By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
Bossier High School officially became the 29th school in Bossier Parish to earn the Purple Star School designation during a ceremony Friday, Sept. 18.
The state-level designation recognizes schools for their commitment to supporting military-connected students and families.
Dr. Ernise Singleton of the Louisiana Department of Education presented the designation to Bossier High School. Singleton designed and launched Louisiana’s Purple Star designation and traveled to Bossier City to bestow the honor on the Bearkats.
Bossier Schools is home to 3,225 military-connected students, making support for military families an important part of the school district and local community.
With Bossier High receiving the designation, Bossier Parish now has 29 Purple Star Schools.
The Purple Star program recognizes schools that demonstrate a commitment to helping military-connected students and families navigate the unique challenges that can come with military life, including transitions between schools and communities.
The designation also highlights the partnership between Bossier Schools and the military community in Bossier Parish.
The ceremony also served as an opportunity to showcase the region’s commitment to military families as Shreveport-Bossier was recognized nationally as one of three recipients of the 2026 Great American Defense Communities award.
The Association of Defense Communities announced the recognition in May. A film crew attended the Bossier High ceremony to capture footage for a video that will be featured during the 2026 Great American Defense Communities awards ceremony scheduled for October in Tampa, Florida.
Support for military families is one of the region’s impactful initiatives, with Bossier Schools serving thousands of military-connected students throughout the parish.
For Bossier High School, earning the Purple Star designation adds the school to a growing list of Bossier Parish campuses working to ensure military-connected students and their families feel supported as part of the school community.
The designation ceremony was held at Bossier High School, 777 Bearkat Drive, in Bossier City.