Eureka High Earns Military-Friendly Purple Star Designation from DESE

Eureka High has earned the 2024 Missouri Purple Star designation from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), recognizing schools and districts that show outstanding commitment to students and families connected to the U.S. military.

Eureka is one of nine individual schools and two districts in this year’s cohort. In total, 13 districts and 19 schools from across Missouri have earned the Purple Star designation in three years of this DESE program. The designation is valid for three years, at which point schools can reapply to retain their status.

“This is huge,” said Eureka High Assistant Principal Dr. David Arledge, who helped lead the Purple Star application effort. “Because Eureka is such a community school, this is not just a Purple Star recognition for the school but for our community. We’re one and the same. I feel like it’s very important for not only our kids and the staff here to see this is something that’s important to us, but that our community sees that and it shows that the military is important to us around Eureka.”

The Purple Star designation is awarded to military-friendly schools and districts that have demonstrated a major commitment to students and families connected to the U.S. military — including active duty, National Guard or reserve members and military veterans. Applications include requirements such as professional development regarding considerations for military students and families; an assigned point of contact for military families, with requisite training; a dedicated webpage; the school board passing a resolution publicizing support for military students and families; and hosting an annual military program.

Eureka will be recognized for this designation at the Month of the Military Child kickoff event in the State Capitol Rotunda in Jefferson City on April 2.

“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to each member of the Eureka High School community – students, staff, and families alike – for contributing to this remarkable achievement,” Principal Dr. Corey Sink wrote in a message to the school community. “Your dedication and commitment have truly made a difference, and I am proud to lead such an exceptional school.”

Arledge said he first began researching the Purple Star program during the 2022-2023 school year. This year, he enlisted his secretary, Leslie Jackson, to help with the application.

Jackson then brought in Rockwood school and community relations specialist Kate Moore, who is also a Eureka parent, for help with the website, board proclamation and other application materials.

“It was amazing to see when the resolution was spoken at the board meeting,” Jackson said. “We’re hoping that people from military families will notice us as a Purple Star school and want to grow in our community. As a member of the Eureka-Pacific Elks Lodge, I’m also excited to involve their Veterans Committee as an added resource for the program.”

The U.S. Department of Defense estimates that there are more than 1.6 million military children in the country, who face challenges and unique experiences as a result of their parents’ service. On average, military families move every two to three years, impacting military children through changing schools and support networks.

Eureka has convened a committee of staff and student ambassadors as part of its Purple Star program, to undergo training opportunities provided by the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) and serve as liaisons for students from military families at Eureka.

Staff members on the committee are Arledge, Jackson, Moore, teacher Ralph Gianino, counselor Jordan Roche and registrar Laura Sneeringer. Student ambassadors are juniors Amina Philip, Chloe Robinson and Jackson Vardeman; sophomores Fisher Skaggs and Joe Rauls; and freshmen Adelyn Moore and Cash Pieschel.

“These kids are on here because of their individualism, the way they create relationships, their background and the fact that every single one of them is a leader,” Arledge said. “Once they get involved in something like this, their true leadership potential is going to shine through, and it’s just going to amplify what they’ve already got. They were chosen for a reason.”

Eureka annually holds military-centered events, such as a Veterans Day celebration for local veterans, military and first responders and a Military Signing Day for students who plan to enter the service after graduation.

This year, the school also participated in a Field of Flags fundraiser for Disabled American Veterans, planting 95 flags on campus and raising nearly $1,000.

“I like helping others, and our school is pretty big so, coming from a military family, it can be hard adjusting to new things,” Philip said. “I see myself as a leader and like going up to people if they’re having trouble and leading them toward anything they need.”

“It’s a great opportunity to give back to the people who serve our country,” Rauls said. “Being able to mentor them in our school is a really big deal.”