CAMP LEJEUNE -- A Camp Lejeune teen is being recognized in the nation’s capital as the military child of the year.

Top honors were given to Lejeune High School senior Christopher Rodriguez.

He’s one of six young people named by the national nonprofit group Operation Homefront as the military child of the year.

"It means quite a bit to me because actually it’s jumpstart toward my educational career," said Christopher-Raul Rodriguez, 2015 military child of the year.

The award recognizes military children for their leadership, achievement and resiliency.

Christopher takes advanced placement classes, is the captain of his school’s varsity baseball and soccer teams, and he says he was a source of strength for his family after they left his abusive biological father.

“I was the oldest son, so I was the one having to step up and be the man of the house,” said Rodriguez, 2015 military child of the year.

For winning the award, Christopher along with the other recipients and their families were invited to explore the nation’s capital. They also receive $10,000 and a laptop computer.

And they’re the guests of honor at a recognition gala, where they get to hobnob with celebrities and top military brass.

The award recognizes an outstanding young person from each branch of the service, and Christopher is the recipient in the Marine Corps category.

It’s a point of pride for Christopher’s step-father, who’s a gunnery sergeant at Camp Lejeune.

“I’m beaming with pride for my son to receive this award. It’s very prestigious. And I’m doubly happy that he is representing the United States Marine Corps,” said Gunnery Sgt. Smith.