Craven County Schools Honored with the Purple Star District Award for Fourth Consecutive Year

New Bern, NC—Craven County Schools is proud to announce that it has once again been named a Purple Star District. This marks the fourth consecutive year the district has received this prestigious recognition from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).

This honor, presented during a special ceremony on Friday, May 9, underscores Craven County Schools' unwavering commitment to supporting military-connected students and families. Each of the district’s schools has also individually earned the Purple Star designation, further demonstrating the collective, district-wide dedication to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for military families.

Colonel Burks, Commanding Officer of United States Marine Corps Cherry Point; his wife, Holly Burks; Jennifer Wagner, Director of Public Relations and Communications; and Jodi Scoggins, the district’s Military Liaison Counselor, proudly represented Craven County Schools at the ceremony and accepted the award.

Mrs. Scoggins’ leadership and coordination were instrumental in guiding each school through the application process and in upholding the high standards required to maintain this distinguished status. Her work ensures that military families in Craven County receive the consistent care, communication, and connection they deserve.

“Being a Purple Star District is more than a designation; it’s a commitment,” said Mr. Rick Stout, Interim Superintendent of Craven County Schools. “We are deeply honored to serve our military families, and this recognition reaffirms our promise to roll out the red carpet for every student and family who walks through our doors.”

North Carolina ranks fourth in the nation for military population, and Craven County proudly serves as home to the United States Marine Corps Cherry Point, making this distinction especially meaningful.

Craven County Schools congratulates all 31 school districts recognized at this year’s ceremony and celebrates this shared commitment to serving those who serve. For the school system, being recognized as a Purple Star District is more than a symbol. It’s a promise.