YCA graduates last 2007 class
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| Fort Stewart Youth Challenge Academy Class 07-04 graduates raise the roof after accepting their diplomas at Augusta’s James Brown Arena. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry) |
By Staff Sgt. Roy Henry
Public Affairs Office
Dec. 22, 2007 – Usually, the noise that fills
More than 150 former “at risk” teens from across the state walked across the arena floor and onto the stage where they happily received diplomas for making it through six-months of intense life-skill and military-style training to better themselves as up and coming Georgia citizens.
“Congratulations on being here today and for what you have achieved,” said Col. Frank Williams, who oversees the YCA at
Williams reminded the graduates that they now make the choices that will affect the rest of their lives. They can, he explained, choose whether to stay drug and alcohol free, whether to continue their education, go to work or “do other things.”
“Think seriously about those choices and the consequences of your actions. Choose what is right, not what is easiest or what is popular,” Williams said. Looking out over the white and black-clad cadets, he added, “Be proud of who you are and what you’ve accomplished, for you have grown much in the past 22 weeks…and good luck in all you do.”
Brigadier Gen. Maria Britt, commander Georgia Army Guard, who offered a congratulatory handshake to each cadet as they accepted their diplomas, encouraged the graduates to continue the trek toward “being better than you were, being better than you are now and always, always accept responsibility for your actions.”
“It says a lot about a person who can do that,” she said. “I encourage you to be that person and to make a difference in the world around you. The moral courage you show will inspire others to follow your example.”
For Cadet Sgt. Kati-an Ambrose, chosen Distinguished Challenge Graduate for Class 07-04, the YCA experience, from that first day on campus to graduation, has been an especially moving experience.
The 18-year-old Hinesville resident said she didn’t do drugs or alcohol, but she’d become so rebellious in other ways at home and at school that she almost didn’t recognize in time that she needed a new direction in her life. When she learned about YCA and applied, she nearly wasn’t accepted because she was 17 and about to turn 18, the age at which a teen is no longer eligible to apply, Ambrose said.
“I got hold of the people in charge and convinced them that I needed this, and that I wanted to change my life badly enough that they accepted me anyway,” she said. “YCA really helped me get my act together. I doubt I can ever say, or do, anything to fully show my thanks for how the program and the staff have helped me,” she added.
Like many of her fellow cadets, Ambrose has plans to get a job, and then go on with her education. Joining the military isn’t in the cards right now, she said, but like anything else, things could change.