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Santa Rosa schools named Purple Star Schools of Distinction; installation commander praises district
Summary
Board recognized the district and every school as Purple Star Schools of Distinction for military-family support; Colonel Mark Hamilton of Hurlburt Field thanked the district for its welcoming culture and ties to nearby installations.
The Santa Rosa County School Board on Dec. 11 formally recognized every school in the district as a Purple Star School of Distinction, a Florida designation for schools that provide services and supports for military-connected students.
A district staff member described program components required by the designation — publicizing supports for military students, facilitating active-duty parent volunteer opportunities, participating in service projects that connect schools with the military community, and offering junior reserve officer training programs where applicable. The designation, enacted by the Florida Legislature in 2021, requires schools to reapply every three years to maintain the status.
Colonel Mark Hamilton, commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, thanked the district and described the local military community’s integration with schools, churches and businesses in Northwest Florida. "When our families feel as though they are taken care of and they become a part of the local community, we get to keep them," Hamilton said.
The board’s recognition highlights the district’s emphasis on military family supports and its relationship with nearby bases.
