Bravery, sacrifice, and family through the eyes of military children

My Sister’s Books to raise funds, showcase stories of military-connected students

PAWLEYS ISLAND – June 6, 2025 — Active shooter drills, nonstop social media, global competition, and relentless technology reboots are creating unprecedented anxiety levels in students.(1) Combined with the challenges of a military lifestyle, nearly 2 million youth face additional stressors.

Thanks to the Military Child Education Coalition® (MCEC®), numerous programs and services have been established to ease the unique challenges of being a military-connected kid. These challenges run the gamut of potential learning loss and social-emotional impacts from frequent moves to youth being actively involved in the care of a wounded, ill, or injured service member parent.

“A 2023 South Carolina Education Oversight Committee report revealed a 142% increase(2) in military-connected students reporting having a parent or guardian that was wounded while on active duty sometime within the prior 365 days,” noted My Sister’s Books co-owner Rich Rumage, whose wife, Lyn, works for MCEC. “That really underlines the incredible need for MCEC’s programs, including its Caregiving Youth Student Leadership and Student 2 Student® programs.”

Artwork made by local military-connected children and their peers from across the globe reveals their innermost feelings. Projects are created and submitted during MCEC’s annual Call for the Arts, now in its 23rd year. Virtually every piece depicts enormous pride in their parents’ service with shades of raw emotion, including sadness about leaving friends behind for a new assignment, fervent hope for peace, apprehension, loneliness, the joyfulness of reunions, and more.

“Military children experience the world in extraordinary ways, and the Call for the Arts shines a spotlight on their unique perspectives,” said Mary Bier, MCEC President and CEO. “This program celebrates their creativity and provides a meaningful platform for their voices to be heard.”

MCEC turns selected pieces into printed materials, while others are featured on its website, podcasts, and social media.

Two Andrews High School teachers perusing the art display at My Sister’s Books noted AHS has a Purple Star designation because of its commitment to support the unique educational and social-emotional needs of military-connected students.

“Understanding the challenges these students face is critical to helping them overcome them and reach their full potential,” said Dr. Malinda Mansfield, who chairs AHS’ English department. “I love Call for the Arts and all of the much-needed resources, advocacy, and programmatic work MCEC does on behalf of military kids.”

Stop by My Sister’s Books at 13057 Ocean Highway #C, Pawleys Island to learn more about MCEC’s offerings for students, parents, and educators.

“We know our amazing community, with its significant population of military-connected families and an extensive history of service to our country, will come together to support MCEC,” Rich Rumage said.

MSB is open Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sources:
(1) https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2022/concerned-future-inflation
(2) https://www.eoc.sc.gov/sites/eoc/files/Documents/CERDEP%202024_Final_3_25_24.pdf

Media Contact:
Nicole McManus
nicole@mysistersbooks.com
843.235.9618

About MCEC:
The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring quality educational opportunities for all military-connected children affected by mobility, transition, and family separation. MCEC conducts research, develops resources, and offers programs to help military children thrive in school and life. For more information about MCEC, visit www.MilitaryChild.org.

About My Sister’s Books:
My Sister’s Books is a fiercely independent bookstore that also serves as a community hub for information sharing and community gathering. It has been serving low country residents and visitors since 2002. Affectionately known to locals as MSB, the store not only features virtually all genres of the latest and greatest bestsellers and new books, but also an extensive collection of local authors and tens of thousands of “pre-loved” books. Its children’s section was expanded this spring to include puzzles, crafts and other activities – all in a new whimsical play area. Individually wrapped treats, made fresh by a licensed local baker, as well as unique Pawleys Island merchandize. Visit in person at 13057 Ocean Hwy in Pawleys or online at www.mysistersbooks.com.