Hannah, U.S. Army National Guard Courageous Kids Contest Winner
April 27, 2026
Hannah, Army National Guard Courageous Kids Contest Winner
Musician and Leader Forges Ahead During Father’s Deployment
Last year, Hannah experienced her first deployment as a teenager when her father deployed with the Army National Guard. It was a different experience for the 14-year-old Nevadan, but one that she met with courage.
“For the past several years, we have been fortunate to participate in many military youth programs,” said Lesley, her mother and nominator. “As parents, we were grateful that Hannah had those experiences which gave her the tools and confidence to endure all the challenges that come with a long deployment.”
Hannah worked hard at home and school during the deployment. She took on extra responsibilities, volunteered more than 40 hours at community events, and continued her high academic achievement. When her aunt passed away while her father was gone, Hannah was a source of comfort for her family, including her mother.
“As her mother, I strive to be like Hannah and model her strength and resilience.” - Lesley, Hannah's Mother and Nominator
Hannah is an advocate for military kids. She participates on the Nevada National Guard Teen Council. She traveled to Guam for the Region 9 Guard Teen Panel Symposium during her father’s deployment. In addition, she helped to write bylaws for the Teen Council and is eager to continue representing Nevada’s military kids on the national level.
In her community, she’s currently leading a project with other military kids. The project hopes to secure funding to support a local organization that helps homeless, displaced, and disadvantaged high school students graduate from high school.
“Being a military kid is more than just having a parent in the military, it’s having a whole community of other people who understand what you are going through.” - Hannah
Hannah is deeply immersed in the arts, especially music. She auditioned and earned a place in the Nevada All-State choir. She looks forward to enjoying life and traveling. She is considering careers in medicine or marine biology. “I want a job where I can help others and the world around me,” she said.
Learn more about the Our Military Kids activity award program at: https://www.ourmilitarykids.org
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