When the Air Force provided an opportunity for a number of installations to implement a Military Child Education Coalition Student 2 Student (S2S) program at one of their area high schools, Tinker Air Force Base took full advantage.
In 2014, the civilian School Liaison Officer contacted Mid-Del schools to identify a school which could implement and sustain such a program. Carl Albert High School was selected as that school.
Two advisers from the installation, two advisers from Carl Albert High School and six students were then chosen to travel to Grapevine, Texas, for Student 2 Student training. What that is, is a training designed to meet transitioning student needs with immediate peer credibility, positive peer relationships and valued information. The Military Child Education Coalition has several initiatives across all branches of service.
Military students can move on average, anywhere between six and nine times throughout their parents’ military careers, Julie Franklin, School Liaison Officer, explained. Transitioning to a new school often leads to students lacking a feeling of connectedness with others and experiencing uncertainty about their new surroundings.
“Student 2 Student is designed to ensure all incoming students feel welcomed and accepted. Our Student 2 Student leaders are mentors. They pair up with a new student for one week and show them around school, introduce them to students and teachers and help them adjust to their new community,” Ms. Franklin said.
Both military and non-military students are involved, and the whole point is to engage with and connect the two together. Tinker works with Carl Albert to make sure they are able to sustain the program, and have the adequate tools needed for the program to flourish.
One student in particular reaped major benefits from participating in the Student 2 Student program.
Avery Stout, a junior at Carl Albert High School and vice president of the Student 2 Student program, was selected to attend the Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
“It was incredible, definitely an invaluable experience. I’m really thankful that the opportunities that this program alone has given me.”
Ms. Stout was one of 14 students chosen globally to attend the program, an opportunity to learn leadership skills and bring them back to the school and community. Parts of the program included tours of the Academy, having lunch with cadets, leadership and team building exercises and engaging with distinguished leaders.
“I actually got to meet Frances Hesselbein, who is 101 years old and a true firecracker. She taught me that leadership is about the journey not the destination, and you get to choose who you bring along with you,” Ms. Stout said.
The Student 2 Student program is an Air Force funded program, one that requires $20,000 for the training alone.
Ms. Franklin noted that it’s truly a highlight for Tinker to be part of a successful Student 2 Student program through a continued partnership with Mid-Del Schools.
“Every time we have distinguished visitors on base, we always make a point to speak with them about the program and how it has benefitted the installation, the students and the community,” Ms. Franklin said.
To find out more information about the program, contact the School Liaison Office at 734-3683.