Acknowledging excellence in our youth is important — they will one day be our doctors, lawyers, teachers, soldiers and leaders. What we instill in them is what we will receive from them, therefore they are worth every second, every dollar, and all the good we can teach them. The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) recognizes this and goes above and beyond for our military-connected children, educating them, advocating for them, and eliminating challenges associated with the military lifestyle.
Twenty years ago, in 2004, MCEC launched Student 2 Student (S2S), a program that is still thriving today. I had the opportunity to learn more about S2S from two bright, kind, and future-focused young ladies, Lani Klein and Madeline “Maddie” Cogbill, who are actively involved in the program at their schools.
As they described, S2S is a peer-led group that is aimed at connecting and acclimating new students, military and civilian, to their new schools. “It’s different learning about a new school from another student than from the principal or guidance counselor,” Klein explained. Klein and Cogbill excitedly described in detail that there are different programs for children, with a full-circle approach to a student’s educational experience.
Prior to their arrival, new students have the opportunity to complete a survey so the team will learn how to best accommodate the incoming student, acknowledging language needs, interests, and hobbies. This helps S2S decide who would be best to meet the student. Considerations include, for example, if a student is Spanish speaking or has an interest in basketball or the cheer team. “It’s not just about when they come, it’s about staying consistently connected,” Cogbill noted.
Learning all there is to know about S2S, I could not be more excited for my own children to one day have the opportunity to become a part of such a life-changing and inspirational program.
With a belief in 100% acceptance, diversity, and a focus on growth for all students, the program takes a hard hit at bullying, encouraging students to bond and make lifelong friendships. “What MCEC is doing is planting seeds that grow,” Klein said.
The organization is taking a stand and making some serious changes, doing away with the notion that high school has to be a battleground. “As a student you have so much to worry about and deal with you shouldn’t have to worry about who you’ll sit with for lunch,” Cogbill said.
Taking an already impressive program to another level, MCEC developed the Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program offering exceptional High School S2S leaders the opportunity to attend a week-long experience at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Those in attendance will engage with cadets while they participate in leadership activities, learn from distinguished military leaders and other notable educators, and become equipped with important lifelong tools and knowledge readying them for their futures.
Nine exemplary students from around the world were chosen for the fall 2024 scholarship, in addition to Klein and Cogbill.
While I wish I could’ve had the opportunity to meet all 11, I extend my congratulations to all as I know they were chosen because they are an inspiration to others and will go on to do amazing things. Please join me in congratulating:
- Amelia Sanderson, Grade 10, Fort Leavenworth, KS
- Andrew Myers, Grade 11, Burkburnett, TX
- Eliana Flores, Grade 10, San Antonio, TX
- Elizabeth Allen, Grade 11, Fort Campbell, KY
- Isabella Smith, Grade 11, Swansboro, NC
- Kallie Bade, Grade 10, Colorado Springs, CO
- McKenzie Brown, Grade 11, Leavenworth, KS
- Sergio Romero, Grade 11, San Antonio, TX
- Taylor Harmon, Grade 11, Phenix City, AL
A special congratulations to North Carolinians Lani Klein, Grade 11, from Cameron and Madeline Cogbill, Grade 11, from Pinehurst. While you are an inspiration to your peers, you are also an inspiration to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to meet and learn so much from you both.
