Letter from a Grateful Parent
"Before my son went to Texas Challenge Academy in Sheffield, Texas in January, he was on the wrong road, making bad decisions for himself. No matter how hard we tried to get him to do the right thing, it made no difference. We were looking at fines for him for not going to school. When I thought he was in school, he was nowhere to be found. My husband and I finally went to the principal and told him we were out of answers and we had nowhere to go from here. I knew that in a year, my son would either be dead or in jail. I also knew because he was my son, I couldn't turn my back on him. We were told about Texas Challenge Academy and we were able to talk to Sargeant Rojas when he came to Odessa High.
My son, Steven, said that he would go, so I took him up on his offer. It was the best choice he had made in a long time. He was made to see that he does have a future and that he is worth something. He now has self-esteem, self-worth, and pride in himself - all of which he learned at Texas Challenge Academy. When Steven left in June, 2009, he graduated with his diploma and his GED certificate - two things he never thought he would have.
When Steven was two years old, he would tell everyone that he wanted to go to the Air Force because he wanted to fly planes. Because of the Texas Challenge Academy and Steven's hard work, he has achieved that dream. On July 13, 2009, Steven took the oath to join the Air Force.
Thank all of you who had a hand in helping Steven make his dream come true. You are all blessings from God. Thank you to the National Guard for helping our young people see that they can do what they want to do and have a full life."
Schona Moore, proud parent of Steven Moore Jr.
Comments from a Parent (2009):
"My son is in the current class at Sheffield. When he came home for his first liberty, I was so very proud of him. He is 16 years old. When we picked him up, he was already a different child. He stood up proud, standing up straight with shoulders broad and proud. It had been a while since I heard the words, 'Yes Ma'am.' The change in him is a miracle. He says the work is hard but has never, ever said he wants to come home. I sent a child, and Seaborne (Texas Challenge Academy) is making him into a man. My little man. He is so proud of what he's been able to do physically, and still pushes himself beyond what he feels is his limit. Thank God for Seaborne. They have saved my 16 year old baby. They have given me a 16 year old man who knows right from wrong. He's out there doing what he thought was not possible. He's learned to have faith in himself. That is most important. My thanks and prayers go out to everyone with Texas Challenge Academy. Let them keep the strength to take care of each student they are assigned to."
ALL OUR GRATITUDE,
MIKE & DEANA
TEXAS CHALLENGE 2009