More than 100 cadets at the Florida Youth Challenge Academy graduated Tuesday in front of their family and friends.
The program specifically targets teenagers, ages 16 to 19, who are more likely to drop out of high school. The Academy is operated by the Florida Department of Military Affairs and the Florida National Guard.
It’s designed to teach the students adult responsibilities, values and basic lifestyle changes.
The graduation marks the completion of the rigorous in-residence phase, where students spent five-and-a-half months at Camp Blanding.
The program targets teens, ages 16 to 19, who are more likely to drop out of high school. The graduation celebrates the completion of the rigorous 5-and-a-half month residential phase at Camp Blanding. pic.twitter.com/96nigbFqOf
— Christy Turner (@ChristyANJax) June 12, 2018
Alexis Bastin was one of the 137 cadets who graduated in Class 34. She said it was a life-changing experience.
“I've completely turned my life around. I'm a way better person,” Bastin acknowledged.
She said before the program she was in a dark place, experiencing with drugs and alcohol. Now, Bastin said she looks forward to either going to college or joining the military.
"I've completely turned my life around. I'm a way better person " -Alexis Bastin, 16, is a member of Class 34. Before the program, she said she was in a dark place. Now she has dreams of going to college or joining the military. pic.twitter.com/O8xfKdOZfd
— Christy Turner (@ChristyANJax) June 12, 2018
“I’m looking forward to my life ahead of me, just that I’ve changed my route and I'm going to have a more success future,” Bastin said.
After graduation from the in-residence phase, each student is assigned a mentor who provides personal guidance and support for 12 months.
In order to successfully complete the program, all students are required to either pursue higher education or gain full-time employment
Since the program began in 2001, more than 4,000 cadets have graduated from the residential phase of the program.
Cox Media Group
