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FREESTATE CHALLENGE CADETS HONORED BY THE
Written by: Rebecca Blue,
The Freestate ChalleNGe Academy Cadets of Class #27 were invited to attend the Baltimore Raven's game on September 17, 2006 as special Honor Row recipients. In order to be selected for this privilege, an application had to be completed stating how the organization had contributed to their community. During the past year, cadets have contributed 9,976 hours of community service and this number continues to grow each day. In addition to the cadets, staff members and mentors have contributed numerous hours assisting the cadets with community service and training.
The cadets have provided community service at such events as the Baltimore Water Festival, National Flag Day at Ft. McHenry, S.O.M.E (So Others Might Eat), Aberdeen Proving Ground beautification, the Aberdeen Iron Bird Stadium haunted house, supported the NAACP Relief Drive benefiting Katrina victims and Annie's Playground. Annie's Playground was built in memory of a 6 year old girl that was killed by a drunk driver. The Freestate Cadets, along with many other community members, spent several days constructing this state of the art playground.
Along with the community service that the cadets provide while at Freestate, they are also required to perform at least one service project with their mentor while in residency. They are encouraged to return to their communities and become role models for their families and friends.
September 17, 2006 was a gorgeous, warm, and sunny day. The cadets at Freestate were looking forward to traveling off of the APG base for what would surely be an exciting day of football. After arriving at M&T Bank Stadium, the cadets were treated to a few freebies, including a t-shirt, D-Fence posters, and Baltimore Ravens bracelets. The best part of the day happened next, the cadets were taken down onto the field before the game started. While on the field, they were able to take pictures, watch the professional football players' warm-up, and just stare up into the bleachers realizing just how awesome it was to be standing where they were. Cadet BaJon Hummons said that this was a rewarding experience for him because, "it was kind of early in the program and the staff allowed us to participate in something fun to help release some of our stress."
For most of the cadets, this was the first time they were able to experience an NFL game in person. Just by looking at their faces, you could see that it was a day that wouldn't soon be forgotten. Cadet Richard Archie stated, "I had a good time because it was my first time being at a live football game and as I looked at the field it was like, this is way better than watching a game on television." It seemed as though, Baltimore Raven's fan or not, the excitement was all the same. The game started promptly at 1:00pm and at around 3:00pm, during the start of the 3rd quarter, the camera zoomed in on the Freestate cadets and their picture was put on the Jumbo-Tron along with a big Baltimore Raven's thank you.
At the end, the Ravens were able to pull of a 28-6 victory over the Oakland Raiders which just put the topping on the cake for the day. Most of the cadets looked exhausted, but they still had the smile of pride written across their faces. This was something entirely new to some of the cadets, not just going to an NFL game, but being recognized and rewarded for doing something positive with their lives. As Cadet Mauricio Escobar put it, "It was a rewarding experience for me because all of the Raven fans showed us some love when we were at the game."
Hopefully, the feeling that the
