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High schoolers from Onslow and Craven counties recently received Operation Homefront’s Military Child of the Year awards for their respective branches.
Operation Homefront is a nationally recognized nonprofit whose mission is to serve and create stability for military families. This year marks their 17th annual Military Child of the Year award, which recognizes students in military families who have served their communities. Each year, one award recipient is selected for each branch of the armed forces.
“The Military Child of the Year® Award reflects the positive impact that these impressive young people have made on their military families, their schools, and their communities,” Operation Homefront’s website says.
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Isabella Smith of Onslow County was selected to represent the Marine Corps. Her mother retired after serving 20 years in the Marine Corps and was deployed three times. Her late father served 22 years and went on eight deployments before he retired. In 2023, he died after being diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic cancer.
Smith has volunteered with several school and community organizations and is a NC Youth Legislative Education Committee delegate. She is also on track to earn an associates degree before she graduates from high school. Her aspiration is to work in the political field.
“Being a military child who is now permanently in Swansboro, I get to not only relate to these new military kids, but help ease their transition into their new environment,” Smith said.
Hannah Kirksey, another high schooler in Onslow County, was recognized as a finalist on behalf of the Marine Corps.
In a press release which recognized April as Month of the Military Child, Onslow County Schools said it “has had a long and very positive relationship with our military. The growth of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station New River and their associated schools and facilities has had a tremendous impact on the growth of the school system, as well as the local community.”
Emily Baldeosingh of Craven County was selected to represent the National Guard. Her late father served in the Marine Corps and the National Guard before being killed on duty in 2009. Her stepfather served in the Marine Corps for 26 years and is currently retired.
“I have grown up with the utmost respect for our country and those who serve to protect our freedom,” Baldeosingh said. “My family has always made it a top-tier priority to stay hopeful and stay positive through everything.”
After being diagnosed with hearing loss at age 8, Baldeosingh said she worked hard to stay positive and ignore the people who made fun of her.
“My hearing aid is a part of me, and I am okay with that,” the awardee said.
Baldeosingh is serving as senior class president, a part of competitive cheering, works with the local chamber of commerce, and has hundreds of volunteer hours.
After graduation, Baldeosingh plans to study international business at High Point University.
Both students were recognized at an awards gala in Washington, D.C., and awarded with a laptop, $10,000, and other donated gifts. You can read more about the award winners on Operation Homefront’s website.
