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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
Story by Capt. Rob Cooley, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Bluegrass Challenge Academy Director Patrick Yewell shares the ups and downs of the ACA vs BCA Basketball competition, along with a few laughs. (Photo by Capt. Rob Cooley, 133rd Mobile Public Detachment)
FORT KNOX, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe cadets from the Appalachian and Bluegrass ChalleNGe academies met head-to-head June 3, at Fort Knox, Kentucky, for a series of friendly competitions.
Dubbed the Youth ChalleNGe Field Day, cadets from the Harlan, Kentucky-based Appalachian Academy (ACA) and Fort Knox-based Bluegrass Academy (BCA) competed in an archery competition and basketball game. The cadets didn’t stop with the sanctioned events, and continued the sportsmanship theme on the softball and soccer fields.
Cadet J. Douglas, a Bluegrass cadet said the day was perfect for the sports and barbecue, but also to compare experiences of the ChalleNGe program with the Appalachian cadets.
Click here for more photos.
“It’s been great talking to the teens from the other academy and hearing about their experiences,” he said. “If found that for the most part, their program is a lot like ours.”
Coaches from both Appalachian Challenge Academy and Bluegrass Challenge Academy passionately lead their cadets from the sidelines. (Photo by Capt. Rob Cooley, 133rd Mobile Public Detachment)
The BCA won the Commandant Cup and Golden Arrow award, which will stay at Fort Knox until the next time the two academies meet.
“Although we walked away the victors in both competitions, it feels like everyone’s a winner today,” Douglas said. “I feel a lot closer to my BCA and ACA family. We had a fun time and got to know more about each other.”
The ChalleNGe program is a 22-week course designed to help at-risk youth complete a curriculum that works toward receipt of a high school diploma, enhances physical fitness and provides the participants leadership and life experience to become contributing members of the society.
Before the events kicked off, Patrick Yewell, BCA director, recognized the attending parents and the significance of the trophies but the spirit of the event.
“Remember, it’s not just about the competition, it’s also about having time to laugh, relax and get together,” he said.
“Enjoy your day,” Yewell said. “You’ve earned it.”
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Photos courtesy Bluegrass Challenge Academy and Appalachian Challenge Academy
Graduating cadets stream into the assembly hall for the Dec. 12, 2014 for Appalachian Challenge Academy.
FRANKFORT, Ky. — On December 12-13, 2014 the Kentucky National Guard’s Youth Challenge celebrated dual graduations for the Bluegrass Challenge Academy at Fort Knox and the Bluegrass Challenge Academy in Harlan, graduating a combine 181 cadets hailing from just about every corner of the Commonwealth.
Click here to read the Appalachian Challenge Academy Graduation 005 Newsletter
Cadets provide a color guard at the Bluegrass Challenge Academy graduation, Dec. 13, 2014.
During their tenure at their respective academies, cadets studied hard, accruing a total of 475 high school credits and more than 10,000 hours of community service. They also took on a variety of life skills projects, to include raising vegetables for donation to local hospice patients and food banks for the needy, volunteering at local Headstart programs, raising awareness about domestic violence, learning CPR and taking part in college day events.
Most important, these determined young people developed team building and communications skills geared toward becoming independent, self-sufficient and effective adults.
Click here to see a message from Josh Mortenson, graduate of Bluegrass Challenge Academy Class 31.
Bluegrass Challenge Academy class president Joshua Mortenson speaks to the audience during the Dec. 13, 2014 graduation ceremony.
“My son most definitely benefited from attending Bluegrass Challenge Academy,” said Sgt. 1st Class Diana Mortenson, mother of BCA class president Joshua Mortenson. “His time there gave him focus and discipline, plus it helped him figure out a few things about himself. He’s definitely more driven and determined to make a difference in his life. I’m so proud of him and I’m grateful to the cadre for the guidance and care they gave him.”
“I am constantly amazed by the mountain of accomplishments executed by these young people in such a short period of time,” said Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini, who oversees the program for the Kentucky National Guard. “Many of these kids come to us with ruck sacks full of problems, some academic, some beyond just school. But these young men and women change. They are now trained and equipped to become productive members of our communities.”
Appalachian Challenge Academy honor graduates Kourd MacGregor, Joseph Copley and Kaitlyn King look forward to the next challenge in their lives.
The next step for the graduates is to continue the ChalleNGe by beginning college, returning to high school, joining the military, continuing their adult education, or seeking employment.
Both academies are currently signing up candidates for their next class, which begins this weekend. For more information visit kyyouthchallenge.org.
Photos by Alli Burton, Kentucky National Guard Family Programs
Click here for more photos.
Cadet Swakhila Fishback receives her diploma during a graduation ceremony for the cadets of the Appalachian Challenge Academy in Harlan, Ky., Dec. 14, 2013. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Alli Burton)
HARLAN, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard’s Youth Challenge program reached new heights with the graduation of Appalachian Challenge Academy’s Class 3 on December 14, 2013. The academy is in its second year of operation and already the program is making a huge difference in the lives of Kentucky’s teenagers.
“I am very proud of the accomplishments of each Class 3 graduate,” said Josh Coldiron, ACA director. “This was our most successful class to date. Collectively, cadets earned 223 high school credits, which is a new class record at Appalachian ChalleNGe. Nineteen cadets earned their GED, and the class completed 3,072 hours of community service.”
