LACEY, Wash. — The U.S. military awards Purple Hearts to service members wounded in the line of duty and is thought of as a symbol of sacrifice.
The state of Washington is now awarding its version of the Purple Heart to school districts providing assistance to a population that knows something about sacrifice: students from military families.
Twelve districts in the state received the award from the state’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The school districts are: Bremerton, Central Kitsap, Cheney, Clover Park, Medical Lake, North Mason, North Thurston, Oak Harbor, Peninsula, Steilacoom Historical, Sumner-Bonney Lake, and Yelm Community Schools.
Districts were recognized for offering services like expanded child care, military appreciation and recognition events, and counseling for students dealing with having to move every couple of years.
"It's the fact that have to leave, and then start over again. And then they have to leave and start over again, that's the challenge for kids,” said U.S. Army First Lt. Gwen Cavalier.
Gwen Cavalier has three sons in the North Thurston School District and her 19-year-old daughter, Noelani Cavalier, is in college.
Her oldest son, 16-year-old K.J. Cavalier is at North Thurston High School, 12-year-old DeShawn Cavalier attends Chinook Middle School, and 7-year-old Gabe is a second grader at Pleasant Glade Elementary School.
They’ve lived in three different cities since Gabe was born. Gwen Cavalier said she appreciated the counseling offered for her son Gabe by North Thurston Public Schools when she was recently deployed to Korea.
"He (Gabe) was telling me, 'Mom, I had a sit-down during lunchtime and we talked about just family.' It takes his mind away from me being away,” said Gwen Cavalier.
More than 15% of NTPS students have at least one military parent.
“Military families often face unique challenges, and we are proud to support our military-connected students in a variety of ways,” said NTPS Superintendent Dr. Debra Clemens.