The bill, H. 3717, is a House Resolution recognizing and honoring Thomas Sumter Academy for its significant connection with military families and congratulating the school on receiving the Purple Star designation. This designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate a commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families, particularly during transitions related to relocation and deployment. The resolution highlights that Thomas Sumter Academy is the first member of the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) to earn this honor and only the third SCISA school overall to achieve such recognition.

The resolution outlines the criteria for the Purple Star designation, which includes having a designated school liaison for military families, a dedicated section of the school’s website for military resources, and trained student ambassadors to assist new military students. It notes that military dependents constitute about 40% of the student body at Thomas Sumter Academy, with many families connected to local military bases. The resolution expresses gratitude to educational institutions that participate in training to support military families and acknowledges the efforts of the faculty and administration in achieving this designation. A copy of the resolution will be presented to the Head of School, Ben Herod.