"We are excited to recognize seven extraordinary representatives of the nearly two-million military children, who serve all of us, alongside their parents, each one possess a remarkable spirit; the spirit of selfless service that defines our great nation," said President and CEO of Operation Homefront John L. Pray.

During the ceremony Vice Adm. Phillip Hart Cullom, deputy chief of naval operations for fleet readiness and logistics, recognized Alexander McGrath, from Severna Park, Maryland, as this year's Navy Military Child of the Year.

"After meeting with Alex I discovered his impressive feat, which is his establish track record of influencing public policy at the state level, and actually influencing three bills focused on children in the Maryland legislature, two of will actually have become law ," said Cullom. "I look forward to hearing about your continued accomplishments in the future and I congratulate you on your selection as the Navy's Military Child of the Year."

McGrath took the opportunity say few words and send special thanks his family.

"To my family I just want to say that I'm a little bit surprised that Nick Cage hasn't come by to hunt for either my father or my mother because they truly are national treasures," said McGrath. "My dad is a testament to the truest ideals of the United States Navy, and every day I aspire to accomplish as much as he has."

This year's recipients include Military Child of the Year Award for Innovation Sophie Bernstein; Army Military Child of the Year Henderson Heussner; Marine Corps Military Child of the Year Jackson Beatty; Air Force Military Child of the Year Jamal Braxton; Coast Guard Military Child of the Year Mary Kate Cooper; and National Guard Military Child of the Year Molly Frey.

This year's winners were recognized based on their scholarship, volunteerism, leadership, innovation and extracurricular involvement. They each received $10,000, a laptop computer, and a free week long carnival cruise.