Scholarship Recipients “Transformed” during MCEC’s Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program

Eleven exceptional students from across the nation attended the Military Child Education Coalition® (MCEC®) Fall 2024 Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program (FHSLP) at the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point, October 20-25, 2024.

The Fall 2024 class of students represented six states:

• Amelia S., Grade 10, Fort Leavenworth High School, Leavenworth KS
• Andrew M., Grade 11, Burkburnett High School, Burkburnett, TX
• Eliana F., Grade 10, Stacey Jr./Sr. High School, San Antonio, TX
• Elizabeth A., Grade 11, Fort Campbell High School, Fort Campbell, KY
• Isabella S., Grade 11, Swansboro High School, Swansboro, NC
• Kallie B., Grade 10, Widefield High School, Colorado Springs, CO
• Lani K., Grade 11, Union Pines High School, Cameron, NC
• Madeline C., Grade 11, Pinecrest High School, Pinehurst, NC
• McKenzie B., Grade 11, Leavenworth High School, Leavenworth, KS
• Sergio R., Grade 11, Cole High School, San Antonio, TX
• Taylor H., Grade 11, Central High School, Phenix City, AL

The students experienced a warm welcome from cadets and professors at the academy. Throughout the week, they participated in team building exercises, met inspirational speakers, absorbed a wealth of knowledge, made life-long friendships, and even celebrated a birthday. The jam-packed schedule touched on effective communication, physical and mental health, goal setting, mentorship practices, character building, and the importance of reflection. Activities and lessons were provided by West Point personnel and cadets, the American Red Cross, and the Military Child Education Coalition.

“The things I’ve learned this week I will use for the rest of my life. We learned thinking strategies for better outcomes and the importance of resilience and gratitude. I’ll use these skills in my relationships and other academic or athletic leadership opportunities.”

Amelia, Leavenworth, HS

The FHSLP, established by MCEC in 2006, enhances the leadership skills of individual students and strengthens their Student 2 Student® (S2S™) teams on campus. A unique experience for students to engage in leadership activities and lessons alongside cadets and other S2S leaders, the program empowers students to make a lasting impact on their local S2S programs.

In 2021, former Chief of Staff of the Army, General (Retired) Dennis Reimer established the Suzy Carlton Student Leadership and Civic Responsibility Award in conjunction with FHSLP. The award is named after Suzanne “Suzy” Carlton, a military-connected wife and mother who honorably and selflessly worked to support others as a Department of the Army Civilian and special assistant to two Army Chiefs of Staff – including GEN Reimer.

Heartily endorsed by Suzy’s husband Charlie, Isabella from Swansboro High School was named this year’s recipient of the award.  Isabella, by all accounts a standout student leader, embodies the qualities highlighted in the award and underscores the importance of giving back.

“The S2S members were my first friends in high school, they made me feel welcome and knowledgeable about my new school and inspired me to become involved and try my best. I joined the club as soon as I could, I wanted to be the friendly face around school to help the younger students be confident in themselves and their high school career, as prior members made me, and I can confidently say that is the best choice I have made in high school,” wrote Isabella on her application.

MCEC is thankful to our partners who help make this program possible. The Fall 2024 FHSLP was powered in part by Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) to honor and empower post-9/11 injured service members, veterans, and their families. Additional scholarship funding was provided by Veterans United Foundation, Alabama State Department of Education State Fund, and through the generosity of donors during our FHSLP fundraiser at the MCEC Global Training Summit this past July.

Frances Hesselbein, a trailblazer, author, editor, and gifted leader, had been an engaging participant in past years of the program. Though Frances passed away in December 2022, students can see her impact and influence throughout the training. Said Madeline of her experience:

“This week has taught me the importance of service, whether it’s to my community, my school, or the military community that has raised me. The FHSLP has shown me the value that giving back to others holds. As Frances Hesselbein herself said, ‘To serve is to live.’ These words will resonate with me as I grow into a leader now through my role in S2S, and as I continue into adulthood.”

The next FHSLP will be held in February of 2025 at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Scholarship applications are being accepted through December 16, 2024, and information can be found on our website here:

https://militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/frances-hesselbein-student-leadership-program/

Please let me know if you would like any additional information or if you would be interested in interviewing an MCEC representative or any of the participating students. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Karen Kirk

Military Child Education Coalition

Director of Marketing and Brand Creative

Karen.Kirk@MilitaryChild.org

254.953.1923 ext. 1123

About the Military Child Education Coalition

MCEC® is a 501(c)(3) global nonprofit leadership, service delivery, and advocacy organization. MCEC supports all military-connected children by educating, advocating, and collaborating to resolve education challenges associated with the military lifestyle. Learn more about the national advocacy efforts of MCEC at MilitaryChild.org and on social media at Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.