FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11th, 2025
Superintendent Hedalen & MIC3 Announce 2025-26 Purple Star School & Champion Award Recipients Honoring Military-Connected Students and Families
Helena, MT — Superintendent Hedalen in partnership with the Montana Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025-26 Purple Star School and Purple Star Champion awards. These recognitions honor schools and individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the educational success and wellbeing of military-connected students and their families.
“We are honored to recognize these exemplary schools and individuals who go above and beyond for our military-connected students,” said Superintendent Susie Hedalen. “Their unwavering dedication ensures that the children of our service members experience the stability, support, and educational opportunities they need to thrive, even amid the unique challenges of military life. By fostering continuity in learning, understanding the sacrifices of military families, and providing a strong, supportive environment, these schools and educators play a critical role in honoring the service of our military community and empowering their children to succeed both in the classroom and beyond.”
2025-26 Award Recipients
Purple Star Schools:
- Troy High School - Troy
- Whitehall High School - Whitehall
- Central Elementary School - Helena
- Chief Joseph Elementary School – Great Falls (Purple Star Renewal)
Purple Star Champion:
- Jackie Mainwaring - Executive Director - Great Falls Public Schools
- Kelli O’Brien - Military and Family Life Counselor - Chief Joseph Elementary School
- Lisa Sapp - School Liaison Specialist at Malmstrom Air Force Base
About the Awards The Purple Star School designation recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. The Purple Star Champion Award recognizes individuals, educators, counselors, school staff, or community partners , who go above and beyond in supporting military-connected students.
By recognizing schools and individuals who commit to removing barriers to the educational success of military-connected children, OPI and MIC3 help ensure seamless transitions, sustained academic progress, and strong family-school partnerships for these students.
Superintendent Susie Hedalen and the MIC3 Commission encourage all Montana districts to explore the Purple Star application and nomination process and to continue supporting military families in our schools
Questions? Contact:
McKenna Gregg, Communications Director
The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 711.
|
