Featured Summit Highlights 2026
Interactive Learning at SeaWorld San Antonio
Student participants kicked off the Summit with an immersive educational experience at SeaWorld San Antonio, where they explored marine science, conservation, and environmental stewardship through hands-on learning. The experience featured a live animal presentation, giving students the opportunity to observe wildlife up close while learning about conservation efforts, animal care, and the importance of protecting our natural world. Through interactive programming, students strengthened teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while experiencing how learning extends far beyond the traditional classroom.
Student Leadership in Action
The Student 2 Student® (S2S®) Alumni Panel combined research with lived experiences from former student leaders to demonstrate the lasting impact of peer leadership, school belonging, and student connection. Through personal stories and evidence-based research, attendees explored how Student 2 Student® continues to foster resilient leaders while creating welcoming school communities for military-connected students.
Moderator
- Dr. Leanne Knobloch
Co-Presenter
- Kirsten Pool
Panelists
- Delaney Reitz
- Jasmine Lugan
- Kaylie Lewis
Supporting Every Military Family
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Leadership Panel brought together military family advocates and education professionals to discuss improving support systems, educational access, and collaboration for military-connected students with exceptional needs. Panelists shared practical strategies, explored current challenges facing military families, and emphasized the importance of coordinated partnerships that ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Moderator
- Dr. Eric Flake
Panelists
- Brittany Summers
- Barbara Bratton
- Lori Phipps
- Martha Pokornik
Leadership Through Sport
Moderated by Lieutenant General (Ret.) Dan Karbler, the Leadership Through Sport Panel featured elite athletes who shared lessons learned through competition, perseverance, resilience, teamwork, and leadership. Through personal stories of overcoming adversity and pursuing excellence, panelists inspired attendees to embrace challenges, build confidence, and apply the mindset of elite performance to their own leadership journeys.
Moderator
- Lieutenant General (Ret.) Dan Karbler
Panelists
- Samantha Sullivan
- Christopher Fogt
- Spencer Howe
Exploring Careers Beyond the Classroom
Students explored future career pathways during a special session led by the Head Veterinarian of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo; General Clint George. The presentation highlighted both traditional and non-traditional career opportunities while encouraging students to think broadly about their future educational and professional goals.
Community Connections & Career Exploration
Military-connected students participated in an interactive workshop designed to connect them with organizations that support higher education, career readiness, and lifelong success. Through conversations with professionals and educational partners, students explored opportunities available through higher education, military-affiliated student services, experiential learning, and community engagement.
Featured organizations included The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), Columbia Southern University, SeaWorld San Antonio, and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, each demonstrating how education and community partnerships can help students discover meaningful career pathways and prepare for the future.
Thank you to all schools in attendance:
Alabama:
- Bob Jones High School
- Central Freshman Academy
- Central High School
- Dixie Elementary School
- Heritage Elementary School
- Horizon Elementary School
- James Clemens High School
- Liberty Middle School
- Madison Elementary School
- Mount Olive Intermediate School
- Mount Olive Primary School
- Phenix City Intermediate School
- Prattville Junior High School
- Russell County High School
- Russell County Middle School
- South Girard School
- Wacoochee Elementary School
Colorado:
Widefield High School
Kentucky:
Fort Campbell High School
South Carolina:
Ridge View High School
Videos From Event: Download Links:
Students at GTS — Where Leadership Meets Real-World Tools
At each Global Training Summit, students join the full audience for the Opening and Closing General Sessions—then follow a dedicated Student 2 Student (S2S) track built to strengthen campus programs and send students home with actionable tools.
What the student track covered:
- College & Career Readiness. Sessions with partners like Tutor.com focus on portable credits, admissions planning, and study supports that travel during PCS moves.
- Digital Well-Being. Research-to-practice guidance on healthy tech habits, sleep and focus routines, privacy settings, and productive family conversations.
- Leadership Labs. Peer-led strategies for welcoming new students, running effective S2S teams, and partnering with counselors, school liaisons, and community groups.
- Belonging & Balance. Activities that build communication skills, confidence, and stress-management—on and off the screen.
How the learning happened:
Students rotate through hands-on team challenges (quick builds, problem-solving contests, digital-safety scenarios) that reward collaboration and clear communication. Best-practice exchanges let teams compare welcome routines, ambassador tours, and leadership pathways—leaving with renewed energy and ready-to-use checklists. Mini-coaching with educators and MCEC staff helps tailor ideas for each campus.
What students took back to campus:
- A refreshed S2S welcome plan (first-day tours, “new-student socials,” and follow-up touchpoints)
- A short list of study and tutoring tools that work across school systems
- Clear next steps to grow engagement opportunities, even when students arrive mid-year
- A simple, student-approved digital-well-being routine (screen-free zones/times, focus habits, and privacy settings worth checking)
Watch for details about the next MCEC Global Training Summit.
