Cycle 22 - Tanner Parker
On December 18, 2008 while others were worried about the approaching holiday season, Tanner Parker interviewed for acceptance into the SC-YCA. He had some legal issues and was hanging around the wrong crowd. He was not working up to his potential in school and was having some discipline problems. Struggling with the fact that his dad had left a few years earlier, he knew that he needed help as well as a good male role model in his life.
Below is a narrative of a letter received by a SC Judge - From Graduate Tanner Parker - dated July 10, while he was still in the residential phase of our program.
"Judge T____,
Well I don't know how to start this off but here we go. I am doing good. I've gotten my life on the right track. Before I go into all this my name is Tanner Parker. I am the boy who got all of those tobacco fines and you said that I could either go to jail for 3 months or go to the place my mom told you about. I chose to go to the SC Youth ChalleNGe Academy. And you said as long as I do good and stay out of trouble you would drop my charges. This was a 5 month program that helps troubled teens try to get their GED, and get their lives on the right track by means of military structure and training. I have about 6 days left. Sorry I haven't written you sooner but better late than never.
Since I've been here I've learned a lot about responsibility, respect, self-control, character and when to do what. I've taken my GED already. We are waiting on the results. My mom bought me a truck for my birthday because I am doing so well and she thought that I deserved it. When I get out I'm starting college in August studying to be a Game Warden or something in the DNR field. I'm getting a work study job that goes along with my school, like the job works around my school hours. I think I will be working out on the farm near the airport.
That's all that has been going on since you last saw me so I'm glad I chose to come her, rather than to go to jail. Well I'm glad you gave me a choice. If you would've sent me to jail, I wouldn't have taken my GED or have my truck right now. I wouldn't have learned the things that I know now. I wouldn't be the man I am so, thank you for letting me come to SC-YCA.
Sincerely,
Tanner Parker
FOLLOW UP: Tanner did pass and earn his GED on June 13, 2008. He graduated from the SC-YCA on July 18, 2009. He is currently in the Post-Residential Phase of the program. He did follow up in August with his plans to participate in a Work Study/Job Program. He works and studies on a 105-acre laboratory near Sumter SC, which includes agricultural fields, wooded and natural areas and ponds. He learns about proper use, development, conservation and management of wildlife, wetlands and woodlands with emphasis placed on good wildlife habitat. Tanner attends Central Carolina Technical College on a full grant in the program of study - Natural Resources Management that prepares students for a career in an exciting and expanding field. Tanner does meet with and has positive influence from his mentor several times per month.
Class 8 - Camp Long
Hello my name is Howard Ketter. I attended Camp Long in 2005. I graduated "Most Outstanding Cadet". I am currently a photo journalist in the active duty Army. My ETS is in March 2010. I have applied for Full Sail University in Florida. I need to know who to contact to request a copy of my GED transcripts.
Thank you, Respectfully Howard Ketter SPC, USA 20th PAD.
Cycle 22 - Feb 15, 2009 - (Residential Phase)
On Sunday, February 15, 2009, we welcomed 117 young men and women to Camp Long.
UPDATE: On Saturday, July 18, 2009, fifty young men and women graduated from The South Carolina Youth ChalleNGe Academy. The ceremonies were held at the Aiken High School Gymnasium at 10:00 a.m. Five young men, Patrick Kendrick, Terry Tuten, Shawn Callahan, Matthew Brizel and Jeremy Heard along with two young ladies, Kymberleigh Wood and Nicole Pratt received scholarships to help further their academic endeavors.
Join us in wishing all of our young men and women the best as they "carry on" into their future.
Cycle 21 - Oct 26 - (Residential Phase)
On Sunday, October 26, 2008, SC Youth ChalleNGe Academy welcomed 86 young men and women to our new facilities at Camp Long in Aiken, SC. Graduations ceremonies will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in the Aiken High School Gymnasium, 449 Rutland Drive, Aiken SC 29801. Full details will be announced at a later date.
Update: Forty-three young men and women graduated from the SC Youth Challenge Academy on April 4, 2009. Several of these graduates received scholarships to further their education. Congratulations to all and best wishes for their future endeavors.
The SC Department of Education congratulates one young man, Cadet Arle B. Laguitan for earning a score on his GED exam that places him in the top 5 percent of South Carolina's GED graduates. He received an award and a letter from Jim Rex, State Superintendent of Education that reads in part
"... This is a significant accomplishment that undoubtedly required dedication and hard work. We salute you for your achievement and want you to know that we are proud of you. ... A GED diploma opens doors for many graduates--to new jobs, to post-secondary educational opportunities, to increased self esteem. We hope that you are already reaping the rewards of your accomplishment, and we wish you continued success in pursuing your educational and career goals."
