Five Richmond and Columbia County schools were among 25 in the state named as Georgia Department of Education 2024-2025 Military Flagship School Award winners.
State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced the winners on April 11, and on Thursday, April 17, Freedom Park School at Fort Eisenhower celebrated its award as part of Purple-Up Day.
Other schools receiving the designation include four Columbia County Schools – Cedar Ridge Elementary School, Greenbrier Middle School, Grovetown Elementary School and Riverside Middle School.
The Military Flagship School Award recognizes schools that go above and beyond to “provide a supportive environment for military students and families. These schools specifically reach out to military families and identify and accommodate their unique needs,” according to news release from the Georgia Department of Education.
“April is designated as the Month of the Military Child (MOMC) and provides communities a chance to recognize and celebrate children who are a part of military families with fun activities. Traditionally the main event during month-long celebration is ‘Purple Up’ day, where everyone is encouraged to wear purple (a color that represents the blending all the military service branches’ colors) and a special program is held,” according to a news release from Fort Eisenhower Public Affairs.
During Freedom Park’s Purple Up program Rachale LaVoie with the Georgia Department of Education presented the Military Flagship Award to the school, and students were showcased.
The Georgia Department of Education highlighted the work at each school in its news release.
Cedar Ridge Elementary offers two full-time school counselors and a full-time Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC) to support military students emotionally and academically. The school has a Student Ambassador Program, pairing new military students with a peer to help them transition smoothly. Military students also receive a welcome bag upon arrival, according to the Georgia Department of Education news release.
Freedom Park School has two MFLCs dedicated to supporting military students and their families. The school collaborates closely with School Liaison Officers to ensure smooth transitions for incoming military students. FPS hosts a Deployment Club, which provides peer support and connection for students experiencing parental deployments. The school celebrates the Month of the Military Child with special events and activities, including Purple Up Day and military family appreciation programs.
Greenbrier Middle School provides an MFLC who offers individual and group counseling to military students. The school runs a Student Ambassador Program, where military students are welcomed by peers who assist with school tours and integration. GMS also hosts New to the Pack meetings and quarterly gatherings where new military students can connect and build relationships. The school partners with Fort Eisenhower to provide military mentors and organize leadership-building programs.
Grovetown Elementary School offers strong wraparound support services for military families, including an on-site MFLC and a School Social Worker who coordinate resources. The school has a Connections Club where military students meet monthly to discuss challenges, participate in community projects, and welcome new students. The school hosts an annual Veterans Day program and partners with USS West Virginia Blue and Gold crews, who volunteer at school events. Military students are honored with special assemblies and celebrations during the Month of the Military Child.
Riverside Middle School supports its large military student population by offering a comprehensive transition program, including school tours and a student ambassador program for incoming military students. The school has a Military Family Committee composed of staff, parents and community members that meets regularly to address the needs of military families. RMS partners with local military installations to host guest speakers and military career fairs. The school celebrates the Month of the Military Child with Purple-Up Day, military recognition assemblies and student-led initiatives to honor service members.
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