Anacortes School District Honored with 2025 Purple Star Award for Supporting Military-Connected Students

The Anacortes School District is proud to announce that it has been named a 2025 Purple Star Award recipient by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), in collaboration with the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA). This prestigious two-year designation honors school districts that demonstrate a strong and sustained commitment to supporting military-connected students and families.

Now in its second year, the Purple Star Award recognizes districts that meet rigorous criteria for providing military-friendly practices and resources. Anacortes School District earned the designation by maintaining a dedicated webpage for military families, appointing trained points of contact for military student support, hosting military family events, and providing professional development for staff on the unique needs of military families. 

"We are honored to receive the Purple Star Award, which reflects our district’s heartfelt commitment to supporting the children and families of those who serve," said Dr. Justin Irish, Superintendent of Anacortes School District. "With our proximity to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, we recognize the important role schools play in offering stability, connection, and opportunity to students who may experience frequent transitions. Our goal is to make every military-connected student feel seen, supported, and successful in our schools."

Military-connected students face unique challenges, including frequent relocations and parental deployments. The Purple Star Award acknowledges the district’s intentional efforts to smooth transitions and offer targeted support for these students.

"My uncle Neeko was in the Marines, and my abuelo was in the Air Force, so I know how important it is to feel welcome when you move to a new place," said Ana Skelton, a 5th-grade student at Island View Elementary. "When new students come to our school, I try to be kind and help them feel like they belong because everyone deserves to feel at home, especially when their families serve our country."

The award also holds special significance for Jack Curtis, retired U.S. Navy and current Anacortes School Board Director. "My family is acutely aware of the challenges some of our students experience as a result of frequent moves or the deployed parents.  Knowing our school district acknowledges and supports these students and families is reassuring and greatly appreciated.” Curtis said. 

Anacortes joins five other districts in Washington to receive the 2025 designation: Coupeville, South Kitsap, Bethel, and North Kitsap. 

To learn more about the Purple Star Award and Anacortes School District’s commitment to military families, visit https://www.asd103.org/District/Portal/supporting-military-families.