Cycle 20 May 4, 2008 - Oct 4, 2008 (Residential Phase)
South Carolina Youth ChalleNGe Academy (Camp Columbia) Cycle 20 Graduation Ceremonies will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in the Schofield Middle School, located at 224 Kershaw Street, NE in Aiken, S.C.
Cycle 19 - July - December 8, 2007 (Residential Phase)
On Saturday, December 8, 2007, 102 proud cadets of Cycle 19 marched across the stage at Fort Jackson's Community Activity Center to receive their certificates of graduation. This also was a proud and joyous occasion for the family and friends in attendance. Fifty-two percent of the graduates received their GED's while enrolled at the academy. Any graduates that did not complete their GED will continue to work toward earning their GED's under the guidance and encouragement of their trained and matched mentors. Over 2,094 of South Carolina's youths have graduated from the SC Youth ChalleNGe program since July of 1998. The cadets' graduation from the academy is just one of their many steps toward successful futures.
Each cycle cadets who meet the academy standards are given the opportunity to earn 3 college credit hours offered by Midlands Technical College. The course, COL 103, is taught by Midlands Technical College instructors on-site at the academy and funded by the academy free of charge to all cadets who qualify. Fourteen of this cycle's cadets completed the course. Additionally, three cadets completed the 92-hour Certified Nursing Certificate Program offered by Granby Education Center
The following scholarships were awarded Saturday to cadets who met the scholarship criteria, ten from the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Foundation, three from the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), two from Merrill Lynch for cadets to pursue their education in Business and one from the National Guard Association.
Congratulations and best of luck to all of our graduates.
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
(Note: Positions / locations are current at time of entry.)
Cycle 19 (July - December 8, 2007 - Residential Phase)
CM Roger Weese, II
PFC Weese has joined the US Army and has graduated Basic Training at Fort Knox, KY. He has headed off to AIT in Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Once he completes AIT, he will be stationed in Washington, DC as an Honor Guard. His mom sends her "Thank you for everything that your school has done for my son." She says that she "is so proud of him" as are we.
Congratulations Weese on the start of a great future from everyone here at the ChalleNGe program.
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CM Moussa Ndiaye
He now attends Trident Technical College - Culinary Arts Program. We all wish him the best of luck in his studies. Click on the link below to hear more about his experience at the ChalleNGe Academy.
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Cycle 18 (January - June 2007- Residential Phase)
CM Tyler Saini
PFC Tyler Saini graduated from Army Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina on October 12, 2007. He will travel to Fort Lee, VA to begin his Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 92M - Mortuary Affairs Specialist. Congratulations "Saini" from all the staff at the SC Youth ChalleNGe Academy.
CM William Carraway graduated from Army Basic Training at Fort Jackson on Friday, November 16, 2007. He will attend Advance Individual Training for the MOS of 92G - Food Service Operations at Fort Lee, VA. Congratulations "Carraway" and best of luck.
CM Justin Melton
PFC Justin Melton visited campus on November 27, 2007 . He graduated from Army Basic Training at Fort Benning, GA on November 16, 2007. He reports to Fort Wainwright, AK for his Advanced Individual Training for the MOS of 11X - Infantry. Best wishes to him.
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Cycle 17 (July - December 2006 - Residential Phase)
CM Coles - Attending Job Corps in Kentucky.
CM Cumbee - Returned to High School and is doing well. He also plays on the varsity football team.
CM Efaw - Employed with SC Dept of Transportation as a truck driver and attending adult education.
CM Fontenot - Employed with a plumbing service since May 2007.
CM Haggins - Employed full-time at a fast food restaurant since January 2007 and studying to take the ASVAB - the Armed Forces entrance test.
CM Hamilton - Employed full-time with Parris Island Marine Base.
CM Henry - Employed with hotel chain and speaking with recruiter about enlistment into the military.
CM Jenkins - Enlisted into Military - X-Ray Technician
CM Porsche - Employed part-time with fast food restaurant and studying to take ASVAB - the Armed Forces entrance test.
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Cycle 14
CM Edwin Ramirez (Updated 2007)
As per Christina Ramirez, Edwin's mother, he is in the Army and doing well. Edwin is currently serving in Iraq and was promoted to Specialist. He married a fellow solider, Holly in November. They met while in Fort Lewis. We wish Edwin and his new wife much happiness for their future together.
Edwin, our thoughts and prayers are with you as you enter into harms way.
Email Received From Parent In 2005:
From: Ramirez, Christina V [Christina.V.Ramirez@***************
Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2005 3:45 PM
To: Montgomery Milton
Subject: Cadet Edwin Ramirez, Cycle 14
Good Afternoon Mr. Montgomery:
I wanted to let you know that my son Edwin, is now at Fort Knox for Basic Training. He joined the Army on Saturday, June 25th for 3 years. He arrived at Fort Knox on Friday evening, July 8th.
