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Enid Public Schools honored with Purple Star renewal for military-connected students
Summary
State education officials presented Enid Public Schools with a Purple Star renewal for its supports to military-connected students, highlighting a district liaison, partnerships with Vance Air Force Base and programs to ease transitions for mobile families.
Enid Public Schools received a Purple Star renewal on April 20, 2026, in recognition of the district's supports for military-connected students. Christie Sturgeon of the Oklahoma State Department of Education presented the certificate during the school board meeting and praised the district's partnership with Vance Air Force Base and its military liaison program.
"It is an honor to recognize Enid Public Schools for your commitment to serving military-connected students through the renewal of your Purple Star School Program designation," Sturgeon said, noting the state program grew from Senate Bill 54 (2021) and recognizes districts that create systems of support for students facing mobility and deployment challenges.
Superintendent Dr. Darrow and Colonel Benjamin Janz of Vance Air Force Base both emphasized the local partnership that supports students. Janz described the resilience military children demonstrate and presented coins to students as part of Month of the Military Child acknowledgments.
The board heard brief first-person reflections from three spotlight students who described how school programs and staff support them through deployments and frequent moves. The presentation underscored district efforts such as Purple Up events, a military liaison, and programs that connect students to base and community resources.
The renewal signals continued state-level recognition; school officials said the designation reflects sustained district practices rather than a single-year compliance action. The presentation concluded with photos and applause for the students and district staff.
