By Sarah Stephens
Elmore Autauga News
This morning, Stanhope Elmore High School’s Army JROTC hosted a Purple Star School Program, with a balloon release, on a very windy day. The event was to honor the military children of parents who have or are serving their country in all branches.
Master of Ceremony was C/2LT Emanuel “Manny” Peralta, with an invocation by C/LTC Maria Escobar. Special guests and parents were recognized and thanked for their attendance.
The Purple Star Schools program is an initiative developed in Alabama to recognize K-12 schools in the state that are committed and supportive of military students and their families. Often these students must transition to new homes and schools due to their parents’ service.
The program gives credit to local schools and is designed to lower high mobility challenges and increase military-friendly schools. Schools in Elmore and Autauga Counties have been given a Purple Star School Recognition banner to display.
Principal Ewell Fuller thanked the JROTC Cadets and Purple Star board members for an excellent program.
“To say that I am proud of our ROTC program is an understatement. It continually serves the community, school, city, county and the state, by the way. We have a lot of leadership that comes out of it. It is very service-oriented. Sergeant Major Bartee and Sergeant Kindley took over the helm this year after Colonel Bonasera and Sergeant Chambers retired. It hasn’t skipped a beat. Actually, it is progressing.”
Fuller spoke of a new Ropes Course/Rappelling Tower that will soon be constructed on school grounds. The original idea came from Sgt. Kindley, who is a rappelling instructor. Thanks to the Elmore County Commission, the Elmore County Board of Education and the City of Millbrook, $250,000 was donated for the course, and construction is expected to begin this year. Once complete, it will be open to the cadets, competitions, and training for first responders.
“I am super proud of each and every one of you. Being a veteran myself, every male in my family has served in the military. I understand the importance of the connection between the school, the community and the military.”
C/LTC Maria Escobar serves with the SEHS JROTC as the current Battalion Executive Officer. She also holds the position of the Army JROTC Vice President for the State of Alabama.
“During my time in high school I discovered my passion for leadership through JROTC, a program that not only shapes strong leaders but also helps mold individuals who contribute positively to our communities day in and day out.
Escobar said JROTC stands by the mission statement of motivating young people to become better citizens.
“It is through this foundation that I have had the privilege of working with over 150 cadets in our battalion. As Battalion XO I oversee 158 cadets and throughout this school year I have witnessed our transformation into disciplined, responsible leaders guided by military core values.”
She spoke highly of C/2LT Emanuel “Manny” Peralta, saying he is an outstanding Cadet, and is this year’s President of the Purple Star Program for SEHS. His sister, Juliana, is an alumnus of SEHS and helped create the original program at the school. Today she is studying at Auburn University and is part of the Air Force ROTC. They are the children of a retired military father and mother who supported the military mission. That required them to move multiple times to new areas when they were younger.
The Peralta family arrived in this area on Christmas day 2019. Mr. Peralta was able to retire from the Air Force, and the family stayed in the area to give their children stability, especially in their high school years. Mr. and Mrs. Peralta said they are so proud of their children, and the many moves they had to make when they were very young.
In speaking specifically of Manny Peralta, Escobar said, “Manny is one of the most remarkable leaders I have encountered. I have watched him grow into a person who embodies what it means to be dedicated, hardworking and selfless. He consistently gives his best effort in everything he does, and his leadership has had a long-lasting impact on those around him. But beyond his accomplishments, Manny represents something even greater. He exemplifies resilience and strength of military children. His journey has not been an easy one, moving frequently due to his parents’ service. Yet, through every relocation he has found ways to adapt, reconnect and thrive as a leader. Manny’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of military families and their ability to overcome challenges with grace and determination. His journey is not just his own. It is the story of over 1.6 million military children in the United States of America, each facing their own unique set of challenges due to sacrifices made by their parents’ service to this country.”
She said that Manny is just one living example of military children, who despite hardships, can flourish and lead with purpose and pride for their communities.
Student Zoie Holmes serves on the Purple Star Committee for SEHS. She is also a military child and grew up in a military family.
“My parents retired after 20 and 24 years on active duty in the United States Air Force in 2011 to raise my two sisters and I. The legacy of their service to this nation has been a significant part of my life. Although their service started before I came into this world, their stories and values they have instilled in me have left a lasting impact.”
Holmes said that military children face unique challenges but also gain a profound understanding of what it means to serve for a cause that is much greater than themselves.
After the balloon release, CSM Nathaniel J. Bartee Sr. closed the program, praising the community and the administrators at SEHS, saying their support does not go unnoticed.
To the Purple Star students, he said he understands personally what they go through as a military family.
“You guys are tough. You are strong. You are going to be the leaders of these United States of America one day. What I ask you today is keep your head up. Hold it high. Nobody can do what you do on an average day. You are the best of the best.”
