Lincoln Trail Elementary School and Lakewood Elementary School are the latest schools in the district to earn a Purple Star Award from the Kentucky Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities.  

Each school in the district has now earned Purple Star Status. 

Lincoln Trail will have a celebration on April 15, 2025 at 8 am and Lakewood will celebrate its award on May 2, 2025 at 2:30 pm.

The Purple Star Program is part of the Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities’ Strategies to strengthen the resiliency of Kentucky’s military-connected youth and ensure that their social, emotional, and academic needs are met.  According to the 2018 Kentucky Incentives for Prevention Survey approximately 50,000 youth in Kentucky reported having a military connection, either through service in the armed forces, National Guard or Reserves or as veterans.  Military-connected youth can be affected by their family member’s deployment and military service and report higher rates of distress.

“Every school in our district is now a recipient of the treasured Purple Star Award,” HCS Superintendent Teresa Morgan said.  “The United States Armed Forces are our country’s most treasured assets.  Our school district has tremendous respect and appreciation for our military.  Those who defend our country deserve assurance their children are receiving tremendous support.  The Purple Star Award recognizes our staff’s dedication to every student and every family.  This takes place across the district and we truly appreciate the hard work our HCS family does each day.” 

Kentucky’s Purple Star Award Program is overseen by an Advisory Board composed of representatives from 18 agencies serving service members and veterans. 

Here is a list of all schools that have earned the Purple Star Award in Hardin County Schools:

• Cecilia Valley Elementary School

• Creekside Elementary School

• GC Burkhead Elementary School

• Heartland Elementary School

• Lakewood Elementary School

• Lincoln Trail Elementary School

• Meadow View Elementary School

• New Highland Elementary School

• North Park Elementary School

• Radcliff Elementary School

• Rineyville Elementary School

• Vine Grove Elementary School

• Woodland Elementary School

• Bluegrass Middle School

• East Hardin Middle School

• J.T. Alton Middle School

• North Middle School

• West Hardin Middle School

• Central Hardin High School

• John Hardin High School

• North Hardin High School

For more information about the Kentucky Purple Star Award please visit http://www.kypurplestar.org/.