Cadets in the Georgia National Guard Youth Challenge Academy at Fort Gordon receive their diplomas at the Augusta Bell Auditorium Saturday, Aug. 26, 2006, after completion of the 22-week program. (Georgia National Guard photo by Pfc. Adam Dean)

'It Changed My Life'

YCA Graduates 138 August Graduation

AUGUSTA, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2006 – The Georgia National Guard Youth Challenge Academy at Fort Gordon held its fall graduation ceremony at the Augusta Bell Auditorium for 138 cadets who finished YCA’s 22-week program Friday.

The cadets were first honored at a 10 a.m. awards ceremony prior to the commencement at 3 p.m. Among the awards given were those for participation in organized sports, community service and military exercises as well as academic and physical fitness achievement. 

As the graduation ceremony began, the cadets moved in one long procession to their seats, then stood for the presentation of the colors by the academy’s Challenge Color Guard. Cadet Dorothy Asher then performed the National Anthem, and Cadet Jerome Cobb administered a special invocation.

Retired Georgia Army Guard Lt. Col. Janet A. Zimmerman, who oversees the Fort Gordon campus, welcomed families and friends, and recognized the volunteers who helped make the program possible.

After an introduction by Col. Frank Williams, director, Georgia Army National Guard Youth Programs, Brig. Gen. Charles S. Rodeheaver, commander 48th Brigade Combat Team, honored those cadets who have enlisted in the military.

Several students were awarded scholarships to pursue post-secondary education before the graduates were presented with their diplomas.

Class president Cadet Jaime Altamirano delivers a speech at the Augusta Bell Auditorium during a commencement ceremony, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2006, for class 2006-03 of the Georgia National Guard Youth Challenge Academy at Fort Gordon. (Georgia National Guard photo by Pfc. Adam Dean.)

Class president Cadet Jaime Altamirano addressed the assembly, thanking administrators, teachers, cadre and family members for their guidance and support. Altamirano also had some words of advice for her fellow graduates, reflecting on the life lessons that the program sought to instill in them.

“Keep in mind never to settle for the mediocre things in life. Always have high standards because you deserve the best. Never look back,” she said.

As an outreach to teens who’ve had disciplinary problems in the past and have dropped out of school, Youth Challenge gives them a chance to earn their GED and develop a sense of military discipline to help turn their lives around.

“It changed my life completely,” said Cadet Shawn Salters. “Before YCA I had a lot of problems, but this set me on the right track.”

Salters, who said he lacked direction and opportunity before, claimed that being introduced to military structure has made a big difference in his life.

“I plan on going into military intelligence,” he said.

YCA is a voluntary program sponsored by the Georgia National Guard and other private contributors.

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