Superintendent Arntzen and Commissioner Ray Shaw Award Montana’s Military Friendly Schools and Community Members

• Brian O'Leary
• December 05 2022

HELENA – 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 Schools and Purple Star Champions Awardees.

Montana’s 2022 - 2023 Purple Star School Awardees are:

• Montana School for the Deaf and Blind
• Great Falls High School - Great Falls Public Schools
• Chief Joseph Elementary School - Great Falls Public Schools
• Meadow Lark Elementary School - Great Falls Public Schools
• Early Learning Family Center - Great Falls Public Schools

The 2022- 2023 Purple Star Champion Awardees are:

• Brian Holbein, Lt. Col (R) JROTC Teacher at Great Falls High School
• Michael Wonch, MSgt (R) JROTC Teacher at Great Falls High School
• Col Christopher Karns, Mission Support Group Commander, Malmstrom AFB

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 be given support through the state and national Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission to continue the strong support of our military-connected students and families.  This is the third year MIC3 and OPI will be recognizing Montana’s military-friendly schools with the Purple Star School Award.  This is the second year recognizing and awarding Montana Purple Star Champions.

“Purple Star gives our military families assurance that the school understands the unique needs of the military children in their care,” said Retired Sergeant, Montana MIC3 Commissioner Ray Shaw.

“Montana has a long history of supporting our men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedoms,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “The dedication of these schools recognizing the full educational potential of all Montana students is admirable. Purple Star Schools and Purple Star Champions make all Montana proud!”

In 2022-2023, Flathead High School, Holy Spirit Catholic School, Morningside Elementary, Great Falls Central Catholic High School, Ben Steele Middle School, and Townsend School District were recognized as Purple Star Schools. Jennifer Bernhart, Hunter Jones, Joe Firda, and Kim Ray were recognized as the first Purple Star Champions.

The Purple Star School designation lasts three years at which time the school is eligible for re-designation.  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.

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