CHS designated Purple Star school for military families

Local state and school board officials gathered Wednesday to recognize Carson High School for its designation as a Nevada Purple Star school for supporting families providing service or are connected to the military.

Dignitaries in attendance during the award ceremony included Nevada Superintendent of Public Instruction Jhone Ebert; Commissioner Felicia Gonzales of the Nevada Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission Council; School Liaison Officer Melanie Murphy of Naval Air Station Fallon; KellyLynn Charles of the NDE; Superintendent Andrew Feuling of CCSD; Carson High Assistant Principal Josh Billings; and Lt. Cmdr. Dan Meyer of CHS’ Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.

The Nevada Purple Star School Award is given to schools that demonstrate a commitment to students and families connected to the nation’s military. Announcements coincide with Month of the Military Child, which was proclaimed by Gov. Joe Lombardo to recognize approximately 11,000 military-connected Nevadan children.

As a senior naval science instructor, Meyer said he appreciated Carson High’s new designation, having lived the military life himself with his own children. Meyer served for 15 years in the U.S. Navy after he enlisted, served another 15 years as an officer and entered education as a teacher.

“My kids were a part of schools in Japan for four years,” he said. “(The Purple Star School Award program) is to recognize those cadets and students that are in those locations throughout the nation. There’s many challenges for students moving around every three or four years.”

Meyer said there are currently about 51 students of active duty or retired military members attending Carson High this year who have moved from the east coast or stationed in the area.

“I was real excited to learn about (the program) because I lived it,” Meyer said. “My kids have lived it. They had to do the struggles. … It’s very important. I just appreciate having Superintendent Ebert here, I appreciate everyone who attended. I hope we spread the word to other schools in Northern Nevada.”

CHS Principal Dan Carstens said the school is committed to setting an example to the community and the rest of the state through the honor.

“By earning the Purple Star designation, we want to send a clear message to families researching schools in our area: They can enroll here with confidence knowing we are dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for our children,” he said.