Wayne County Public Schools

For the fifth year in a row, Wayne County Public Schools (WCPS) received notification that all of its schools earned the Purple Star Award designation from the North Carolina Department of Instruction (NCDPI) for their demonstrated military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families. For this achievement, WCPS earned the distinction of receiving the State Superintendent’s Purple Star District Award.

“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,” states Dr. Marc Whichard, WCPS superintendent. "As a Purple Star District, 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.”

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has been recognizing schools through the Purple Star Program since 2020. It is worth noting that for all six years, WCPS has had schools recognized with the Purple Star Award designation. In the very first year, 20 WCPS schools received the Purple Star District Award.

"In order to receive the Purple Star Award designation, schools must complete several required activities, plus an optional activity, aimed at ensuring strong support for students of military families," states Heather Winstead, WCPS Military Liaison. "Wayne County Public Schools has a strong-standing working relationship that spans decades 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. These supports are critical to help ensure our military parents can remain focused on their mission."