Patrick Henry High School (PHHS) has once again been named one of the best schools in Virginia for students and families connected to our country’s military.
PHHS was selected by the Virginia Department of Education’s Military Student Support Process Action Team (MSSPAT) and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on the Educational Opportunity of Military Children for the 2022-2023 Purple Star Designation Award, a recognition for schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families.
“It is not only an honor, but a privilege to serve those who have chosen to defend our country and the freedoms we enjoy,” said Dr. Michael Gill, Superintendent of Schools. “We are incredibly proud of Patrick Henry High School for again going above and beyond to support the unique needs of our military families. This recognition is well deserved, and we look forward to the continued work not only at PHHS, but across Hanover County Public Schools in serving our country’s heroes and their families.”
Hanover County Public Schools enrolls approximately 250 military-connected students.
PHHS Principal Chris Martinez said that achieving the designation “means that our staff, teachers, and counselors have embraced and dedicated themselves to supporting this unique population of our PHamily.”
“Our staff realize children of those serving in our military have a unique educational experience and needs,” he said. “We take pride in helping our students of military families feel connected and supported by the PHamily.”
The high school has a PHamily Advisory program, which is meant to support both students’ academic and social needs, that provides students an opportunity to connect with faculty, staff, and other students at the school. Students and staff meet in small groups once a month to discuss a variety of issues and to build relationships, as well as strengthen existing ones, something Mr. Martinez credits with helping the school achieve this distinguished status.
Additionally, Mr. Martinez said, the school’s NJROTC program is “embedded into the PH culture and plays a vital role in supporting military connected students. Cadets represent excellence and commitment to our students in the building and in the community.”
“Hanover County enjoys a great reputation as a great place to live often due to the outstanding educational system. Many times, these military members deploy and the school system must meet the challenge of a newer student, who is missing a key member of the household,” Martinez said. “Patrick Henry prides itself in being ready to provide that support.”
PHHS will receive a Certificate of Recognition to be displayed at the school and an award coin. The school was also recognized during Tuesday night’s Hanover County School Board meeting.
PHHS was
also named as a Purple Star Award recipient in 2019. More information about the program can be found on
the Virginia Department of Education’s website.