Ankara EHS students take center stage during Month of the Military Child celebration

ANKARA, Turkey – Throughout April, Ankara Elementary/High School proudly celebrated the Month of the Military Child (MOMC) with a month‑long, student‑centered initiative honoring the resilience, adaptability, and global perspectives of military‑connected students. Through spirited activities, creative student projects, and a culminating schoolwide assembly, Ankara EHS placed students at the heart of the celebration.

This year’s MOMC efforts were spearheaded by Ms. Elia Kenney, who coordinated events, collaborated across grade levels, and ensured student voice remained central throughout the month. Under her leadership, the celebration unified elementary, middle, and high school students in shared recognition, pride, and belonging.

Building Schoolwide Spirit

The celebration began with Military Kids Spirit Week, encouraging students and staff to show support for military‑connected peers through themed dress days.

• Camo Day honored military families and service members around the world.
• Patriotic Day highlighted national pride through red, white, and blue.
• Purple Up Day united the school community in purple, symbolizing support for all military branches and the collective strength of military children.
• Hero Day reminded students that heroes are found in everyday actions and kindness.
• Spirit Day celebrated school pride and the shared identity of Ankara EHS Trojans.

Students enthusiastically participated, creating a positive and energetic school climate throughout the week.

Student Creativity on Display

One of the most meaningful visual highlights of the month was the “Purple People Around the World” bulletin board, created by Art teacher Aly Manson and her students. Through collaborative artmaking, students designed purple figures representing military children living across the globe. The display celebrated individuality while reinforcing unity and global connection, serving as a powerful reminder that military children are part of a worldwide community.

A Student‑Focused Assembly

The MOMC celebration concluded with a schoolwide assembly bringing together students in grades PK–12, staff, and community members. As students entered the cafeteria, a looping photo slideshow highlighted moments from Spirit Week and month‑long activities.

Acting Principal Mr. Rebel Houston opened the assembly, thanking students for their engagement and emphasizing the strengths military‑connected students bring to the school community. A group photo, coordinated by Ms. Stephanie Bayburt with assistance from a student volunteer, captured the spirit of unity.

Students then viewed a video message from DoWEA Director Mr. Paul Craft, who recognized the resilience of military‑connected students and reaffirmed DoWEA’s commitment to supporting them academically, socially, and emotionally.

The assembly also featured remarks from Lieutenant Colonel Mark Thorley of the 717th Air Base Group, introduced by Ms. Kenney. LTC Thorley encouraged students and delivered a Month of the Military Child Proclamation, honoring military children for their strength, adaptability, and contributions to military communities.

Carrying the Spirit Forward

A student poem, “I Am a Military Brat,” reflected the lived experiences of military‑connected youth and reinforced the importance of student voice.

While April marks the official Month of the Military Child, Ankara EHS continues to celebrate and support military‑connected students’ year‑round. Through strong leadership, meaningful student projects, and community partnerships, the school remains committed to fostering belonging, pride, and opportunity for every learner.