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2023-24 Purple Star Awards

The Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact for Military Children recently announced Purple Star designations for the 2023-24 award year, adding two York County School Division (YCSD) high schools to the list this year.

Tabb High School and Grafton High School earned the award for the first time, while Dare Elementary School was recognized for the second time. According to the Virginia Department of Education news release, YCSD is one of three school divisions maintaining its Purple Star status this year. Schools retain the designation for three years before being required to reapply.

The Purple Star designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families. Virginia is home to several of the largest and most important military installations in the country and approximately 31% of all YCSD students have at least one parent serving on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the Virginia National Guard.

"YCSD teachers, administrators and staff understand the needs of our military families as their children join or leave a new school division and we are committed to meeting those needs," said Dr. Victor Shandor, division superintendent and current chair of the Virginia Council. "We are proud to be recognized for the work our schools do each day to ensure our military students feel welcomed, connected, and have opportunities for success."