GLEN CARBON — Father McGivney Catholic High School has earned the Illinois Purple Star School designation for its support of military-connected students and families, the school has announced.

The designation recognizes schools that help students whose parents or guardians serve in the military by easing transitions, providing resources for families and preparing staff to understand military-connected children’s experiences.

For Bobbie Madura, the school’s student services director and a military spouse, the recognition has personal significance.

“Receiving the Illinois Purple Star School designation is especially meaningful to me, both professionally and personally,” Madura said. “As a military spouse, I remember receiving orders to a new duty station and immediately beginning the search for a school that would not only provide an excellent education for my children, but would also understand the unique life of a military family. Frequent moves, transitions, deployments, and starting over in a new community are experiences that can profoundly affect children and families.”

Father McGivney has established a designated military family point of contact, resources and information for military families, programs to support student transitions and professional development opportunities for staff.

Madura’s experience has helped shape the school’s efforts to welcome and support military-connected students and families.

“We recognize that military life is different, and we are committed to helping make transitions easier while providing students with the academic, social-emotional, and personal support they need to thrive,” Madura said.

She said pursuing the designation was intended to help military families identify the school as one prepared to understand and support their experiences.

“I am incredibly proud that our commitment has now been recognized by the State of Illinois,” Madura said