Arizona Purple Star School Program

The Arizona Department of Education proudly presents the Arizona Purple Star School Program (AZPSS) designation for military-friendly schools in the state. AZPSS honors a school’s dedication to supporting students and families connected to our nation’s armed forces. Designated schools recognize military families’ unique challenges during duty assignment changes or separations and are committed to providing vital transition support to military-connected students. A Purple Star School designation signifies that the school has met all national and state requirements and is crucial in helping military-connected students stay on track to be college, workforce, and life-ready.

This designation allows schools to showcase their commitment by displaying Arizona’s Purple Star school program logo, certificate, and banner in their building and on social media platforms.

Peer-to-Peer Mentoring

Our school is proud to offer Peer-to-Peer Mentoring. The Peer-to-Peer Mentoring program aligns with our commitment to all students at our school, and it facilitates peer mentorship to military students and their families. If you are interested in participating or supporting the Peer-to-Peer Mentoring program, please contact our school’s AZPSS point of contact for more information.

Calendar of Patriotic Events

• September 7, 2024: Cadets supported the Gila River Indian Community with a parade supporting the 159th Annual Mustering In Day Celebration.
• September 11, 2024: Cadets supported 9/11 Memorial Celebration with students, faculty, and local first responders at the Art Academy at Estrella Mountain.
• September 11, 2024: Cadets supported a 9/11 Memorial Celebration at a Patriot Day Parade at Sun Valley Academy in Avondale.
• October 5, 2024: Cadets supported a breast cancer awareness event.
• October 12, 2024: Cadets participated in the Tolleson 75th Annual Fiesta de Amistad Parade in downtown Tolleson.
• October 26, 2024: Cadets provided support for the Tolleson VFW in their sponsored Veterans’ Car Show event in Glendale, AZ.
• November 7, 2024: Cadets had a Marine Corps Birthday Celebration and Veterans Day Recognition event at the Tolleson Union High School Performing Arts Center.
• November 7, 2024: Cadets provided support to the Tolleson VFW members in the annual Let Freedom Ring Awards Luncheon event in Glendale, AZ.
• November 8, 2024: Cadets supported a Veteran’s Day Event sponsored by Support Our Troops Arizona in Eloy, AZ.
• November 23, 2024: Cadets supported Prayer Assembly Church by passing out turkeys to community members in Phoenix, AZ.
• November 28, 2024: Cadets supported Tolleson Union High School District by serving members of the community at a Thanksgiving Day dinner in Tolleson, AZ.
• December 4, 2024: Cadets took the military entrance exam, also known as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) assessment.
• December 4, 2024: Cadets assisted University High School with meeting, greeting, and guiding incoming freshmen and their families on Future Freshmen Night.
• December 5, 2024: Cadets interacted (virtually) with students from Kirby Middle School located in Memphis, TN, thanking them for their interest in service and their willingness to serve.
• March 3, 2025: Cadets attend and view performances and interact with 8th and I Marines of the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team, Color Guard, and Drum and Bugle Corps at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, AZ.
• March 23, 2025: Cadets visit the USS Arizona and Missouri, along with a private tour of the Pearl Harbor Museum while visiting and interacting with active-duty Marines of Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, HI.