27 schools earn Purple Star Awards for outstanding service to military-connected families

Twenty-seven WCPSS schools have received 2025-26 Purple Star Awards from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction - the most in district history. The Purple Star Award recognizes schools that show a strong commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military.

Our district has more than 5,500 military-connected students, the third most in the state.

“I’m incredibly proud of this year’s Purple Star Award recipients,” says Superintendent Robert P. Taylor. “In Wake County, we have a deep appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our military families. These schools are intentional about creating welcoming, supportive environments where military-connected students can thrive, no matter what challenges they or their family might be facing.”

To earn this distinction, schools must designate a staff member who serves as the point of contact for military families, demonstrate an understanding of deployments and how they may impact a military-connected child, and conduct at least one school-wide activity that shows appreciation for and raises awareness of military-connected students and families.

This year, seven schools received the Purple Star Award for the first time: Athens Drive High, Felton Grove High, Fuller Elementary, Fuquay-Varina High, Holly Grove Middle, Reedy Creek Magnet Middle, and Wake Forest Middle.

Additionally, three schools won the Purple Star Award for the fifth consecutive year: Alston Ridge Elementary, Millbrook High, and Willow Springs Elementary.

“Earning the Purple Star Award for a fifth consecutive year is something our entire school community takes pride in,” said Eric Diaz, school counselor at Willow Springs Elementary. “Our students from military families bring unique experiences and strengths, and we work every day to make sure they feel supported, connected, and understood.”

The 2025-26 Purple Star Award recipients are:

• Alston Ridge Elementary
• Apex High
• Apex Friendship High
• Athens Drive Magnet High 
• Baucom Elementary
• Brier Creek Elementary
• Farmington Woods Magnet Elementary
• Felton Grove High
• Fuller Magnet Elementary
• Fuquay-Varina Elementary
• Fuquay-Varina High
• Garner Magnet High
• Herbert Akins Road Middle
• Holly Grove Middle
• Holly Ridge Elementary
• Holly Springs High
• Lincoln Heights Magnet Elementary
• Lockhart Elementary
• Millbrook Magnet Elementary
• Millbrook Magnet High
• Pleasant Union Elementary
• Poe Magnet Elementary
• Reedy Creek Magnet Middle
• Southeast Raleigh Magnet High
• Wake Forest Middle
• Willow Springs Elementary
• Willow Springs High