Northern Kentucky teen shines as Young Marine of the Year

FT. MITCHELL, Ky. (WKRC) - A teen from Northern Kentucky is not only excelling in school, she's earned the rank of sergeant major of the Young Marines and the title of Young Marine of the Year.

The Beechwood High School junior from Fort Mitchell said she got interested in the military when she was only 11-years-old.

Abby Smith has been in the program for six years.

"So the award is a culmination of our entire Young Marine career. Over the course of my time in the program, I've attended leadership schools, which are different stops put in place to progress the next ranks in our program."

Abby said it can be a struggle to balance everything.

"I mean, really, there's a lot to balance within this program, but I know that what I'm doing right now is what I want to do. So just planning out what I have to do during the week, making sure that I'm prioritizing what's important, my schoolwork, my Marines, my sports. It's just planning things out, making sure I understand my priorities."

She is working toward an appointment to the Naval Academy, where she wants to study mechanical engineering.

Wednesday was also her birthday.