HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- The number of Utah schools earning the "Purple Star” designation, a formal recognition for supporting military-connected children, is set to surge by nearly 77 percent, bringing the statewide total to 179.
According to the Hill Air Force Base School Liaison Program, this expansion provides a tangible and direct benefit to service members by creating a more stable and predictable educational environment for children of military families.
The program is designed to mitigate the unique challenges military children often face.
With families moving every two to three years on average, students must repeatedly adapt to new schools, different curricula, and the stress of making new friends, all while coping with a parent’s deployment.
The Purple Star designation signifies that a school is prepared to meet these challenges. To earn recognition, schools must meet rigorous, state-set criteria that include:
• A dedicated staff point of contact for military families.
• A student-led program to help new students transition.
• A military family resource page on the school's website.
• Professional development for staff on the unique needs of military families.
• A military appreciation event
For Hill AFB's School Liaison Program, the pre-K to 12th grade education subject matter experts, this growth is a critical win for mission readiness. The school liaisons work directly with families to smooth educational transitions and reduce stressors that can distract from the mission.
“Expanding the Purple Star School program strengthens our ability to guide military families through one of the hardest parts of a permanent change of station—finding the right school,” said Jan Seachris, school liaison at Hill AFB. “Families often search for Purple Star campuses before they arrive, and having more of them across districts reduces uncertainty, helps us connect students with support faster, and eases the overall stress of relocating.”
This news comes as the nation marks the 40th anniversary of the Month of the Military Child this April. In an official proclamation, Gov. Spencer J. Cox designated April 15 as “Purple Up! Day.” To show support, community members are encouraged to wear purple on April 15 and throughout the month. Purple is used to represent the combined colors of all military branches.
“Purple Star Schools provide a vital foundation of support for military connected families, and the program’s growth will ultimately benefit every student across Utah by fostering more inclusive, responsive school communities,” said Mike Miller who works with Family Programs at the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs.
The successful expansion of the Purple Star School program highlights the strong collaborative network in Utah, Seachris said. The Hill Air Force Base School Liaison Program works in concert with the Utah State Board of Education, the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, Hill AFB stakeholders, school districts and military support teams to ensure the program's standards are met and promoted.
“At Hill Field, we have the honor of working closely with many military connected families,” said Sarah Burk, principal of Hill Field Elementary. “We recognize and admire the many sacrifices each of them makes and are grateful for the experience and insight they bring to our school community. We are proud to celebrate each of our military children and their unique experiences.”
Hill Field Elementary serves students on Hill Air Force Base and in surrounding communities.
While the Purple Up! initiative encourages wearing purple as a sign of support, the growth of the Purple Star School network represents a foundational, year-round commitment to the children who serve alongside their parents.
Those wanting to learn more about local school events or volunteer opportunities are encouraged to start with their school's front office. For direct assistance with school transitions, educational resources, or navigating local districts, please contact the Hill AFB School Liaison Program managers.
For more information on the Hill AFB School Liaison Program, contact Seachris at 801-775-5959 or Matt Mason at 801-775-5960 or email 75fss.hillschool.liaison@us.af.mil. You can also learn more on the Hill AFB School Liaison Program Facebook page.