Oak Harbor Elementary Paraeducator Named Navy Spouse of the Year

Military spouses serve alongside our service members in powerful and often unseen ways, providing strength, stability, and leadership that help sustain military families and communities. Oak Harbor Public Schools is proud to recognize one of our own, paraeducator Meg Graves, for embodying that service at the highest level. She was recently named the 2026 Armed Forces Insurance Navy Spouse of the Year, as well as the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Spouse of the Year, a national honor recognizing military spouses for their leadership, advocacy, and impact on the lives of others.

“This recognition is especially meaningful to me because it reflects the work I’ve been committed to in supporting military families and creating impact within this community,” said Meg Graves. “I am proud to be a voice for families who are struggling.”

Now in its 18th year, the AFI Military Spouse of the Year program remains the nation’s only award dedicated solely to honoring military spouses for their service and leadership. Since 2008, the program has elevated spouses who navigate frequent relocations, career disruptions, deployments, and Guard and Reserve activations while building programs, influencing policy conversations, and strengthening readiness across the force. The 2026 branch winners were selected from hundreds of nominees representing installations across the United States and overseas.

Meg was selected in part for her resilience as a military spouse, a mother of three students with special needs, and a breast cancer survivor navigating her own health challenges. Despite what she describes as her “version of hard,” she continues to serve as a powerful advocate for military families at the local, regional, and national levels, including efforts to elevate their voices in conversations with Congress.

In addition to her advocacy, Meg is a dedicated paraeducator in the ACCESS program at Oak Harbor Elementary, where she supports students with autism with compassion, patience, and care.

“As an employee of the district, I am proud of the work we all do in our schools to support and educate the future members of our community,” said Graves. “As a mother of three students with special needs, I understand the challenges families face and want them to know they are not alone.”

Meg exemplifies the spirit of the One Oak Harbor community by ensuring students and families feel seen, supported, and a true sense of belonging in our schools. When asked what advice she would offer fellow military spouses, she emphasized the importance of reaching out for support and building connections.

“We are all here together, and no one should ever feel alone. We are better as a team.”

Meg now advances to the final phase of the national selection process, with the overall Military Spouse of the Year to be announced in May. Please join us in congratulating Meg Graves on this well-deserved honor and thanking her for the difference she makes every day in the lives of our students and community.