In what was a showcase of gratitude for military veterans, and most especially their children, Christian County Public Schools and its officials spent Monday afternoon in the Middle School Performing Arts Center warmly embracing their newly-earned “Purple Star School” designations.
A program already up and fervently running in more than 40 states and 25 schools in Kentucky, the badge of honor specifically marks districts that have taken considerable and thoughtful steps in embracing and nurturing those who lead that unique lifestyle so often observed in the Armed Forces — the one where lives are uprooted each time new orders come from command.
Specifically, CCPS’s elementary schools — Freedom, Martin Luther King Jr., Indian Hills, Millbrooke, Sinking Fork, Pembroke, Crofton, South Christian — garnered the nod, as bastions and watersheds of military support.
Kristi Murtha, Christian County Chamber of Commerce’s director of military affairs, noted the military lifestyle has to be embraced and nurtured — especially this close to Fort Campbell.
Retired Brigadier General Steve Bullard, executive director for the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs, noted his relationship with Pete Lupiba — “Purple Stars” founder and Ohio’s leader of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission — helped bring this honor to the Commonwealth.
Bullard noted Governor Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy, along with Christian County leaders, only made this more possible, and that there’s more plans in the works to help the “Purple Hearts” program continue to grow.
Lupiba noted CCPS is the first “Purple Star” school he’s visited outside of the 476 Ohio districts who’ve already earned the moniker.
Governor Beshear lauded Christian County for its myriad of efforts to support military veterans and their families — both active and retired. Most recently, that includes a litany of new job opportunities in and around the area, as well as strong network of schools families can trust.
Beshear also thanked officials for embracing the First Lady, who has made a number of visits to both Fort Knox and Fort Campbell to spend time with students of military families inside their schools.
Britainy reflected on those visits, and added that community support can change the trajectory of students who may sometimes get lost in the military shuffle.
Graham Westerfield, a student at Sinking Fork Elementary, sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” while the Christian County High School Drumline provided an opening musical interlude. The 101st Airborne Division Air Assault served as honor guard and presented the colors.
Each of the CCPS elementary schools will observe a “Purple Star” banner presentation on later dates.
Westerfield’s Anthem:
CCHS Drumline:
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