Purple Star Award

North Carolina is home to a large population of active duty, guard, reserve, and veteran armed services members, and the state’s public schools reflect that. In 2019, The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction launched the Purple Star Award Designation initiative to recognize the state’s strong military presence and its support for military families. The Purple Star designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families.
From District Superintendents:
“Understanding that military-connected students and families transition on average 6-9 times in a military child's academic career, our school system takes pride in providing resources for them to ensure that their needs are met and that we provide every flexibility possible to ensure they have a smooth transition. Cumberland County Schools' designation as a Purple Star District confirms that we are doing the right and necessary work to ensure that military-connected families' experience is seamless and that our entire district is viewed as military-friendly.”
--Dr. Marvin Connelly Jr., Superintendent Cumberland County Schools
"The Student2Student(S2S) program is a valuable tool we use to welcome students to Union Pines High School as they transition to our school and community by hosting New Student Orientations and providing campus tours. S2S also offers fun ways for new students to get to know others and build peer groups through club meetings, socials/field trips, and community service projects. S2S unites the entire student body by promoting 100% acceptance, academic success, relationships, and overall well-being for all students."
--Ms. Mary Beth Thomas, Registrar & S2S Advisor, Union Pines High School, Moore County Schools
Application
For questions on the application, please email Howard Lattimore.
For a full list of awarded schools, please visit this link.