(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – Nov. 12, 2026) — For Kaylei Ghcrago and Kianelis Berrio, finding their place in a new community is something they know well.

The Austin High School students have each experienced the challenges that can come with growing up in a military family, including moving to new places, attending different schools and leaving friendships behind. After several moves, both have called El Paso home for about three years.

November is Military Family Appreciation Month, a time to recognize the experiences and contributions of military families. For Kaylei and Kianelis, that recognition is personal. They understand that military life can mean new opportunities, but it can also bring uncertainty, adjustment and the difficulty of starting over.

“You don’t get to be with your family often. It’s very hard to see them,” Kaylei said. “We’re always changing schools and having to make new friends again, and sometimes it can be very stressful on students and their families.”

Both students said moving can be especially difficult when it means leaving behind friends and familiar surroundings. Kaylei described how emotional those transitions can become, while Kianelis said it hurts to build meaningful friendships and then have to say goodbye.

Those experiences have helped shape how they view the importance of being welcomed and supported at school. When their campus recognizes military families, both students said it helps them feel appreciated and included by their school community and peers.

Their instructor, U.S. Army 1SG Andrew Lambright, said recognizing military families is important because the challenges of military life affect not only service members but also their children.

“I think it’s very important to recognize our military families because of the hardships they are put through, like moving around the country. So much is asked of our military families, even the kids. Showing our support, I think, is critical to helping them transition,” Lambright said.

The student’s experiences have also influenced their goals. Both are involved in military-related student organizations at Austin High School, where they are developing leadership skills, building confidence and exploring their interests.

For Kianelis, her father's experiences in the military have been a major influence.

“I am interested in the military because I have seen what it has done for my dad and my family,” she said. “I think it is a great opportunity for my future and everything it can bring for my future family.”

Kianelis is considering the Army or Navy and hopes to study psychology. She is also interested in attending the United States Military Academy at West Point. Outside the classroom, she participates in speech and debate, an experience she says has benefited from the confidence and preparation she has developed through her school activities.

Kaylei is interested in joining the Air Force and hopes to study criminal investigation. While she admits she feels nervous about what lies ahead, she is ready to embrace the challenges and see where life takes her.

“I think JROTC is a great opportunity because it gives great benefits,” Kaylei said. “It can give you the opportunity to travel and see the world. A lot of young people don’t get that opportunity.”

At Austin High School, their participation also gives them opportunities to connect with others and contribute to the community. Kianelis said students take part in volunteer activities, support elementary school students and participate in parades honoring veterans and community members.

“We want people to know we are here for them,” she said.

She also credits the program's instructors with helping students grow and prepare for future opportunities.

“Our instructors care about us and they help us just get better and develop leadership skills,” Kianelis said. “In the future, we’ll be prepared because of them.”

For both students, the skills they are developing extend beyond their military-related activities. Kaylei said the experience has helped her connect lessons in subjects such as math and history while strengthening her confidence in public speaking. Kianelis said it has also helped her prepare for speech and debate.

Although their future plans are still taking shape, both students share an eagerness to see what comes next. Kaylei is ready to face the uncertainty ahead, while Kianelis is determined to keep moving forward and make the most of the opportunities before her.

Their stories are a reminder that behind every military family is a personal experience of change, resilience and adjustment. This November, as the community recognizes Military Family Appreciation Month, El Paso ISD celebrates students like Kaylei and Kianelis and the experiences they bring to their school communities.