By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Under a bright blue sky, Barren County High School students and their families gathered in the school’s JROTC building to celebrate the distinction of being a Purple Star School.
The Purple Star Award “is a state-sponsored recognition for individual schools’ dedication and support of military-connected youth,” according to the Kentucky Star Award website. With this designation, Barren County High School joins the other 130 Purple Star Kentucky schools and those in 34 U.S. states.
“Schools awarded the Purple Star designation lets military-connected students and families know, whether they are active duty, National Guard, Reserves, or Veterans, that their school is dedicated to helping their child gain the educational and social-emotional skills necessary to be college-, workforce- and life-ready,” the website states.
Barren County High School received the Purple Star Award during the last academic year, but Youth Service Center Coordinator and Purple Star Liaison Shelly Thomas said scheduling postponed the official recognition ceremony to April 28.
Fellow Purple Star Liaison Carrie Fisher said freedom is not free and oftentimes causes disruption to a child in numerous ways and that Purple Star schools can help children during difficult times.
“Freedom isn’t free and it comes at a cost, not only of lives but of family dynamics,” Fisher said. “I’m connected with some of the kids [in the school] but if I’m not I’d love to be.”
There are Purple Star Schools in 34 states and 27 Kentucky counties with at least one Purple Star school.
Thomas said the high school has at least 27 students that are militarily connected.
Barren County High School students and their families gathered in the JROTC building on April 28. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1
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