North Carolina Schools Honor Military Families with Purple Star Recognition
Recognizing North Carolina’s deep-rooted military presence, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) continues to highlight the dedication of schools towards military families through the Purple Star Award Designation. This initiative, which began in the 2019-20 school year, has seen a significant increase in participating schools.
For the upcoming 2025-26 academic year, a total of 598 schools, including 15 charter schools, have been awarded the Purple Star recognition. This marks an increase of 143 schools from the previous year. These schools span 34 districts across the state, with 145 schools earning the award for the first time.
An award ceremony held on April 24 featured speeches from notable figures such as North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green, Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, and Colonel Timothy Drieselein, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station – Cherry Point.
Schools that have consistently demonstrated their commitment were also celebrated. Harnett County Schools, Alpha Academy, and Anderson Creek Academy received legacy plaques for maintaining the Purple Star designation for seven consecutive years since the program’s start.
Moreover, 13 districts were distinguished with the State Superintendent’s Purple Star District Award, as all schools in these districts met the criteria for Purple Star designation. The recognized districts include Camden County Schools, Catawba County Schools, Craven County Schools, and several others. Additionally, Carteret County Public Schools, Cumberland County Schools, and others were honored with the legacy plaque for receiving the designation for six years running.
Green remarked, “I’m thrilled to honor the record number of Purple Star schools and districts for their dedication supporting military-connected students throughout their educational journey. Your work supporting military-connected students and their families in North Carolina’s public schools makes a tremendous impact both inside and out of the classroom. It is through efforts like the Purple Star award that North Carolina’s public schools become the best in the nation.”
The NCDPI remains committed to this initiative, which honors schools showing military-friendly practices and dedication to military students and families. Schools seeking the Purple Star designation must fulfill specific activities, such as designating a staff member as a contact point for military families, offering professional development on military considerations, and providing military family resources on their websites.
Additionally, many schools chose to participate in optional activities, with options like hosting events for Month of the Military Child, Purple-Up! For Military Kids!, or Veteran’s Day. These efforts further underscore the commitment of North Carolina schools to support the unique needs of military families.
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