At the Great Hearts campus located in Goodyear, Ariz., just five miles away from Luke Air Force Base [1], the largest Fighter Wing in the U.S. Air Force [2], Archway Trivium [3] and Trivium Prep [4] recently recognized April as the Month of the Military Child [5] with a special breakfast honoring the students of veterans and military families that are an important part of their local community.
[6]
[7]
In partnership with Luke Air Force Base [1], students connected to active-duty service members, reservists, and veterans came together for a morning of appreciation and connection. “April is a time to recognize the unique experiences of military-connected students,” explained Latoi Sullenger, a teacher at Trivium Prep and the Purple Star Program representative for the campus.
[8]
“As a proud Arizona Purple Star School [9], Trivium is committed to supporting military families through mentoring, transition support, and opportunities to build meaningful connections,” shared Sullenger.
The campus became a candidate, [10] along with only three other schools, for the designation as an Arizona Purple Star School [9] back in 2023 as part of the Arizona Department of Education’s [11] initial pilot year of the program. The Purple Star School program highlights the over 1.6 million children in military families who face unique challenges like frequent moves, school changes, and parent deployments.
[12]
Students enjoyed breakfast items, had time to connect with other students who share similar circumstances, and participated in a few community-building activities together. While this breakfast landed in the month of April and was specially commemorated for the Month of the Military Child [5], the campus hosts a breakfast dedicated to these students each quarter.
[13]
Sullenger said they are excited for the continued growth of the program and this community with more events like the breakfast. “[We] look forward to creating a space where all who transition in and out feel a lasting sense of belonging.”
[12]
Do you have a story or know of one that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org [14].
Submit a student application to a Great Hearts Academy by visiting: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/ [15].