Bryant is fortunate to serve over 100 military children in our school community. In honor of Month of the Military Child this April, we want to highlight one of our Hornet families.
The Armstrong Family has been part of Collegeville Elementary for the past four years. The father, Michael Armstrong Sr., serves as an Army Reserve E-7 Sergeant First Class in Information Technology and has devoted 17 years to our country's defense. His commitment extends beyond military service, providing an example of resilience and adaptability to the entire family.
Mother Linda Armstrong is a travel advisor and takes on the role of Military Representative at Collegeville, bridging the gap between military families and the school. This leadership has made her an indispensable asset to the school community.
Following in their parents' footsteps, Michael Jr., a third-grader, and Marleigh, a first-grader, are respected young leaders whose exemplary behavior shines brightly in the classroom and on the playground, setting a positive example for their peers.
Military families like the Armstrongs face the challenges of frequent moves and deployments with flexibility and unity. This strength allows them to navigate life's uncertainties and support each other during extended absences, such as Sergeant Armstrong's deployment to Afghanistan in 2014. During his deployment, the family sacrificed cherished moments together, including birthdays, sporting events, anniversaries, and graduations.
Mrs. Armstrong reflects on his time away stating, "The time sacrificed is something we can’t get back. Deployments are difficult, knowing at any moment your loved one can be gone." This heartfelt statement highlights the profound impact of military life on the entire family.
The Armstrong family exemplifies the core values of the military—loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. They encourage other military families to communicate their specific needs to the school, whether that be counseling services, resources for transitioning between schools, or accommodations for deployment schedules. By fostering open lines of communication, Bryant Schools can ensure that every military family receives the support they need.
The Armstrong family is a shining example of how military families enrich our school community and embody the very best qualities of service and dedication.