MCEC 2016 Art from the Heart Art show

Sonnet | Grade 11 Salem High School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Air Force

Art

from the

Heart

expressions from america’s military children

Visual arts and writing allow us a glimpse into the world of military children from their unique perspectives. The Military Child Education Coalition® (MCEC®) believes artistic expression is a pure, sincere, and candid way for children to communicate pride in their parents, celebrate their lives, acknowledge their grief or worry, and much more.

Since the MCEC began the “Call for the Arts,” thousands of military children from across the world and from every branch of service have mailed us their drawings, poems, and interpretations of what it means to be a military child. We hope what you see here paints a poignant picture for you, too.

Enjoy this visual representation of our unique, resilient children making their own sacrifices and serving our country.

ABOUT THE MILITARY CHILD EDUCATION COALITION The Military Child Education Coalition serves the children of those who serve us all and encourages efforts that strengthen our military children and ensure opportunities for their quality education.

The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) is a 501(c)(3) global, nonprofit organization focused exclusively on the well-being and needs of America’s approximately four million military and veteran-connected children, specifically in the areas of academic opportunity and excellence, school transition support, and developmental needs. Our goal is to ensure that every military-connected child grows and thrives through good and challenging times in order to be college, workplace, and ultimately, life-ready.

“Military Child Education Coalition®,” “MCEC®” and associated trademarks and design elements are owned by the Military Child Education Coalition. ©2016 Military Child Education Coalition. All Rights Reserved

Art

from the

Heart

Erika | Grade 12 Salem High School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Veteran

Art

from the

Heart

Nevin | Grade 11 Princess Anne High School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Navy

Art

from the

Heart

Madeline | Grade 5 Arrowhead Elementary | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Navy

Art

from the

Heart

Gabrianna | Grade 4 Wilson Elementary | Fort Benning, Georgia | U.S. Army

Art

from the

Heart

Lilian | Grade 2 Christopher Farms Elementary School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Navy

Art

from the

Heart

Kamila | Grade 12 Landstown High School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | Civilian

Art

from the

Heart

Kiersten | Grade 11 Hohenfels High School | Hohenfels, Germany | U.S. Army

Gabriella | Grade 7 Virginia Beach Middle School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Navy

Christian | Grade 11 Landstown High School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Navy

Art

from the

Heart

Riley | Grade 4 Queen’s Creek Elementary School | Swansboro, North Carolina | U.S. Marines

Art

from the

Heart

Hailey | Grade 11 Bayside High School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | Civilian

Art

from the

Heart

Jasmine | Grade 5 Hermitage Elementary School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Veteran

Paloma | Grade 7 Virginia Beach Middle School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | Civilian

Art

from the

Heart

Kyla | Grade 4 Arrowhead Elementary School | Virginia Beach, VA | U.S. Navy

Art

from the

Heart

Melanie | Grade 5 Providence Elementary School | Virginia Beach, VA | Civilian

Life... Simple Yet Complicated When I think about life, a quote from Confucius comes to mind.

Confucius once said, “Life is really simple but we insist on making it complicated.” In my experience as an Army Brat, I have learned that, indeed, life is simple yet complicated. I believe that if we stay focused on living a good life, the rest will fall into place. However, sometimes life gets complicated.

First, daily life can be simple if we follow a routine. Unfortunately, many problems can ransack our routine. For example, if you oversleep, miss the bus, or forget your gym clothes, an otherwise simple day turns complicated. Another example is being in an Army family. It seems like just when we have a good routine; it is time to move again. I have moved 7 times in 12 years, and this is my fourth Catholic School. How do we keep life simple? We deal with it. Seriously, we have different ways to cope such as: find a Catholic school for me to attend, organize our house to make it cozy and comfortable, and search out our top priority - finding a good pizza place! I can use the lessons that I have learned to help others.

My advice to people my age who want to simplify their lives is to stay organized. Staying organized helps you get more done during the day and keeps time in your schedule to relax. For example, my parents allow me to relax by watching television or playing a game but only if I have my schoolwork and chores done. I think it helps us all live a simpler life when we balance work and relaxation.

If we can focus and form a routine, we can live a happy life. When things get complicated by relationships, jobs, schools, and even technology, we need to remember to simplify. Keeping it simple allows us to rest after we work which make for a healthier life.

Proverbs 13:7 says, “A pretentious and showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life.” There is a lot of wisdom in the Bible for us to use each day. So, my advice is when life gets complicated, make it simple.

Mason | Grade 7 St. Mary’s Catholic School | Nolanville, Texas | U.S. Army

Art

from the

Heart

Emma | Grade 4 Carolina Forest Elementary School | Jacksonville, North Carolina | U.S. Marines

Art

from the

Heart

Xander | Grade 3 Trantwood Elementary School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Navy

Art

from the

Heart

H o n e s t ly, I a m n o t a

military

child

but I am a friend and a family member of many military children and I have gone through the sadness of my friends leaving and such. I see in this artwork I made sadness and happiness. I got this because with military children there is a huge dif f erence between happy tears and sad t e a r s a n d I re a l l y wanted my artwork to describe this feeling of finally crying happy tears.

Brady | Grade 7 Virginia Beach Middle School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | Civilian

Art

from the

Heart

Chelsi | Grade 3 New Castle Elementary | Virginia Beach, Virginia | Civilian

Art

from the

Heart

Rachel | Grade 8 Great Neck Middle School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | Civilian

Art

from the

Heart

Joshua | Grade 5 Hermitage Elementary School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Navy

Art

from the

Heart

Emma | Grade 2 John B. Dey Elementary School | Virginia Beach, Virginia | U.S. Navy

Art

from the

Heart

Yazayra | Grade 9 Ramey School | Aguadilla, Puerto Rico | U.S. Army

Art

from the

Heart

Valerie | Grade 9 Ramey School | Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

Art

from the

Heart

Kailynn | Grade 3 Stone Street Youth Pavilion | Camp Lejeune, North Carolina | U.S. Marines

Carmen | Grade 10 Ramey School | Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

Art

from the

Heart

Alexandra | Grade 11 Ramey School | Aguadilla, Puerto Rico | U.S. Coast Guard

Art

from the

Heart

Hana | Grade 2 Carlisle Barracks Youth Art | Carlisle, Pennsylvania | U.S. Army

Art

from the

Vanessa

|

Heart

Grade 10

Ramey School | Aguadilla, Puerto Rico | U.S. Navy

As you have seen in this incredible artwork, military children are indeed our youngest patriots and are often the newest in a long line of courageous generations. It is with great joy and humility that we share their heartfelt work with you and ask that you help us ensure each of these courageous children is understood, educated, and supported, in anticipation of a bright future.

If you have already given, you are our hero! If you have not yet donated, please know that it is not too late. Just follow the prompts below and help us continue to

serve the children of those who serve us all.

Click here to donate.

4

million kids

1

mission

Ensuring opportunities for a great education The Military Child Education CoalitionÂŽ solely exists to help the military and veteran-connected child thrive in the face of transition and separation. www.MilitaryChild.org

facebook.com/ MilitaryChild

twitter.com/#!/ youtube.com/user/ MilitaryChild MilitaryChild

MilitaryChild.org/ flickr.com

Military Child Education CoalitionÂŽ 909 Mountain Lion Circle | Harker Heights, Texas 76548 | (254) 953-1923