Once he completes Basic, he will attend AIT in Aberdeen, Maryland for his job training as a light wheeled vehicle mechanic. Please share this news with his Platoon Leaders, Sgt. Grubbs, Sgt. Catoe, Sgt. Grant, Sgt. Woodland, and Sgt Smith.
We appreciate everything the school and staff did to help Edwin. He is on the right track and we are very grateful.
Sincerely,
Christina Ramirez
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Devin's Story
As told by his stepmother ...
Devin's birth, like many other ChalleNGe graduates, was the result of an unplanned pregnancy by a young un-married couple.
During his adolescent years, Devin's height and athletic abilities made him popular with his high school coaches, particularly the basketball coach. After marrying Devin's father, his stepmother took a personal interest in helping Devin get his life on track. She could see Devin's potential for a promising high school and college basketball career, which could possibly lead to professional basketball. Even though Devin had the natural ability to excel in sports, he didn't put forth the effort to excel in the classroom. He was often viewed as the class clown, and thinking he was a "jock" felt he didn't have to do class work or homework. His stepmother quickly put a stop to his way of thinking. She began stressing the important of a good education and made him aware of courses and credits needed to graduate high school and continue on to college. As far as she was concerned academics was priority and athletics was secondary, which didn't go over too well with Devin. Devin began to resent his stepmother for the structure and discipline she was instilling in his life. After it became evident Devin wouldn't graduate on time due to his poor academics, his stepmother began to look for alternative programs. In her own words, "It was a blessing the day I found the Youth ChalleNGe Academy."
Devin reluctantly enrolled in Youth ChalleNGe further resenting his stepmother because enrolling in Youth ChalleNGe was more of her idea than his. Things began looking up for Devin after completing the two weeks of "hard core ChalleNGe." He then learned he could join the academy's basketball team.
He excelled on the court later earning the academy's basketball MVP award. His academics improved tremendously earning his GED while enrolled. He also scored well on the ASVAB, which lead to being recruited by the US Navy. The Navy also became a vehicle for him to continue to pursue his goal of playing college basketball.
Devin enlisted in the US Navy on November 12, 2003. Hats Off! to Petty Officer 3rd Class Devin Moultrie, who met the challenge and got his life on track.
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From: Michelle Borowski [michelle************]
Sent: Sunday, June 26, 2005 11:04 AM
To: Montgomery Milton
Subject: Would like to be a mentor
My name is Michelle Borowski I have a son who graduated in 2001. We are very proud of him, he is serving in Afghanistan with the Army Reserves. If it weren't for your program who know what he would be doing. I have prior service US Army and Reserves. I think I could be a good mentor for a female cadet. If you could use my service please contact me at my e-mail or home 864-862-****. Thank you for helping my son.
Michelle Borowski
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My son ... PFC Tyler Clas
This proud parent tells how YCA helped her son achieved his goals.
Tyler was a bright child. He was in both the academically gifted and artistically gifted programs at his elementary school. When he reached middle school, he was in the school band and played the saxophone.
However, beginning in the sixth grade, he began to have migraine headaches and lose interest in school. His parents thought that shifting to a private high school might re-energize him. He had a positive year in ninth grade, but at the beginning of tenth grade, his world was torn apart when his parents separated and later divorced. He began to suffer more and more headaches and dropped out of school in the middle of tenth grade. His mother home schooled him so that he would pass tenth grade and could return to school in the eleventh grade. Once again, he dropped out in the middle of the year. This time, home schooling was not the answer.
He needed structure and discipline. At this point, the Youth ChalleNGe Academy entered the picture. Family friends advised his parents to check it out. Surprisingly, Tyler was interested in attending. He applied and was accepted. He began his tenure there in the middle of the summer. His parents were fearful he would not be "tough' enough for the regimen of strict adherence to rules and physical exercise. He more than proved their fears unfounded. He thrived in that environment. He ended the program as valedictorian of his class. He edited the yearbook and designed a web page for the school. He scored higher on the GED than anyone in the school had ever done before. He was also the top scorer on the military aptitude test. It did not take the Army long to find him. Before graduation, he was enlisted. Because of his high score on the aptitude test, he was allowed to choose any job in the Army and he chose, not the easiest, but perhaps the hardest: Airborne Infantry.
Because of his training at Youth ChalleNGe Academy, Tyler began his career as an E3. He went through Basic Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia in 2004 and was assigned to Fort Bragg, NC. He is currently serving as a Team Leader, a position normally reserved for sergeants, in the prestigious 82nd Airborne Division and is awaiting deployment to Iraq.
Tyler feels that Youth ChalleNGe Academy was just what he needed at that time in his life. The cadre and the officers inspired him to do his best and brought order to his somewhat unsettled life. He will be eternally grateful.
Submitted by Ms Judy Clas