Patrick Henry High School (PHHS) has once again been named one of the best schools in Virginia for students and families connected to our country’s military.
PHHS was selected by the Virginia Department of Education’s Military Student Support Process Action Team (MSSPAT) and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on the Educational Opportunity of Military Children for the 2025-26 Purple Star Designation Award, a recognition for schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families.
“In Hanover County Public Schools, we take great pride in supporting those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country and freedoms,” said Dr. Lisa Pennycuff, Superintendent of Schools. “Patrick Henry High School’s ongoing efforts to meet the needs of military families truly reflect the heart of our community and demonstrate our shared commitment to honor our military heroes and their families.”
Hanover County Public Schools enrolls approximately 260 military-connected students.
PHHS Principal Chris Martinez credits the innovative PHamily Advisory program with helping the school achieve this distinguished status. The program is designed to support students’ academic and social needs, and provides students an opportunity to connect with faculty, staff, and other students at the school. Through PHamily advisory, students and staff meet in small groups once a month to discuss a variety of issues and to build relationships, as well as strengthen existing ones.
“Often the biggest challenge encountered by children of a military family is coming into a new school, often in the middle of the year, and having to make new friends and navigate a new school culture,” Mr. Martinez said. “PHamily Advisory is a ready-made link that quickly gives the new military family student an instant teacher contact and a potential group of friends, almost from the first days of attendance.”
Additionally, Mr. Martinez said the school’s NJROTC program is “embedded into the PH culture and plays a vital role in supporting military connected students. Cadets represent excellence and commitment to our students in the building and in the community.”
“Hanover County enjoys a great reputation as a great place to live often due to the outstanding educational system. Many times, these military members deploy and the school system must meet the challenge of a newer student, who is missing a key member of the household,” Martinez said. “Patrick Henry prides itself in being ready to provide that support.”
PHHS will receive a Certificate of Recognition to be displayed at the school and an award coin.
PHHS was also named as a Purple Star Award recipient in 2019 and in 2022. More information about the program can be found
on the Virginia Department of Education’s website.