Lane Awarded Its Third Purple Star Designation

By Melanie Crosby Hardy, Family Liaison
December 03, 2025

The Virginia Purple Star Designation is awarded by the Virginia Department of Education to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. Lane first received the Purple Star designation in 2018; it was one of the first schools in FCPS to be honored with the award. Since then, we have continued to expand our understanding of and support for our military-connected families, which make up nearly a quarter of our school community.

Schools must reapply for the Purple Star designation every three years, to assure that expectations continue to be met. Elements of a Purple Star school include school-based points of contact for military families and students; schoolwide and districtwide military recognition events, activities, and programs; awareness training for school staff; and a school-based peer-to-peer support organization, such as our Student Ambassadors. 

If you would like to learn more about the Purple Star program and designation, please contact our family liaison, Melanie Crosby Hardy at  @email .

The Virginia Purple Star Award is presented to schools in recognition of their support for military families. Schools must apply every three years. In October, Lane was awarded this important designation for the third time.
The Virginia Purple Star Award is presented to schools in recognition of their support for military families. Schools must apply every three years. In October, Lane was awarded this important designation for the third time.
A Military School Liaison from Fort Belvoir presented the award to Mrs. Opie.
A Military School Liaison from Fort Belvoir presented the award to Mrs. Opie.
Our Veterans Day Breakfast is just one of the events and programs we hold each year to honor our military families.
Our Veterans Day Breakfast is just one of the events and programs we hold each year to honor our military families.
Our Student Ambassadors serve as guides and "first friends" to new students at Lane, many of whom are military-connected. They help them learn about the school and get to know other students. Ambassadors support many schoolwide events to help welcome families, including our summer Popsicles on the Playground gatherings.
Our Student Ambassadors serve as guides and "first friends" to new students at Lane, many of whom are military-connected. They help them learn about the school and get to know other students. Ambassadors support many schoolwide events to help welcome families, including our summer Popsicles on the Playground gatherings.