The military children of Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield attend nearly a dozen different school districts throughout Coastal Georgia, and this year three schools stood out amongst the rest to earn the Georgia Military Flagship School award.
Among them is Bryan County’s McAllister Elementary School, which received their banner on Thursday, April 23. The other schools were Long County’s Smiley Elementary School and Long County High School.
“This award is competitive, which means it requires intentional effort, community and collaboration,” said Rachale LaVoie, military student and family specialist with the Georgia Department of Education. “It is about creating that culture that is conducive to military families and knowing that you’re walking into a school that knows what you’re dealing with is a big deal.
Appointed by the Georgia Department of Education, the Military Flagship Award recognizes Georgia schools which go above and beyond to provide a supportive environment accommodating the unique needs of military-connected students and families.
“This job can take us away from home and take us away from our loved ones, so to have that sense of community, appreciation, trust and commitment from the local community is something you cannot put a price on,” said Maj. Charlie Egan, 3rd Infantry Division public affairs officer.
These schools are more than just a place of learning and offer stability to families who need more support.
“You can tell that you are building community, that you are really focused and investing in each other, and creating a safe space and environment for learning for all of our kids,” LaVoie said to the audience at an assembly hosted at Smiley Elementary School.
Both the parents and children of these military families were recognized and thanked for their service and sacrifices during the ceremonies.
Achieving this distinction requires a rigorous application process, detailed documentation of student data, attendance, and academic progress, as well as the demonstration of a school-wide commitment to serving military-connected students.
All schools throughout the state of Georgia are eligible to apply for the Military Flagship School Award. Once received, applications are evaluated by a committee that includes active-duty service members, garrison School Liaison Officers, school district staff and members of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission.