FORT BENNING, Ga. — Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) E.A. White Elementary School's Star Student Ceremony, a monthly tradition honoring students for embodying Army values like loyalty, respect and personal courage, has expanded to recognize achievements beyond the classroom.
The program, which celebrates positive behavior, character and academic effort, now includes nominations from specials teachers in art, music, physical education and library classes. This allows more students to be spotlighted for teamwork, leadership and contributions.
The change stems from parent input via the School Advisory Committee.
"The School Advisory Committee wanted our Star Student program to reflect all the ways our students succeed, not just in the classroom but in art, music, PE and library as well," said Courtney Howell, SAC chairperson.
This expansion aligns with the DoWEA Blueprint for Continuous Improvement, particularly its Student Excellence goal, by promoting additional recognition that inspires growth in academics, character and citizenship while supporting military-connected students in a dynamic world.
"My goal is to continue growing the Star Student program, so it becomes an even broader celebration of student success," said Ms. Samuel, Partners in Education coordinator. "I want every child to feel that their unique abilities and contributions are valued."
School leaders view the update as evidence that family voices drive real change.
"Our goal as the SAC will be to keep listening, refining and looking for new ways to celebrate student success," Howell said.
Parents can share ideas at the next SAC meeting on April 9.
DoWEA operates as a field activity of the Office of the Secretary of War. It is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and managing prekindergarten through 12th-grade educational programs for the Department of War. DoWEA operates 161 accredited schools in 9 districts in 11 foreign countries, seven states, Guam, and Puerto Rico, serving over 66,000 military-connected students. DoWEA Americas operates 50 accredited schools across two districts on 16 military installations, including Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard bases in seven states, Puerto Rico and Cuba. Committed to excellence in education, DoWEA fosters well-rounded, lifelong learners, equipping them to succeed in a dynamic world.