blackburn, Raylin Combs & Tessa Ryerson. King Candidates Brock Hammond, Benjamin Carpenter & Levi Brumbaugh (not pictured)
Travelin' Tom's coffee will be at the high school Friday, Sept 25th during bulldog break. Students can pre-order (preferred) or make purchases that day. Please see the attached flyer for pre-order information. Please contact the high school office with any questions at (937)884-7940.
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 3:30–6:30 p.m. If you would like to meet with your student’s teachers or counselor, please contact them directly or call the high school office at 937-884-7940 to schedule an appointment.
We look forward to seeing you!
We look forward to seeing you!
📅 September Attendance Spotlight
Success isn’t built in a single day—it’s built one day at a time.
Every class attended is another opportunity to learn, collaborate, and move one step closer to your goals. Whether you're preparing for college, a career, the military, or your future, showing up matters.
🎯 Be Here. Be Engaged. Be Bulldog Proud.
At Milton-Union High School, Every Day Counts because every Bulldog matters.
#EveryDayCounts #BulldogPride
Success isn’t built in a single day—it’s built one day at a time.
Every class attended is another opportunity to learn, collaborate, and move one step closer to your goals. Whether you're preparing for college, a career, the military, or your future, showing up matters.
🎯 Be Here. Be Engaged. Be Bulldog Proud.
At Milton-Union High School, Every Day Counts because every Bulldog matters.
#EveryDayCounts #BulldogPride
🐾 We are proud to spotlight Sara (Burton) Joyce, Class of 1982! 🐾
Sara currently lives in Tampa, Florida, where she works at U.S. Special Operations Command as a Government Civilian Acquisition Logistician. After an incredible career of service, Sara is preparing to retire in just two months.
Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in social psychology, an associate’s degree in Logistics Management, a master’s degree in human resource management, and postgraduate work in Mental Health Counseling.
Sara’s career and military service have taken her around the world. She served 23 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, with assignments in California, Arizona, Virginia, and Florida, as well as overseas in Japan, Korea, and Germany. She also deployed to Turkey, Bahrain and other locations and has traveled to more than 20 countries and nearly every state in the U.S., including Alaska, Guam, and Hawaii.
One of Sara’s greatest accomplishments, however, is much closer to home. She is incredibly proud of raising two wonderful children and being a grandmother to three grandbabies.
When asked what advice she would give today’s Bulldogs, Sara shared:
“Venture out, meet people and enjoy different cultures. You don’t know what you don’t know!”
Her favorite MUHS memory? Working on the homecoming floats. She also remembers Art class with Mrs. Showalter, which was her favorite class.
Her message to today’s students is simple and powerful:
“Follow your dreams. Never settle. Even if you love the small-town vibe, at least go out and see the world. Contribute to society!”
And to her fellow Bulldogs:
“Don’t forget where you came from"
.
Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog!
Want to share your story?
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/fADjUt9qJH
#MiltonUnionAlumni #BulldogPride #ClassOf1982 #MUHS #OnceABulldogAlwaysABulldog
Sara currently lives in Tampa, Florida, where she works at U.S. Special Operations Command as a Government Civilian Acquisition Logistician. After an incredible career of service, Sara is preparing to retire in just two months.
Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in social psychology, an associate’s degree in Logistics Management, a master’s degree in human resource management, and postgraduate work in Mental Health Counseling.
Sara’s career and military service have taken her around the world. She served 23 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, with assignments in California, Arizona, Virginia, and Florida, as well as overseas in Japan, Korea, and Germany. She also deployed to Turkey, Bahrain and other locations and has traveled to more than 20 countries and nearly every state in the U.S., including Alaska, Guam, and Hawaii.
One of Sara’s greatest accomplishments, however, is much closer to home. She is incredibly proud of raising two wonderful children and being a grandmother to three grandbabies.
When asked what advice she would give today’s Bulldogs, Sara shared:
“Venture out, meet people and enjoy different cultures. You don’t know what you don’t know!”
Her favorite MUHS memory? Working on the homecoming floats. She also remembers Art class with Mrs. Showalter, which was her favorite class.
Her message to today’s students is simple and powerful:
“Follow your dreams. Never settle. Even if you love the small-town vibe, at least go out and see the world. Contribute to society!”
And to her fellow Bulldogs:
“Don’t forget where you came from"
.
Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog!
Want to share your story?
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/fADjUt9qJH
#MiltonUnionAlumni #BulldogPride #ClassOf1982 #MUHS #OnceABulldogAlwaysABulldog
Attention MUHS Sophomores and Juniors (MVCTC included)! We will be offering the PSAT the morning of Friday, October 9th at the High School. This is a great way to practice for the SAT and earn potential National Merit recognition as a Junior. See the attached flyer for more information and complete the linked intent form no later than Monday, September 21st if you want to take the PSAT! https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/xCZG9ZC4hW
📣 MUHS Seniors! The Counseling Department is hosting a Common App Lunch & Learn on Friday, September 18, from 11:00-11:30 a.m.
Join Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Keller as they help you navigate the Common App, set up your account, review application and essay tips, and more! The Common App is a one-stop platform that allows you to apply to multiple colleges and universities, submit transcript requests, and manage letters of recommendation from your recommenders.
🍕 Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to Mrs. Ely as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing you there!
Join Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Keller as they help you navigate the Common App, set up your account, review application and essay tips, and more! The Common App is a one-stop platform that allows you to apply to multiple colleges and universities, submit transcript requests, and manage letters of recommendation from your recommenders.
🍕 Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to Mrs. Ely as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing you there!
Please see that attached flier for next week's spirit themes (Sept. 21-25)
Homecoming tickets are on sale now! Purchase your tickets to an Enchanted Autumn at https://www.muschools.com/o/high-school/page/purchase-athletic-tickets
If you are purchasing tickets for your student, please be sure to list your student's name as the purchaser, not yourself. If you have questions, please contact the high school office at (937) 884-7640
If you are purchasing tickets for your student, please be sure to list your student's name as the purchaser, not yourself. If you have questions, please contact the high school office at (937) 884-7640
(MUHS) School Attendance Annoucement: Students who attend school regularly are more likely to graduate and be prepared for college and careers. Thank you for helping your student be here every day.