Past Meets Present: A Challenge Coin Tribute to Howe Military Cadets - Alumni Association
- Renae
- Jun 5
- 4 min read
At Challenge Design, we take immense pride in crafting challenge coins that embody the legacy, tradition, and excellence of the institutions we serve. When we were commissioned to create a challenge coin for Howe Military School Alumni Association , we knew this was an opportunity to honor a distinguished institution with a storied 135-year history. Howe Military School was an incredibly place of learning and a training ground for leadership, discipline, and integrity. Its cadets carried the values of duty and honor with them long after they left its halls. Every element of this challenge coin was designed to reflects the rich heritage of Howe Military School and the enduring bond of its alumni.
Howe Military School
Howe Military School, located in Howe, Indiana, was a prestigious private, coeducational, college preparatory military boarding school with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1884. Established by John Badlam Howe and his wife Frances Marie Glidden Howe, the school was originally conceived as a boys' preparatory school. Over the years, it evolved into a military academy, adopting a disciplined and structured environment that emphasized leadership, character development, and academic excellence. Cadets at Howe Military School were immersed in a rigorous curriculum that included both standard academic subjects and military training, preparing them for success in higher education and future careers.
The school was renowned for its emphasis on leadership and character, instilling values such as integrity, responsibility, and respect in its cadets. The military training aspect of the school included participation in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC), which provided cadets with leadership skills and a sense of duty and service. Despite its storied history and the success of many of its alumni, Howe Military School faced challenges in the 21st century, including declining enrollment and financial difficulties. These challenges ultimately led to the school's closure in 2019, marking the end of an era for an institution that had significantly impacted the lives of many young men and women over its 135-year history.
Howe Alumni Association
Being part of the Howe Military School Alumni Association is a truly special experience. It's a unique bond shared by those of us who walked the halls of this esteemed institution, where discipline, leadership, and camaraderie shaped who we are today. The association provides a platform for alumni to reconnect, reminisce about the valuable lessons learned, and give back to the school that played such a pivotal role in our lives. It’s a community where lifelong friendships are cherished, and the traditions of Howe continue to be celebrated and passed down to future generations. Being an alumni of Howe is not just about the years spent at the school; it’s about continuing to embody its values and being part of a network that spans years and miles.
Howe Military School Alumni Association Challenge Coin
It was an honor to be contracted to create a challenge coin for Howe Military School, a prestigious institution with a rich history and legacy. This coin is a striking gold, traditional round design featuring black, red, and white accents to reflect the school’s colors. The front side of the coin showcases an etched image of St. James Memorial Chapel, a defining symbol of the campus, with the Indiana flag on the left and the American flag on the right. The white border, adorned with gold stars, is framed by a red outer border with "Howe Military School" at the top and "Founded in 1884" at the bottom, representing the school’s long-standing traditions and commitment to excellence.
On the reverse side, the coin features a black center with the Howe Military School Honors Association crest. The crest itself is a distinguished emblem that embodies the school’s values and mission. It includes a shield, divided into sections that represent academic achievement, leadership, and military discipline. The design prominently displays three red crosses on a white field, symbolizing valor and sacrifice, which are core values instilled at Howe Military School. At the top of the crest sits a gold crown, and at the bottom, the school’s motto, "Fides et Honor" (Faith and Honor), is inscribed on a red banner. Below the crest is “EST 1901,” highlighting the school’s deep-rooted history.
The outer ring of the coin is bordered with a white band of gold stars, reinforcing the idea of excellence, while the outer red border reads “Howe Military School Alumni Association” in bold gold lettering at the top. The bottom text, “Continuing the Legacy of Howe Military School,” serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of the school’s teachings and the commitment of its alumni to carry forward its values. This coin not only commemorates the rich heritage of Howe Military School but also celebrates the pride and honor of its alumni association, ensuring the school’s legacy lives on for generations to come.
A challenge coin is a keepsake as well as a symbol of identity, unity, and the values that shape those who carry it. The Howe Military School challenge coin is a tribute to the institution’s profound impact and the unwavering dedication of its alumni. While the school’s doors may have closed, its spirit lives on in the traditions, memories, and lifelong connections forged within its walls.
For those who walked the halls of Howe Military School, this coin is a tangible reminder of their shared experience—a legacy of honor, discipline, and leadership that will never fade. We are honored to have played a role in preserving that legacy, ensuring that the story of Howe continues to inspire for generations to come.
Contact us today to start creating your own piece of history.
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