2024 MCEC Global Training Summit Strong Foundation, Future Success

Military Child Champion Award

Introduced this year, the Military Child Champion Award honors outstanding contributions of time, talent, and resources that benefit military-connected children and their families, supporting MCEC’s vision to ensure every military-connected child is college-, work-, and life-ready. The award is presented in three categories: Corporate (awarded to USAA), Partner (awarded to Wounded Warrior Project), and Individual (awarded to General (Retired) Dennis J. Reimer, 33rd Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, and Mrs. Mary Jo Reimer, both of whom have been ardent supporters of MCEC’s cause since even before its inception).

“A tremendous amount of progress has been made in MCEC’s 26 years. I have been inspired by the young people who participate in MCEC programs that have come across this stage tonight. They have made a difference in their schools and with their families. They will make an even greater difference when they go out into the world.”

General (Retired) Dennis J. Reimer, former Chief of Staff of the Army

MCEC Call for the Arts

MCEC Call for the Arts joyfully celebrates the world as seen through the eyes of military kids. For 22 years, thousands of children from military families have shared their work, and we again received amazing art this year. From traditional colored pencil, charcoal, watercolor, and acrylic to collages and woven masterpieces, we were awed. We were inspired by poetry and essays, listened to original songs, enjoyed striking photography, and watched an animation that awakened our vagus nerve (if you saw Dr. Kimberly Dickman’s master class, you know what we’re talking about)!

Awards are given at the elementary, middle and high school level for first, second, and third place, plus a spotlight award. Winners were announced in May, and invited to attend the Global Training Summit.

High school spotlight winner Kyler performed his original song, “Combat Boots” during the Monday night opening gala to a crowd of over 600 attendees. Lucia’s ten-second silent animation was also played for guests, and celebrated as our first digital animation! We were delighted to welcome eight of our 12 winners to Washington, DC, and on Tuesday, July 30, each joined us on the main stage to be celebrated.

Learn more about MCEC Call for the Arts.


The Military Children’s Dr. Mary M. Keller Award for Distinguished Contributions to Science

Established in 2019 by the MCEC Science Advisory Board, the intent of this award is to recognize researchers, clinicians and practitioners for significant contributions to science and the public’s understanding of military-connected youth.

Established in 2019 by the MCEC Science Advisory Board, the intent of this award is to recognize researchers, clinicians and practitioners for significant contributions to science and the public’s understanding of military-connected youth.

The 2024 recipient of the Military Children’s Dr. Mary M. Keller Award for Distinguished Contributions to Science is Dr. Abigail Gewirtz.

Presented by SAB Co-Chair COL (Ret.) Eric Flake, M.D., Dr. Gewirtz accepted the award through a video message on July 31, 2024. In her message, she shares:

“The MCEC Science Advisory Board deliberates in a measured and well-informed manner to identify the person to be honored each year. My heartiest congratulations go out to Dr. Gewirtz, and more than that, my appreciation for the work she does to help us all understand military families.”

Dr. Rebecca Porter, President and CEO of MCEC

LTG H.G. “Pete” Taylor Partnership of Excellence Awards

LTG H.G. “Pete” Taylor (retired) was one of the founders of MCEC – and a military parent, too. The award named in his honor recognizes successful partnerships and projects that reflect his belief that “goodness starts at the local level.” MCEC presents awards to deserving schools, installations, and individual program achievements at GTS. 

Presented by SEAC Troy E. Black and Mrs. Stacie Black, these awards recognized exceptional partnerships supporting military-connected children. The awards honored the following initiatives:

Individual Program/Project – Partners: Coast Guard Sector Key West, Monroe County School District, Sigsbee Charter School. Highlights: STEM-based Problem-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum supporting social-emotional needs, mentorship by service members, and activities improving mental wellness.

Individual Program/Project – Partners: Eielson AFB, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, Alaska Air National Guard 168th Air Guard, Ben Eielson Jr./Sr. High School, Anderson Crawford Elementary School. Highlights: Career exploration in various Air Force specialties with over 140 military squadron commanders mentoring high school students.

Community Partnership – Partners: Fort Cavazos, Columbus Air Force Base, Killeen Independent School District, Madison City Schools District, Temple Independent School District, Lowndes County School, Meadows Elementary School, Liberty Middle School, Caledonia Elementary School, Meridith-Dunbar Early Childhood Academy. Highlights: Initiatives like Read Across America and Family STEM Night, establishment of Free Little Libraries, and support for children facing health challenges.

Community Partnership – Partners: Fort Belvoir, Fairfax County Public Schools, George Mason University, Military Veterans and Families Initiative at George Mason University. Highlights: Regular meetings identify needs and strategies ensuring positive experiences for military-connected youth.

Community Partnership – Partners: Naval Support Activity Panama City, Tyndall Air Force Base, Bay District Schools, Florida State University at Panama City, Gulf Coast State College, Collegiate High School at Florida State University. Highlights: Over 55 military-affiliated mentors contributed 2,500+ volunteer hours, recognized with 18 Purple Star Schools Awards, and engaged 300+ students with Military Honor Cords. Events like STEMFEST and Military Showcase highlight STEM career paths within the military.

“With the exception of parents, educators are the most influential individuals in our young people’s lives. They may even spend more time with them than parents because of how we provide our education.”

SEAC Troy E. Black

See more on the Pete Taylor Partnership of Excellence Awards.


Student 2 Student Team of the Year Awards

The final event of the Global Training Summit was the MCEC S2S Team of the Year Awards. The award is given as the elementary, middle, and high school levels, along with an overall award for Elite Team of the Year.

Emma Thomas, former member of S2S at Union Pines High School, Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program (FHSLP) recipient, current UNC-Charlotte School of Nursing senior, and S2S advisor, helped present the awards.

“I encourage all students to embrace every opportunity MCEC has to offer and to step out of your comfort zones.”

Emma Thomas, S2S Advisor

Recognized for their exemplary leadership and support, awards were presented to House Creek Elementary School, Driscoll Middle School, Burkburnett High School, and the Elite Team of the Year award went to Liberty Middle School. House Creek Elementary and Burkburnett High School were unable to attend the Global Training Summit, however Student Advisory Council member Delaney represented her Burburnett S2S team.

See more on the S2S program.

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