JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, FORT SAM HOUSTON, TEXAS ?"? Seven military children are winners and two received honorable mentions in the 2021 Young Lives, BIG Stories contest sponsored by the U.S. Army Installation Management Command's G9 Child and Youth Services.

The art and essay contest is part of the 2021 Month of the Military Child observance, with the theme, "Military Children and Youth: A Resilient Force in a Changing World." The contest is open to active-duty Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Army spouse or U.S. Army retiree children in preschool through grade 12.

Evangeline L. from Joint Base Lewis-McChord took home the award in the ages 3-4 years old group for artwork.

Participants submitted an essay or drawing to tell their story of what it means to be a military child or youth. The winners were selected from 78 entries this year.

Drawings may be submitted by children ages 3 through third grade. Written submissions may be entered by children in grades four through 12. Entries are judged for content, form, presentation of the main idea and creativity.

The top prize went to Benjamin C. of Fort Carson, Colorado, who described the challenges and rewards of being of a military child. "In my opinion, military kids show similar traits to their military parents. They must be resilient to get through tough times and the fluidity to adapt to new situations."

Month of the Military Child is observed annually to recognize and honor military children for their contributions and support to soldiers and the Army mission. The observance reiterates the Army's commitment to soldier and family readiness and resilience, to excellence in Child and Youth Services, and to a supportive environment where children can thrive. MOMC was established in 1986.

Prizes are given for the winners of each age category and for one overall winner. This year, two students submitted videos and were acknowledged with honorable mentions. CYS officials are planning to add a video category to next year's YLBS contest.

Winners of the 2021 Young Lives, BIG Stories contest: 

ESSAYS

Grand Prize: Benjamin C., Fort Carson, Colorado. Acer Predator Triton 500 Gaming Laptop.

Grades 9-12: Kristen P., USAG Hawaii. 2020 Apple iPad Air.

Grades 6-8: Ireland H., USAG Stuttgart, Germany. Xbox Series X.

Grades 4-5: Adeline G., Army National Guard, Louisiana. 2020 Apple iPad Air.

ARTWORK

Grades 2-3: Alexa A., Fort Hood, Texas. 2020 Apple iPad Air.

Ages 5-Grade 1: Olive B., Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet.

Ages 3-4 years old: Evangeline L., Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Fire 7 Kids Tablet.

VIDEOS - HONORABLE MENTIONS

Grades 2-3: MiQuel S. Jr.,Fort Riley, Kansas. MasterCard Gift Card

Grades 6-8: Sariah A., Fort Riley, Kansas. MasterCard Gift Card