Durham Public Schools is proud to announce that Southern School of Energy & Sustainability has earned the prestigious Purple Star Award Designation for the 2024–2025 school year. This designation recognizes its strong commitment to supporting military-connected students and families.
The Purple Star Award, an initiative of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), honors schools that go above and beyond in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students from military families. Southern’s successful application met all the standards required to receive this recognition—standards that reflect a deep dedication to ensuring smooth transitions and continuous support for students whose lives are shaped by military service.
“On behalf of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Purple Star Organizers, we sincerely appreciate your commitment to supporting military-connected students,” the department shared in its recognition message. “Congratulations! Southern’s application successfully met the standards to earn the prestigious Purple Star designation.”
For the 2024–25 school year, 453 schools across 31 districts received the Purple Star Award, including 65 first-time recipients. Southern joins this growing list of honorees as part of a broader effort to acknowledge the unique challenges military families face and the crucial role schools play in supporting them.
The award recipients were celebrated in a ceremony featuring remarks from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green and Brigadier General Charles W. Morrison, Assistant Adjutant General - Maneuver, NC National Guard. Schools were recognized not only for meeting core requirements—such as appointing a designated point of contact for military families, offering staff training, and maintaining accessible military family resources—but also for optional efforts like hosting schoolwide events during Month of the Military Child or Veterans Day.
“Their dedication to their students, their families and their communities does not go unnoticed,” said Superintendent Green. “I am grateful for all that you have done and continue to do for military students and their families.”
Durham Public Schools joins NCDPI in honoring the state’s deep military heritage and recognizes schools' vital role in providing stability and support to those who serve. Congratulations again to Southern School of Energy & Sustainability on this well-earned achievement.