Tinker Elementary earns Oklahoma Purple Star School designation

By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon

Red, white and blue are popular colors at Tinker Elementary School.

But on Friday afternoon, the Patriots were decked in purple.

The Mid-Del school celebrated earning the prestigious Oklahoma Purple Star School designation, recognizing its exceptional commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families.

The designation honors schools that go above and beyond in supporting military-connected students who often face frequent moves, new classrooms and other challenges, said Christi Sturgeon with the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

During a special assembly, speakers highlighted the school’s ongoing efforts to provide stability and support for military children.

“During the month of the military child, our military-connected children show strength, resilience and adaptability every day,” said principal Stephanie Cavner. “Many of our students say goodbye, and they do it with strength. We are proud of them, and we are proud to serve them.”

The Purple Star designation recognizes schools “committed to supporting military-connected students and their families through intentional systems, strong relationships and consistent support,” Cavner said. At Tinker Elementary, staff work daily to ensure “every child feels supported and connected.”

Several distinguished guests attended the ceremony, including Col. Tamilyn S. Dismukes, deputy commander of the 72nd Air Base Wing; Dr. Rick Cobb, superintendent of Mid-Del Public Schools; State Sen. Brenda Stanley; and Sturgeon.

Dismukes praised the school’s efforts.

“It is amazing to see all the bright, shining faces here today. I’m so excited to be here to celebrate our huge milestone for Tinker Elementary. Over the last three years, Mid-Del has been designated a Purple Star District. Today, Tinker Elementary is the first individual schools to have the Purple Star designation.”

That is an important designation for military families, Dismukes said.

“I want you to know that when military families come to Oklahoma and research the school, they’re going to see the support that you provide them and the peace of mind,” she said. “As a mom, I know that one of the most important things is my kiddo.”

Students at Tinker Elementary were recognized as ambassadors for supporting one another.

“We’re excited to see how you’re going to help [new students] navigate the halls of the school when they arrive at Tinker, to help them through deployments and really see them off too,” Dismukes said. “I would bet my whole salary, lots and lots of money, that some of you kiddos in this audience are going to be better men, soldiers or sailors or guardians or Marines. And I think I’ve got them all. So I am proud that you are going to replace me. You can be up here one day.”

Senator Brenda Stanley also presented a citation recognizing the school’s work.

“Tinker Elementary School, part of the Mid-Del Public Schools, has been awarded the prestigious Oklahoma Purple Star School designation, recognizing its exceptional commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families and meeting their unique academic, social and emotional needs,” she read. “We honor the students of military families for their strength, resilience, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the men and women of the armed forces and their families for their service and sacrifice.”

Sturgeon emphasized the importance of Tinker Elementary’s efforts.

“Your dedication reflects the values of service, stability and compassion that our military families embody every day,” she said. “By creating a welcoming environment for students who may be arriving from across the country or even across the world, you’ve shown what it means to truly stand beside those who serve. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor; your work makes a real difference.”

The recognition comes during the national Month of the Military Child.