The children of military families were recognized at a recent Purple Up Celebration at the Bourne Intermediate School. Attendees wore purple to show their support for military families. (Photo Courtesy Bourne Public Schools)
BOURNE — Superintendent Dr. Kerri Anne Quinlan-Zhou is proud to announce that four Bourne Public Schools — Bourne Intermediate School, Bournedale Elementary School, Bourne Middle School and Bourne High School — have all earned the Commonwealth’s 2025 Purple Star Award Designation.
The annual Purple Star Award Designation is bestowed upon Massachusetts public schools that show a strong commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families and fulfill a list of criteria designated by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and its Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3).
Superintendent Dr. Quinlan-Zhou has been a member of the MIC3 for the past two years.
“In this role, my colleagues and I work to ensure that military-connected students feel welcomed, supported, and have a level playing field as they move through their educational journey,” Superintendent Dr. Quinlan-Zhou said.
The District held a Purple Up Celebration at Bourne Intermediate School on April 18, and throughout April, Bourne Public Schools celebrated its military families while recognizing the Month of the Military Child.
Dignitaries and community leaders attended the Purple Up Celebration, including elected officials from the Bourne School Committee, the Bourne Select Board, and the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
Bourne Public Schools’ military students led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Bourne High School Concert Choir, with Accompanist Misao Koyama, performed the National Anthem under the direction of Lisa Fournier-Donley.
Four military students delivered testimonials: tenth-grader Rylie Kohl, Bourne High School; seventh-grader Keegan Kohl, Bourne Middle School; fourth-grader Zander Alvarado-Collis, Bourne Intermediate School; and kindergartener Cian O’Keefe, Bournedale Elementary School.
“This month — and especially today — we honor the strength, resilience, and unique experiences of our military-connected students,” said Superintendent Dr. Quinlan-Zhou. “These young people face challenges that many others don’t: frequent moves, long separations from loved ones, and the need to continually adapt. Despite all this, they show incredible courage, grace, and determination.”
For Bourne Public Schools, the color purple is packed with meaning. Purple is not only the school color, but it’s also a way for students and staff to show support for military families. Many Purple Up Celebration attendees wore purple to represent all branches of the military and to show their collective support.
Purple is a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, Coast Guard, Air Force, Space Force and Navy blue, and represents military children from all branches.
The event’s Keynote Speaker was Col. Michael C. Kelley, Commander of the 102nd Mission Support Group at Otis Air National Guard Base on Joint Base Cape Cod.
Col. Kelley leads more than 400 military and civilian personnel who provide essential support in engineering, logistics, communications, security, and more — serving not only the 102nd Intelligence Wing but also thousands of service members and families stationed on base.
The Purple Up audience was treated to a very special program that included musical performances by talented students, inspiring guest speakers who shared what it’s like to be part of a military family, and the surprise announcement of the Purple Star Award designations.
Schools that earn the Purple Star designation receive a recognition letter and certificate to display on site. The initial award designation must be renewed after three years.
“To all of our military-connected students and families: ‘Thank you,'” Superintendent Dr. Quinlan-Zhou said. “You are a vital part of our school community, and we are so proud to honor you.”
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Four Bourne Public Schools — Bourne Intermediate School, Bournedale Elementary School, Bourne Middle School and Bourne High School — have all earned the Commonwealth’s 2025 Purple Star Award Designation.
The children of military families were recognized at a recent Purple Up Celebration at the Bourne Intermediate School. (Photo Courtesy Bourne Public Schools)
Bourne Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kerri Anne Quinlan-Zhou, a two-year member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), addressed the Purple Up Celebration crowd. (Photo Courtesy Bourne Public Schools)
The children of military families were recognized at a recent Purple Up Celebration at the Bourne Intermediate School. Attendees wore purple to show their support for military families. (Photo Courtesy Bourne Public Schools)
Christine Cowen, MA DESE Office of Student and Family Support, announced the District’s Purple Star Designations. (Photo Courtesy Bourne Public Schools)
The event’s Keynote Speaker, Col. Michael C. Kelley, Commander of the 102nd Mission Support Group at Otis Air National Guard Base on Joint Base Cape Cod, addressed the purpled-up crowd. (Photo Courtesy Bourne Public Schools)
The children of military families were recognized at a recent Purple Up Celebration at the Bourne Intermediate School on April 18. Many wore purple to support military families. (Photo Courtesy Bourne Public Schools)
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