Hubert, Havelock teens honored as 2025 Military Child of the Year by Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront officials are announcing that Isabella Smith, 17, of Hubert, and Emily Baldeosingh, 18, of Havelock, have been selected as Operation Homefront's 2025 Military Child of the Year, representing the Marine Corps and National Guard, respectively.
Operation Homefront is a nonprofit whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families. The annual Military Child of the Year Award is the nation’s premier celebration of the achievements of America’s military children, reflecting the positive impact these young people have made on their families, schools, and communities, according to a release.
Emily Baldeosignh is the daughter of Rebecca and Juan Carlos Baldeosingh, an Army National Guard sergeant who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Emily was 2 when her mother received the news on June 29, 2009, that Juan Carlos was among four North Carolina guardsmen killed in Iraq when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. He first served in the Marine Corps but transitioned to civilian life and, in 2008, joined the Guard, according to a release.
According to a release, Staying positive was a struggle when she was diagnosed with hearing loss at age 8. Other children’s teasing made her self-conscious, and she hid her hearing aid under her long hair. When she began participating in track and soccer in middle school, she ignored the cruel kids, pulled her hair back, and got fitted with a bright blue hearing aid.
My hearing aid is a part of me, and I am okay with that,” she said. “It helps me hear.
I do everything for my dad because I feel like it's my duty as his daughter to carry on his legacy and make him proud,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to dedicate my life to him, like he did, giving up his life for the American people. I’ve always wanted to be special like he always said I was going to be.
These are some of Baldeosingh's achievements:
- Gold Star Sailing junior counselor
- Two-time NCA Cheer All-American and Top All-American
- Varsity letter athlete in cheer, lacrosse, soccer, and track and field
- Havelock Chamber of Commerce 2024 Volunteer of the Year
- Senior Class President
Isabella, 17, lives with her mother and stepfather, Amanda and Chris Price. She has four siblings.
Her parents served a combined 42 years in the Marine Corps. Her mother, a staff sergeant, deployed three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and humanitarian missions. She retired after 20 years, per a release.
Her father, Gunnery Sgt. Brian J. Smith, retired after 22 years and eight deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He was awarded a Purple Heart after suffering injuries in Afghanistan. He died in 2023 when Smith was a sophomore after being diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic cancer, per a release.
My father who was the epitome of hard work and dedication to his career,” she said. “I strive daily to be as committed as he was in everything I aspire to accomplish.
These are some of Smith's accomplishments:
- Frances Hesselbein Leadership Program Scholarship for fall 2024 semester
- Suzy Carlton Student Leadership and Civic Responsibility Award
- Student 2 Student Military Coordinator
- NC Youth Legislative Assembly Education Committee delegate
- Military Child Education Coalition National Student Advisory Council
A gala to honor the 2025 MCOY recipients will be held in April in Arlington, VA. MCOY awards will be delivered by top military leadership, and each recipient will also receive $10,000, a laptop computer, and other donated gifts, per a release.