For the second year in a row, Wayne County Public Schools received notification that all 32 of its schools earned the Purple Star Award designation from the North Carolina Department of Instruction for their demonstrated military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families. This is the second year that WCPS has earned the distinction of receiving the State Superintendent’s Purple Star District Award for this achievement.

“Having all of our schools and the district achieve these award designations two years in a row affirms our district’s commitment to ensuring military connected students have a network of support while they are enrolled in our schools,” states Dr. David Lewis, WCPS superintendent. “This is a tremendous honor for our schools and our district. We congratulate each school for its achievement and for the ongoing efforts in place to support military connected students during times of transition and change.”

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has been recognizing schools through the Purple Star Program since 2020. WCPS has had schools recognized with the Purple Star Award all three years, with 20 WCPS schools receiving the Purple Star Award designation in the first year. WCPS administrators attribute this success to the strong relationship the district has with Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and the school supports that are in place to help address the unique challenges military connected students and families face.

NCDPI will recognize all Purple Star Award schools and districts at an awards program this Spring. Purple Star Schools are those that completed several required activities, plus an optional activity, aimed at ensuring strong support for students of military families.