Military Friendly Schools and Champions Across Montana Awarded by Superintendent Elsie Arntzen and Commissioner Ray Shaw

• Dennison Rivera
• January 06 2022

HELENA, MT – The Montana Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) and the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) are proud to announce Montana’s Purple Star School and Purple Star Champion Awardees.

Montana’s 2021 - 2022 Purple Star School Awardees are:

• Flathead High School in Kalispell
• Holy Spirit Catholic School in Great Falls
• Morningside Elementary School in Great Falls
• Great Falls Central Catholic High School in Great Falls
• Ben Steele Middle School in Billings
• Townsend School District in Townsend

The 2021- 2022 Purple Star Champion Awardees are:

• Jennifer Bernhart of Missoula (Community Supporter)
• Hunter Jones of Billings (Educator)
• Joe Ferda of Great Falls (US Air Guard and Community Supporter)
• Kim Ray of Great Falls (Principal)

The Purple Star Award distinguishes Montana schools and individual champions that have displayed extraordinary commitment to supporting our military students and their families. To qualify as a Purple Star School, each school must meet specific designation criteria and are given support through the state and national Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission to continue strong support of our military-connected students and families.  This is the second year MIC3 and OPI will be recognizing Montana’s military-friendly schools with the Purple Star School Award.  This is the first year recognizing and awarding Montana Purple Star Champions.

“As Montana’s Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commissioner, I am incredibly proud as we work in the state and across the nation to build up those that fervently seek opportunities to go above and beyond to serve our military children and their families,” stated Retired Sergeant, Commissioner Ray Shaw.

“Montana is one of the first states in the nation to proudly recognize our Purple Star Schools and Champions through the nationally recognized Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission,” State Superintendent Elsie Arntzen said.  “We honor the constant commitment of these schools and individuals as they support our military-connected students and families.”

In 2020-2021, Glacier High School, Loy Elementary, North Middle School, CMR High School, and Valley Christian School were recognized as Purple Star Schools. The Purple Star School designation lasts three years at which time the school is eligible for redesignation.  These schools have gone above and beyond being military friendly, through a maintained commitment to serve their military students and continually honor the military family sacrifice.

For more information please contact Jessica Flint at jessica.flint@mt.gov or (406) 438-3400.

###