Helena, MT — Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen in partnership with the Montana Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), has announced 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 well being of military-connected students and their families.
The 2025/26 award recipients are:
Purple Star Schools:
Troy High School
Whitehall High School
Central Elementary School – Helena
Chief Joseph Elementary School – Great Falls
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
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.
