Prince William County Public Schools recognized 13 schools that earned the Virginia Purple Star designation and highlighted military-connected supports during the board’s Thriving Futures segment on April 23.

Kimberly Simpson, the division’s military achievements specialist, said the Purple Star program — administered by the Virginia Department of Education — requires schools to provide professional development on military-connected students, establish transitions teams and take other measures to support frequent student moves. "The Purple Star program is a reflection of our commitment to supporting military families," Simpson said.

Colonel Jenny Colgate, commanding officer of Marine Corps Base Quantico, praised the schools’ work and thanked the division for recognizing military children. The board also read language recognizing April 2025 as the "Month of the Military Child," noting Prince William County Public Schools serves approximately 5,000 military-connected students and participates in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

The board and superintendent also recognized Patriot High School student Shavani (Shivani) Davis for a first-place finish in the VHSL original oratory event and invited the 13 Purple Star school teams to the dais for photo recognition.

Why it matters: school staff said Purple Star designation signals focused, system-wide supports for military-connected children — a sizable population in the county — including transition planning, targeted counseling and a designated liaison at each school. The board emphasized continued partnership with military installations and community organizations to sustain and expand supports.

Ending note

Superintendent Dr. McDade thanked military and school partners and noted the division’s goal to continue increasing Purple Star designations across schools so military-connected students receive consistent support across the county.