Emmeline was nominated for the contest by her mother, who shared: 

“On April 30, 2024, Emmeline, just 10 years old, displayed extraordinary courage and resilience when she and her family were involved in a rollover accident. Despite the chaos and danger, she took immediate action, helping her father unbuckle his seatbelt and then crawling to the back of the overturned vehicle to assist her younger siblings.  

At the hospital, while her injuries were being evaluated, doctors discovered unexpected medical concerns. Despite facing these new challenges, Emmeline has handled her medical journey with strength and grace. She has had to adapt to a new way of life, including dietary restrictions, surgery, and transitioning to a new school that could better accommodate her health needs.  Through it all, she has remained strong, resilient, and positive. Her ability to embrace change while continuing to support her family and excel in her passions is a testament to her extraordinary courage. Emmeline has not only faced adversity head-on but has also become a source of strength for those around her.   

Emmeline is not only navigating her own challenges but also serves as a Hidden Helper. Her father is deaf, has PTSD, many physical ailments, and Meniere’s disease, which can cause severe vertigo, hearing loss, and balance issues. As the oldest child, she often takes on an unwritten leadership role in the family, especially when her father experiences debilitating attacks.  She has demonstrated incredible maturity and problem-solving skills, stepping in to care for her siblings and ensure that the household remains stable during difficult times.  

When her father has an episode in public, Emmeline has shown remarkable self-advocacy by seeking help when necessary, keeping her younger siblings occupied, and ensuring her father receives the assistance he needs. She has practiced and developed self-advocacy skills in real-world situations, stepping up to navigate emergency scenarios with confidence.   

What makes Emmeline’s leadership even more inspiring is that she is autistic and has struggled with social skills, making self-advocacy a significant barrier to overcome. Despite these challenges, she has learned how to communicate her needs and her family’s needs in moments of crisis. Her ability to speak up for herself and others, particularly in high-pressure situations, is a testament to her growth and determination. She is proving that being autistic does not limit her ability to be a strong leader — rather, it enhances her ability to think critically, remain calm, and act decisively when others need her.   

Emmeline was awarded an Our Military Kids activity grant to continue her passion for martial arts. This grant has been instrumental in her growth and success in both karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where she has demonstrated extraordinary perseverance, leadership, and sportsmanship.  Despite the medical challenges she has faced over the past year, Emmeline has excelled in her training, progressing from a beginner-level green belt to an advanced red belt in karate—moving up seven belt levels. She is also actively participating in black belt training with weapons, preparing for her black belt test this year. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, she has advanced four belts, now holding a yellow belt. 

Her martial arts training has given her a sense of confidence and discipline that she applies to all areas of her life. She has learned to push through obstacles with perseverance, proving that resilience is not about avoiding difficulties but about facing them with strength and determination.”