INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Three Sebastian schools were recently awarded Purple Star designations for providing what leaders say are vital resources and programs for military families. The campuses were part of 176 Florida schools, along with five school districts, to be honored with the designation Tuesday by Gov. DeSantis.
“We encourage every school in the state to strive to better serve military families and earn the designation,” DeSantis said in a statement. “I am proud to recognize these schools and school districts for their efforts to support our military families and earn the Purple Star designation.”
Sebastian Elementary School, Sebastian River Middle School and Sebastian River High School were chosen as Purple Star Schools of Distinction. The districts that achieved the Purple Star School District designation were in Bay, Brevard, Citrus, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties.
“On behalf of the Sebastian Elementary School team, we are honored by the recognition as a 2024 Purple Star School of Distinction,” Sebastian Elementary School of the Arts Principal Letitia Whitfield-Hart said in a statement. “This recognition demonstrates our dedication to supporting military-connected students and families through specialized resources and programs aimed at ensuring smooth transition and academic success.”
The designation lasts from the school years 2024-2025 through 2026-2027. Overall, nearly 400 schools statewide have earned the Purple Star Schools of Distinction designation, state officials said.
“Earning the 2024 Purple Star School of Distinction designation is a testament to the incredible work of our students, families, staff, and the community. Our community is deeply committed to supporting military families and ensuring their children thrive in our schools,” Sebastian River High School Principal Christopher Cummings said in a statement. “Offering a K-12 pathway across an elementary, middle, and high school allows us to meet the unique needs of military-connected students.”
The distinction recognizes the schools’ ongoing efforts to include military-related initiatives into their educational environments. Some of the activities are:
- Highlighting annual military recognition events such as Month of the Military Child, Month of the Military Family, Purple-Up! for Military Kids, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day.
- Publicizing and fostering support for military students and families.
- Providing opportunities for active-duty parents to volunteer at the school.
- Engaging in service projects that connect the school with the broader military community.
- Offering the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program to enhance leadership and citizenship development among students.
The Florida Purple Star School of Distinction designation was created by state legislators in 2021, according to the Florida Department of Education. Lawmakers established the Florida Purple Star School District Program in 2024.
Schools and districts maintain their Purple Star designation for three school years, state officials said.
“We are incredibly honored to receive the Purple Star School of Distinction award, which recognizes our commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families. This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff, students, and community to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all,” Sebastian River Middle School Principal Robert Riskin said in a statement. “At Sebastian River Middle School, we strive to ensure that every child feels valued and supported, especially those who face the unique challenges of being part of a military family. This award is a testament to our ongoing efforts to serve our students with care, respect, and dedication.”
All Florida public and private schools that are participating in state scholarship programs are eligible to apply. More information about the Purple Star program can be found here.
“We are incredibly proud to have three schools in our district recognized with the Purple Star School of Distinction designation,” said Dr. David Moore, superintendent for the School District of Indian River County. “This honor reflects the collective efforts of our educators, staff, students, and the entire community to ensure military-connected families feel supported and valued. We remain committed to providing an environment where all students can thrive academically and emotionally.”
