SDCOE Recognizes Schools That Support Military-Connected Students and Families

There were cheers, tears, and a few "oorahs" as more than 200 education leaders, military leadership, school site staff, students, community members, business representatives, and guests gathered to recognize the efforts by San Diego County schools to support our region’s military-connected students and families. 

The Salute to Purple Star Schools event celebrated schools that received the Purple Star School designation from the California Department of Education in 2026.

The event was hosted by SDCOE and sponsored by National University, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the USS Midway Museum, and California Schools VEBA.

“We know our military-connected students are some of the most resilient young people you will ever meet. They learn how to adapt to new places, new classrooms, and new friendships,” said Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, San Diego County Superintendent of Schools. “They need classrooms where someone understands their story. And where they know they belong from the moment they walk through the door.”

The afternoon featured remarks from National University President Dr. Mark Milliron, Captain Loren Jacobi, Commanding Officer to Naval Base Coronado, and SDCOE’s Mara Madrigal-Weiss, who shared her own moving story about growing up in a military family. Mia Rasmussen, a student at Mt. Carmel High School in the Poway Unified School District, helped emcee the event alongside SDCOE’s Joseph Clevenger, Dr. Erin Mahoney, and Josh Smith from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union.

“I am very grateful to be part of a school that places so much importance in meeting the needs of military-dependent children,” Rasmussen said. “Being the child of a service member presents its own unique challenges, but because of Purple Star schools like ours, military-connected students don't just adjust – they thrive.”

The purpose behind the Salute to Purple Star Schools celebration is to raise awareness about the critical role schools play in supporting military-connected students and families. It was an opportunity to recognize, and also connect the individuals who ensure resources reach the students who need them.

The Purple Star School Designation Program, run by the California Department of Education, publicly recognizes schools that are committed and equipped to meet the unique needs of military-connected students and their families. In 2026, 34 schools in San Diego County received the designation to bring the total number of schools in county with the designation to 107. In total, there are 202 in the state.

In addition to honoring the 34 Purple Star Schools, SDCOE announced its own Champion Awards winners, recognizing local individuals and organizations who make a difference for our military-connected students and families. They are:

• Purple Star School Employee of the Year: Heather De Los Reyes, McMillan Elementary in Chula Vista Elementary School District
• Purple Star Military School Support Employee of the Year: Kristin Fernandez, Angier Elementary School, San Diego Unified School District
• Purple Star Superintendent of the Year: Karl Mueller, Coronado Unified School District
• Purple Star Schools Community Partner of the Year: USS Midway Museum

There are more than 50,000 military-connected students in the region, making it important to our communities that we ensure our students have the support they need to be successful. When we support our military-connected students, we strengthen the networks of support and services for all our students.

To increase the number of schools receiving the Purple Star School designation, SDCOE encouraged county schools who serve military families to apply for the designation and provided technical support during the application process. Throughout the year, SDCOE shows its commitment to this population by providing school district-designated liaisons with information, professional development, current events, data sources, and resources needed to facilitate their work and better serve the unique needs of military students and families.

Learn more about SDCOE's resources and supports on the Military Families webpage.