YORKTOWN — Allison Candelario, a Grafton High School senior, was recently named the 2024 Operation Homefront U.S. Army Military Child of the Year.
Candelario, whose father, Sgt. Maj. Daniel Candelario, has served for 26 years, has moved every three years since kindergarten. Sgt. Maj. Candelario has been deployed for seven of those years, and is currently stationed in Kuwait. Her brother also serves in the Army.
At the age of 13, Candelario was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her diagnosis and treatment ultimately led her to an interest in pursuing medicine in college.
“My aim is to become a pediatric surgeon who can not only heal bodies, but also etch values of empathy into the hearts of patients,” she said in a press release. “This experience ignited in me a determination to carry forward the values of empathy and compassion.”
In keeping with her interest in medicine, Candelario volunteers at Riverside Regional Medical Center, where she works with the surgical intensive care unit, delivers meals to patients and cleans operating rooms. Her Girl Scout Gold Award project also dealt with medicine as she developed a curriculum to teach young girls about their bodies.
Education is important to Candelario, she is currently an inducted member of the Spanish, math, history, English, and science honor societies at Grafton High School. She has also earned 30 college credits while in high school as a dual-enrollment student at Virginia Peninsula Community College.
While academics are a focus, Candelario also finds time to captain the speech and debate team at Grafton. She is a state champion in the dramatic interpretation division. She is also currently serving as a member of the Grafton High School student council.
Since third grade, Candelario has amassed more than 1,000 hours of community service.
In the fall, Candelario will begin college at Virginia Tech, where she will major in biochemistry. After earning her degree, she hopes to enter medical school.
Regarding having to start over after high school, with no hesitation, Candelario said she is excited to begin a new chapter.
“Each new assignment is an opportunity to leave a mark, whether it’s by fostering connections, initiating positive changes, or simply being a source of support for others,” she says. “From a young age, I’ve learned to navigate new environments, cultures, and communities. … This adaptability has been a significant advantage.”
Candelario will travel to Washington, D.C. in early April to accept her award at the annual Operation Homefront gala. The gala coincides with the Month of the Military Child, established in 1986. In addition to her award, she will also bring home a laptop computer, $10,000, and other donated gifts.