RALEIGH, NC - Pender County Schools has once again been recognized for its support of military-connected students and families, earning the Purple Star Award distinction for the sixth time.
The annual Purple Star Award ceremony was held at the North Carolina National Guard Base in Raleigh, where nearly 600 schools across the state were designated as military-friendly by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
The Purple Star Award was launched by NCDPI in 2019 to recognize schools and districts that provide strong support for military-connected students. North Carolina is home to many active duty, guard, reserve, and veteran service members, and public schools play an important role in helping military families feel welcomed and supported during school transitions.
For Pender County Schools, the recognition reflects ongoing work across the district to serve students whose families are connected to the military. Schools earning the designation meet specific criteria, including having a military family liaison, providing resources for military families, offering transition support for students entering or leaving the school, and participating in military recognition events such as Month of the Military Child, Purple Up! for Military Kids, Veterans Day, or Memorial Day.
Districts also provide support at the central office level and ensure staff receive professional development on the needs of military-connected students and families.
“This recognition means a great deal to Pender County Schools because it reflects the daily work happening in our schools to support military families,” said Dr. Brad Breedlove, Superintendent of Pender County Schools. “Military-connected students often experience moves, deployments, and other transitions that can affect their school experience. Our staff understands the importance of providing consistency, care, and a welcoming environment so these students and families know they are part of our school community.”
During the ceremony, state leaders spoke about the importance of helping military-connected students feel seen, supported, and understood. The Purple Star designation is also included on school report cards, giving military families another resource when learning about schools in North Carolina.
Pender County Schools has a strong connection to military families across the county, and the district’s continued recognition shows a commitment to making sure students have the academic and emotional support they need.
As PCS earns this distinction for the sixth time, the focus remains the same: helping every student feel welcomed, supported, and ready to learn.