The MCEC Call for the Arts program invites military-connected children from all over the world, representing every branch of service, to share interpretations through art of what it means to be a military-connected child.
The 2024 Call for the Arts is now open. We can’t wait to see your creations!
Digital art, poetry/writing, photography, or performance art videos may be submitted with completed forms to: CallForTheArts@militarychild.org
Winners will be selected from each category (grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12)
Winners will receive:
Submissions will be accepted through April 30, 2024.
Winners will be announced on social media and the MCEC website, MilitaryChild.org, before the end of May.
The MCEC Entry and Release Form must be completed in full, signed by an adult, and attached with the submission. Both digital and physical submissions must be accompanied by a release form or will not be considered. If artwork is selected for publication, entrant may be asked to submit a photograph of themselves to be published with their work. Artwork may be used in MCEC promotional materials and featured in displays throughout they year. Artwork will not be returned, unless a request for return is made in writing. Requests can be sent to CallForTheArts@MilitaryChild.org and must include the artist name, grade, school and desciption of the work.
MCEC's 2023 Call for the Arts was a resounding success, with entries from across the globe and every branch of service. Hundreds of military-connected kids inspired us with creative expressions of strength, bravery, pride, and community.
Our thanks go to these amazing young artists and performers for sharing their heartfelt stories and experiences. It was amazing to see the world through your eyes.
First Place |
Second Place |
Everleigh M.
"Peace, Hope, and Military Kids" Grade 2, Cache Intermediate School
Fort Sill, OK | Army
McKenna G. "The Tale of Two Lives" Grade 7, North Middle School
Great Falls, MT | Air Force - Veteran
Gabriel C. "Worth Defending" Grade 12, Rockbridge Academy
Naval Station Annapolis, MD | Navy
|
Isaac B.
“Navy V-22 Osprey”
Grade 4, Village Elementary School
North Island Naval Air Station, CA | Navy
Katie M.
“Heart in Hands”
Grade 7, Homeschool
Dayton, OH | Air Force
Reagan U.
“Until She Comes Home”
Grade 11, Flour Bluff High School
Corpus Christi, TX | Navy
|
Third Place |
Artist Spotlight |
Lucy M.
“Proud Coast Guard Family”
Grade 1, McGaugh Elementary
U.S. Coast Guard Station, CA | Coast Guard
Alyssa T.
“Insert Freedom”
Grade 8, Homeschool
Kaneohe Bay, HI | Marines
Ashley W.
“Favorite Places”
Grade 10, Liberty University Online Academy (Homeschool)
Hill Park, OK | Air Force – Veteran
|
Annabelle C.
“All My Favorite Things”
Grade 2, Grafenwoehr Elementary School
Grafenwoehr, Germany | Army
Lucy K.
“#LifeOfAMilitaryKid”
Grade 7, Horace O'Bryant Middle School
Naval Air Station Key West, FL | Navy
Asha A.
“Journey”
Grade 11, Pine Creek High School
Colorado Springs, CO | Space Force
|
He doesn't mean to make you frown
It's just time to pack up and move to another town
Just when you get used to things
He never means to make a sting
Don't bother unpacking that box
If you do, I give you props
Be careful if you get too comfortable
He doesn't mean to make you cry
He'll make it up, sing a lullaby
He'll send you flowers on your birthday
While mommy says he'll be home one day
For some, that day never comes
For me, I pray so I won't go numb
I get my poster, markers bright
While "welcome home," he'll soon be in my sight
I march to the airport in my camo dress
As he comes off the plane there goes my stress
I can see right through him
Like he can see through me
Although he's happy
He's got PTSD
He hugs me tight and never lets go
I say "I love you, Daddy"
He replies "Oh how you've grown"
He hands me a bear with a message inside
I hug it and cry as time passes by
His voice echoes within as I hug its furry brown skin
He knew that I'd love this, he just had to within!
As I think back to what daddy told me,
("Honor, Respect, Devotion to Duty")
I get scared when he's out at sea
"USCG" I chant all day
I sway and rock all just for play
As time goes on I know it's coming soon
That dreaded phone call, "Pack your things, we're heading out this afternoon."
Daddy leaves in a hurry, hugs me oh so tight
I know what he's doing, going out to just fight
I know he'll be back soon or so I thought
When that man came to my door I became distraught
He will not be forgotten, though gone too soon
There are no more tears, emotions become immune
As I lay in my bed I turn to face the side
I get up and scream then it's time to decide
I go to my closet, the bottom shelf to be precise
There is a little brown box, what's inside? Well that's a surprise
I rip it open with hopes that it's you
What do I see? There's no way that it could be true
Just the bear nothing else but had I forgotten
All I needed to do was push the little black button
I pushed his stomach and gulped hoping to remember
The sound of your voice I last heard in September
My head laid to rest, tears running down my face
I vowed to follow in your footsteps I wouldn't want to be a disgrace
I shut my eyes to get some sleep
I felt you tuck me in almost half asleep
"I love you, Daddy," I thought to myself
"I love you too, baby girl" his soft voice mewled
Angelina F.
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