Maryland Gov. Wes Moore gives 8 schools awards for supporting students from military families

Gov. Wes Moore joined members of the Maryland State Board of Education on Tuesday to present awards to eight public schools that excel at supporting students from military families.

Children from military families have unique needs related to how often they move to different states and school systems. The state started the “Purple Star School” program in 2022 to recognize schools that connect students to their communities and handle other challenges caused by differences in credits, classes and volunteer hours.

Moore, a Democrat, told a packed boardroom how he had signed up for the Army as a 17-year-old student and become a lieutenant in the Army Reserve. His experience in the military created a personal mission to “leave no one behind,” which became the slogan for his gubernatorial campaign.

Col. Michael Sapp, garrison commander at Fort Meade, said at Tuesday’s meeting that he’s moved 10 times since he joined the Army at age 18. His daughter, a freshman in college, had to enroll in 12 schools across seven states.

“Every move means rebuilding a sense of trust,” Sapp said. “Only then can they focus on their sense of worth, their sense of identity. And as a child, we wrap that up in academics and we wrap it up in sports. So if you were varsity last week and next week you’re on [junior varsity] or, heaven forbid, on the bench, that breaks you down as a child.”

The eight schools that received the designation have a military liaison and programs that smoothly transition students into academic and social life. Three schools on Fort Meade Army base in Anne Arundel County received the award: Meade High School, MacArthur Middle and West Meade Early Education Center, which has prekindergarten and kindergarten programs.

Other recipients are Mt. Harmony Elementary in Calvert County; Bellows Springs Elementary in Howard County; Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary in St. Mary’s County; and Kent Island High and Queen Anne’s County High in Queen Anne’s County.