LILLINGTON, NC – Harnett County Schools has been honored with the Purple Star Legacy Award, a distinguished recognition presented by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) during the 2025 Purple Star Awards Ceremony held on May 9 at the North Carolina National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, NC.
This award is reserved for districts that have maintained five or more consecutive years of earning the Purple Star Award, highlighting their long-term commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families. Harnett County Schools is the first district to achieve this status for sustaining excellence in military-friendly practices.
During the ceremony, Harnett Central High School’s Army JROTC Color Guard, led by LTC (Ret.) Maurice McDouglad, Senior Army Instructor, had the honor of posting and retrieving the colors. Additionally, Harnett Central High School students shared their personal transition experiences as military-connected learners, further underscoring the district’s impact.
"Harnett County Schools is proud to be the only public school unit in North Carolina to receive the State Superintendent’s District Purple Star Award for six consecutive years—and the first to receive the Legacy Award,” said Assistant Superintendent and District Purple Star Liaison for Harnett County Schools. “This honor reflects our deep and ongoing commitment to supporting military-connected students and families across our district. We proudly share this achievement with the entire Harnett County community and will continue to honor the service and sacrifice of our military families throughout the year."
Since the Purple Star initiative began in 2019, Harnett County Schools has remained committed to ensuring a smooth academic and emotional transition for students connected to military service. The district's program includes student-led transition teams, staff military liaisons, annual recognition events, and a partnership with a local military base.
As North Carolina remains home to one of the largest military populations in the nation, Harnett County Schools is proud to stand as a leading example of what it means to support those who serve.
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Enclosure(s): Photo Left to Right: Howard Lattimore, State Military Consultant, NCDPI; Dr. Maria Pitre-Martin, Deputy State Superintendent, NCDPI; Jermaine White, Harnett County Schools Purple Star Liaison; Natalie McCurley, Harnett County Schools Purple Star Coordinator; Gerhard V. Guevarra, School Liaison Officer USAG Fort Bragg; W. Brooks Matthews, Superintendent of Harnett County Schools; Brigadier General Charles W. Morrison, Assistant Adjutant General- Maneuver, NC National Guard, Military Community Guest Speaker.