RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Public Instruction announced 336 K-12 schools had received a Purple Star Award earlier this month.
The Purple Star Award was established in 2019 and goes to schools recognized for demonstrating military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families.
This year, 336 K-12 public schools in 17 districts across the state were recognized for the award. Included in the list were nine public charter schools.
“These Purple Star Awardees have gone beyond the standard call of duty to ensure their school and classroom environments accommodate military-connected students,” State Superintendent Catherine Truitt said in a statement. “Their dedication to these students allows them to be seen, heard, and valued in their new school and feel supported as they adjust to their new surroundings. The growth this program has seen in its few short years of existence is incredibly promising and something I am especially grateful for.”
The State Superintendent’s Purple Star District Award was given to 11 districts, including Carteret County Schools, Craven County Schools, Cumberland County Schools, Harnett County Schools, Hoke County Schools, Moore County Schools, Onslow County Schools, Pender County Schools, Scotland County Schools, Wayne County Public Schools and Whiteville City Schools.
“These Purple Star Awardees have gone beyond the standard call of duty to ensure their school and classroom environments accommodate military-connected students.”
State Superintendent Catherine Truitt
Last year, close to 300 K-12 schools spanning 15 districts earned the Purple Star recognition.
During the 2020-2021 school year 288 K-12 schools, including five charter schools and seven Department of Defense Education Agency schools, received the award. Four charter schools and 126 traditional schools in 10 North Carolina districts were recognized as Purple Star schools for the 2019-2020 school year.
The winners in Hoke County were J.W. McLauchlin Elementary, Scurlock Elementary, Sandy Grove Middle, J.W. Turlington Alternative, Don D. Steed Elementary, Rockfish Hoke Elementary, Upchurch Elementary, Sandy Grove Elementary, Hawk Eye Elementary, Hoke County High, West Hoke Middle, West Hoke Elementary SandHoke Early College High School and East Hoke Middle.
