North Carolina Honors Schools with Purple Star Award for Military Support
North Carolina, a state with a deep-rooted military presence, has once again acknowledged its commitment to armed service members through the Purple Star Award initiative. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) launched this program in the 2019-20 school year to recognize schools that excel in supporting military children and families.
For the 2024-25 academic year, an impressive 453 schools, including twelve charter schools, have achieved Purple Star recognition. This marks an increase of 59 schools compared to the previous year. Among these, 65 schools are being honored for the first time. Spanning 31 districts across the state, the initiative highlights North Carolina’s dedication to its military communities.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green, alongside Brigadier General Charles W. Morrison of the NC National Guard, honored the awardees at a recent ceremony. Schools that have consistently received the award for five to six years were also recognized. Notably, Harnett County Schools, Alpha Academy, and Anderson Creek Academy received legacy plaques for six consecutive years, while Northeast Academy of Aerospace & Advanced Technology (NEAAAT) was awarded the legacy trophy for five consecutive years.
Furthermore, fifteen districts were celebrated with the State Superintendent’s Purple Star District Award, signifying that every school within these districts achieved the Purple Star designation. These districts include Carteret County Schools, Craven County Schools, Cumberland County Schools, and others.
“Ensuring that every North Carolina public school student has the appropriate support is paramount to achieving academic excellence in our schools,” expressed State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green. “I applaud the hundreds of schools across the state who were awarded Purple Stars today. Their dedication to their students, their families and their communities does not go unnoticed, and I am grateful for all that you have done and continue to do for military students and their families.”
The Purple Star Award requires schools to engage in activities demonstrating their commitment to military families. Each school must appoint a staff member as a point of contact for military students, ensure professional development for staff, and maintain a dedicated webpage for military family resources. Moreover, schools must implement a transition program to assist military families moving in and out of the district.
Schools had the option to choose additional activities, with many opting for events like Month of the Military Child, Veterans Day, and other military recognition events. This initiative underlines North Carolina’s ongoing support for its military communities and the schools that serve them.
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