Authored by: MSG (R) Michael Wright
Photos by: LTC (R) Tryon W. Eason
Rocky River High School, Mint Hill NC Designated as a Purple Star School
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 (NCDPI) 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.
There are over 2,000,000 military members in NC, with 40% being parents/ guardians. Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) has approximately 2,379 Military-Connected Students. The Rocky River Ravens Battalion launched their efforts to become their school district’s first-ever Purple Star designated school.
Cadets along with cadre are taking on the challenge of bringing awareness of military-connected students, providing the link between the school, military families, the community, and district liaison. The Ravens Battalion is even reaching out to their feeder elementary and middle schools to ensure support for students at all levels.
On February 26, 2024, Rocky River High School Purple Star Coordinator Master Sergeant (R) Michael Wright received the following notification from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), “We thank you for understanding the importance of the Purple Star Award Designation. Congratulations, Rocky River High School’s Purple Star applications met the standards of earning the Purple Star Award Designation for the 2023-2024 school year. Please save May 9, 2024, for the Purple Star Awards Ceremony.”
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