Goldsboro, N.C. — (May 20) — For the fifth year in a row, Wayne County Public Schools (WCPS) has received statewide recognition for its commitment to military-connected students and families. All 33 WCPS schools have once again earned the prestigious Purple Star Award designation from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), highlighting the district’s sustained excellence in supporting children of active-duty service members.
In recognition of this comprehensive achievement, WCPS was awarded the State Superintendent’s Purple Star District Award, an honor reserved for school districts where every school demonstrates exemplary military-friendly practices.
“Being a Purple Star District is a tremendous honor, and reflects our commitment to ensuring our schools have a network of support in place for our military-connected students,” said Dr. Marc Whichard, WCPS Superintendent. “Families relocating here from other military installations can know that all 33 of our schools will stand ready to help support their child during times of transition and change while stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.”
A Long-Standing Commitment
Since the Purple Star Program’s inception in North Carolina in 2020, WCPS has consistently demonstrated its commitment to military families. In fact, the district had 20 schools recognized in the program’s very first year and has had at least some schools recognized every year since. This year marks the fifth consecutive year that every school in the district has earned the Purple Star distinction — a rare achievement across the state.
To qualify for the Purple Star Award, schools must complete a series of required activities that promote awareness and support for students of military families. These include:
- Designating a trained school-based military liaison,
- Maintaining a dedicated page on the school website with resources for military families,
- Providing professional development to staff on the challenges facing military students,
- Hosting school events that recognize and support military families.
Schools may also complete additional, optional activities — such as creating transition programs for new students or holding military appreciation events — to strengthen their eligibility.
Close Partnership with Seymour Johnson AFB
Much of the district’s success stems from its close relationship with Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, which plays a vital role in the local community and economy. WCPS has cultivated a decades-long partnership with the base, working hand-in-hand to create a welcoming, supportive environment for children whose families often face frequent relocations and deployments.
Heather Winstead, WCPS Military Liaison, underscored the importance of this collaboration. “Wayne County Public Schools has a strong-standing working relationship with Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. We work throughout the year to ensure district-level and school-level supports are in place to help address the unique challenges military-connected students and families face,” she said. “These supports are critical to help ensure our military parents can remain focused on their mission.”
Looking Ahead
As a designated Purple Star District, WCPS continues to lead by example in North Carolina, setting the standard for how public school systems can respond to the unique needs of military families with compassion, understanding, and readiness.
More information about the Purple Star Award Program can be found on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction website.
