Three St. Mary’s schools earn Maryland Purple Star recognition; board proclaims April as Month of the Military Child

The Board of Education on April 23 recognized three schools in St. Mary’s County as Maryland Purple Star Schools and proclaimed April as the Month of the Military Child.

The Board read a proclamation noting “more than 5,000 military connected children and youth who attend St. Mary’s County Public Schools” and formally declared April as the month to honor the contributions and sacrifices of military families. “Be it resolved that the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County does hereby proclaim April as the month of the military child,” the proclamation read.

Maryland Purple Star Schools: the district announced Hollywood Elementary School, Leonardtown Elementary School and Leonardtown High School received the Purple Star designation from the Maryland State Department of Education. The board noted these three join Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary, which was recognized last year, bringing the district total to four Purple Star Schools.

Representatives from NAS Patuxent River joined the remarks. Captain Mark Zemadez, identified as an executive officer representing NAS Patuxent River, thanked the schools and emphasized programs that support military families, including school liaison services and mentoring. “We’re thankful to programs, like Anchored for Life, the student to student mentoring programs, you know, that allow our children to go in, you know, and quickly adapt,” he said.

Principals and school staff accepted the recognition and highlighted student contributions. The board acknowledged work by school liaisons, including Dawn Simpson, and said the designations reflect district efforts to support transitions and social-emotional needs of military-connected students.

No vote was required to issue the proclamation and recognitions were presented as awards and ceremonial actions at the meeting.