SANFORD, NC - For the first time since the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) launched the program in 2019, all campuses of Lee County Schools have been awarded the distinguished “Purple Star Award” for the use of military-friendly practices within the school. The district is one of thirteen districts across the state receiving the Purple Star District Award for the first time.
During the annual recognition banquet for Purple Star awardees, State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green indicated how critical the stability of support for military families within public schools can be. “School may indeed be the only source of consistency throughout the week.” He commended each awarded school for their exemplary efforts and continued, “Regardless of how many times you’ve received the Purple Star Award, it demonstrates your commitment to serving military-connected students and families.”
Nearly 600 schools statewide received awards for the 2025-2026 school year. Awarded schools are required to have a staff member liaison for military families. Any districts who are awarded also must have a central office employee who serves as a point person for each school-based liaison. Additionally, awarded schools must have completed annual professional development that addresses special considerations for military students and families.
Dr. Lisa Duffey is the Executive Director for Student Services with Lee County Schools and serves as the district point person for school liaisons. She said, “This recognition highlights how Lee County Schools serves and supports our military-connected students and families whom we are honored to welcome and celebrate in our community. This designation reflects our deep commitment to helping every student thrive through individualized support and a culture rooted in compassion and understanding.”
Duffey highlighted the critical message communicated by ensuring each district school campus meets the standards to qualify for this designation saying, “Having each of our schools recognized and Purple Star Schools sends a clear message to our military connected students and families. We see you. We value you. We are dedicated to doing all we can to support you and help you thrive.”
In addition to dedicated staff contacts, readily available resources and a transition program for inbound and outbound families, awarded schools are required to participate in one of five military recognition events. Schools can choose to participate and spotlight Month of the Military Child, Month of the Military Family, Purple-Up! For Military Kids!, Veteran’s Day, or Memorial Day.
The first school in Lee County to earn a Purple Star designation was J. Glenn Edwards Elementary some three years ago. Principal Emily Mize and her school’s military support committee led the effort to qualify for the recognition out of a sense of calling to welcome students experiencing trying circumstances and frequent moves associated with military life.
Mize said, “Becoming a Purple Star School is our way of saying, ‘You belong here.’” She continued, “It reflects our commitment to creating a school environment where military families are not only supported academically, but also socially and emotionally. Through intentional programs like our Dandelion Troops, we strive to provide stability, understanding, and a sense of home no matter where their journey has taken them before.”
LCS Superintendent Dr. Chris Dossenbach echoed those sentiments from a district perspective, highlighting the importance of helping transitioning families get connected and have the necessary support for children to thrive.
“We are fortunate in our community that many have deep roots which help sustain and nourish the growth students are able to achieve,” Dossenbach said, “Our commitment as we serve military families, particularly those who are moving in and out of school districts and communities regularly, is to work tirelessly to connect those families and students to our school community teams and resources, ensuring they have the stability and unwavering support they need to thrive in their new homes.”