We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2026 Young Lives Big Stories contest. Your ID has a winner!
Young Lives, BIG Stories (YLBS) is the Army CYS annual contest held during the Month of the Military Child, open to all military connected children, preschool through twelfth grade attending an Army CYS program.
During the month of April YLBS was marketed throughout the enterprise. Children and youth participants presented their stories, artwork and videos describing 'What does it mean to you to be a Military connected child or youth?' for the chance to win an Exchange Gift Card.
Congratulations to all our youth.
Category: Grades 9-12 (Video) – OVERALL WINNER
Jaidyn A, Fort Hamilton, NY
Jaidyn submitted a short film on what it is like to be a Military Child.
Category: Grades 9-12 (Video) – OVERALL WINNER
Jaidyn A, Fort Hamilton, NY
Jaidyn submitted a short film on what it is like to be a Military Child.
Category: Grades 9-12 (Video)
Eden M. , West Point, NY
Eden submitted an original song, Dandelion, about being a resilient Military Child.
Category: Grades 9-12 (Video)
Eden M. , West Point, NY
Eden submitted an original song, Dandelion, about being a resilient Military Child.
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Category: Grades 2-3 (Drawing)
Camila C. , Fort Buchanan, PR
Category: Grades 2-3 (Drawing)
Camila C. , Fort Buchanan, PR
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Category: Age 5 years to Grade 1 (Drawing)
Alton D. , Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Category: Age 5 years to Grade 1 (Drawing)
Alton D. , Fort Leonard Wood, MO
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Category: Ages 3-4 (Drawing)
Oliver P. , USAG Bavaria, Garmisch
Written description: This is my family. All the members of my family are wearing uniforms. From the left to the right we have Sebastian, my brother in his school uniform. Daddy, Joseph, wearing his combat uniform. Mommy, Kathy, wearing her office uniform. Maddie, my sister, in a dress uniform, and Me, Oliver wearing my own uniform. Bobo, my dog, he doesn’t wear a uniform. He’s watching us.
Category: Ages 3-4 (Drawing)
Oliver P. , USAG Bavaria, Garmisch
Written description: This is my family. All the members of my family are wearing uniforms. From the left to the right we have Sebastian, my brother in his school uniform. Daddy, Joseph, wearing his combat uniform. Mommy, Kathy, wearing her office uniform. Maddie, my sister, in a dress uniform, and Me, Oliver wearing my own uniform. Bobo, my dog, he doesn’t wear a uniform. He’s watching us.
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Category: Grades 4-5 (Essay)
Elaina B. , Fort Shafter, HI
Being a military child means living a resilient, fast-paced life of deep contrasts. It balances the heartbreak of frequent goodbyes with the thrill of moving and exploring diverse cultures worldwide. Ultimately, this lifestyle builds profound adaptability, deep faith, and immense pride in a family's brave service.
Category: Grades 4-5 (Essay)
Elaina B. , Fort Shafter, HI
Being a military child means living a resilient, fast-paced life of deep contrasts. It balances the heartbreak of frequent goodbyes with the thrill of moving and exploring diverse cultures worldwide. Ultimately, this lifestyle builds profound adaptability, deep faith, and immense pride in a family's brave service.
Emily A. , a grade 6-8 student from Fort Wainwright, AK.
Frames the military child experience as an advantage, focusing on the unique memories created by frequent moves. Through experiences in South Korea, New York, and Alaska, she details learning to adapt to new cultures and environments, transforming transitions into personal growth. These diverse experiences have built a resilient perspective and a broad understanding of home.
Emily A. , a grade 6-8 student from Fort Wainwright, AK.
Frames the military child experience as an advantage, focusing on the unique memories created by frequent moves. Through experiences in South Korea, New York, and Alaska, she details learning to adapt to new cultures and environments, transforming transitions into personal growth. These diverse experiences have built a resilient perspective and a broad understanding of home.
