S2S takes national awards at Military Child Education Coalition’s Global Training Summit

MADISON – Student 2 Student or S2S teams in Madison succeeded in their groups’ objectives for a kinder yet stronger student base. Their efforts translated into national awards at the 2025 Global Training Summit for the Military Child Education Coalition or MCEC.

Several teams from Madison City Schools attended the national conference in Austin, Texas on Sept. 26.

These student peer-topeer programs bring military and civilian students together. S2S teams welcome new or transferring students, create a positive environment for all youth, support educational opportunities and build connections with service, along with easing school transitions. (madisoncity. k12.al.us) S2S chapters function on every campus of Madison City Schools.

Heritage Elementary School, Liberty Middle School and James Clemens High School received the “Pete Taylor Partnership of Excellence: 2025 Outstanding Community Partnership Award” for their continued association with Meadows Elementary School on Fort Cavazos in Texas. The Pete Taylor award recognizes successful partnerships and projects that ultimately benefit military- connected children.

Amber Moore, Casey Hargis and Jamie Ratcliffe sponsor Heritage S2S. School Nurse Benita Tunstill and Kittie Mingus are the sponsors for Liberty’s S2S. At James Clemens, Kimberly Stoecker and Major Rezell Linen sponsor S2S.

Rainbow Elementary School received the “2025 Elite Team of the Year Award.” Lauren Hillis and Alicia Sullivan-Smith sponsor Rainbow S2S.

The MCEC Student 2 Student Team of the Year distinction reflects the outstanding S2S teams around the world who have made significant impacts during the previous year within their schools and throughout their communities.

In the Madison district, teams exemplify six core values: leadership, academics, service, climate and culture, relationships and 100-percent acceptance as they welcome new students to their schools.

Established in Madison City Schools in 2016, Elementary Student 2 Student or eS2S is designed to increase awareness of and influence school transitions that affect mobile elementary school students with a faculty-led and student-engaged model.

S2S groups for older students alleviate trepidation. Examples of S2S outreach efforts include student-led tours on campus and ‘lunch buddies’ to avoid isolation in the cafeteria and social events, like sports games. The effect of S2S extends to active and retired military- connected families.

For more information, visit mcsinstruction.com.