The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has recognized E.M. Holt Elementary School with the 2024-2025 Purple Star Award, marking the first time a school in the Alamance-Burlington School System has received this prestigious designation for its commitment to supporting military connected students and families.
The Purple Star Award is presented to schools across the state that demonstrate a strong dedication to meeting the unique needs of students with military ties. E.M. Holt Elementary joins a growing list of North Carolina schools working to foster inclusive and supportive environments for military families through intentional programming and outreach.
“This recognition reflects the heart of our school community and the work our staff has done to ensure military connected students feel welcome, understood, and supported,” said Superintendent Dr. Aaron Fleming. “We are proud to be a part of a statewide effort to celebrate and serve the families who serve our country.”
To qualify for the Purple Star Award, E.M. Holt Elementary completed several key activities, including:
Designating a school-based point of contact for military families,
Providing staff professional development focused on supporting military-connected students,
Creating a dedicated section on the school’s website with resources for military families, and
Maintaining a student transition program to ease school moves for military children.
The school also participated in military recognition efforts, including statewide events such as Purple Up! For Military Kids and Month of the Military Child.
E.M. Holt Elementary, led by Principal Leslie Hersinger, was among 65 schools in North Carolina to receive the Purple Star designation for the first time this year, joining 453 schools statewide in receiving the award. The honorees were recognized at a ceremony hosted by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, which included remarks from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green and Brigadier General Charles W. Morrison of the North Carolina National Guard.
To learn more about the Purple Star Award and view the full list of 2024-2025 recipients, visit the NCDPI website.