A large crowd fills the auditorium at Harlan County High School in Harlan, Ky., for the graduation ceremony of cadets from the Appalachian Challenge Academy, Dec. 14, 2013. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Alli Burton)
Jointly funded between the federal government and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and sponsored by the Kentucky National Guard, the Youth ChalleNGe program is designed to help youth, ages 16-18, get a jump start on life. The 22-week curriculum covers extensive academic studies geared toward completing a high school diploma as well as physical fitness, leadership and community awareness projects.
The program has been around for nearly 20 years. More than 100,000 cadets have graduated from the program nation-wide.
Coldiron said 16 cadets from ACA Class 3 completed GEN 140 - Development of Leadership, offered through Southeast Community and Technical College, earning one college credit hour. Sevent-three of the cadets were certified in first aid and completed KHP 190 - First Aid and Emergency Care, offered through Southeast Community and Technical College Workforce Development Program, each receiving one college credit hour.
“Life doesn’t stop after graduation from the academy,” said Coldiron. “We have 32 cadets returning to high school to get their diplomas, while the rest are either joining the workforce, attending Job Corp, joining the military, or pursuing college or vocational and technical education.”
“We’re really proud of all the things our cadets accomplished this year,” he said. “We’re already looking forward to continued success with the next class.”
The Kentucky National Guard Youth ChalleNGe academies are currently recruiting for a January 12, 2014 deadline.
To find out more about the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy in Harlan call 1-855-596-4927 or email melinda.f.dillman.nfg@mail.mil
To find out more about the Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Knox call 1-877-599-6884 or email dorothy.m.heffelfinger.nfg@mail.mil
Appalachian Challenge Academy Director Josh Coldiron congratulates a cadet during the academy’s class graduation in Harlan, Ky., Dec. 14, 2013. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Alli Burton)
Dan Smoot, President of Operation UNITE speaks to cadets at the Appalachian Challenge Academy during a graduation ceremony in Harlan, Ky., Dec. 14, 2013. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Alli Burton)
Photos by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Brig. Gen. Stephen Hogan is joined by Brig. Gen. Maria Gervais, Deputy Commanding General of Fort Knox in cutting the cake celebrating the 377th birthday of the National Guard during a ceremony at Fort Knox, Ky., Dec. 13, 2013. Soldiers from the National Guard, Reserve and Active Duty came together to honor the Guard and its role in the U.S. military. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FORT KNOX, Ky. — Kentucky celebrated the 377th birthday of the National Guard with the help of Active Duty and Reserve Soldiers at Fort Knox, Ky., Dec. 13, 2013. Service members from each of the three components stationed at the post gathered to pay tribute to the Nation’s oldest military force.
Brig. Gen. Stephen Hogan, assistant adjutant general for the Kentucky Guard was joined by Fort Knox Deputy Commander, Brig Gen. Maria Gervais in overseeing the event and for the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake.
Brig. Gen. Stephen Hogan speaks during a birthday celebration for the National Guard at Fort Knox, Ky., Dec. 13, 2013. Hogan spoke of the quality relationship the Kentucky has with the Active Duty post and how that benefits both organizations.(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Cadets from the Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Knox provided the Color Guard for the celebration and received rave reviews from each general and several other Soldiers in attendance.
The day honors the first muster of militiamen in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1636. That formation was created to provide defense of the local community and increase the readiness of the force, traits shared more than 350 years later by today’s National Guard.
Cadets from the Bluegrass Challenge Academy present the Colors during a celebration in honor of the National Guard’s 377th birthday at Fort Knox, Ky., Dec. 13, 2013. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Brig. Gen. Maria Gervais, Deputy Commanding General of Fort Knox, speaks to cadets from the Bluegrass Challenge Academy during a birthday celebration for the National Guard at Fort Knox, Ky., Dec. 13, 2013. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Free program gives youth a head start on life
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Challenge Academy cadets enjoyed an all-access pass to this year’s NASCAR race at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky., June 28-30, 2013. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard Youth Challenge program recruiting effort is in full swing. Jointly funded between the federal government and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and sponsored by the Kentucky National Guard, Youth ChalleNGe is designed to help youth, ages 16-18, get a jump start on life.
The 22-week curriculum covers extensive academic studies geared toward completing a high school diploma as well as physical fitness, leadership and community awareness projects. The program has been around for nearly 20 years. More than 100,000 cadets have graduated from the program nation-wide.
Basic qualifications for admission include:
- Applicants must be between the ages of 16-18 on class start date (Jan 2014)
- Free of illegal drugs
- A high school student failing to progress toward completion or a high school dropout who has not received a secondary school diploma, GED certificate, or equivalent from another program
- Mentally and physically capable to participate
- Not under indictment or convicted of a felony offense
The Appalachian Challenge Academy Hiking Club took their first hiking trip on the historic trail known as the “Hole in the Rock” on Stone Mountain that separates Virginia and Kentucky. The Hiking Club was dropped off on the Virginia trailhead, hiked to the top of Stone Mountain and had lunch at the “Hole in the Rock”. They then came down the Kentucky side and was picked up at the beautiful Cranks Creek Lake where the trail ends. Cadets enjoyed a day of photography, enjoying the mountain scenery, and some shared their mountain heritage by identifying roots and herbs. (Photo by Cadet Taylor)
The program is 100% free for qualified applicants.
There are currently two Youth Challenge academies in Kentucky — the Bluegrass ChallengeAcademy is located at Fort Knox while Harlan is home to the Appalachian Challenge Academy.
“We’ve seen some dramatic changes in the young men and women that have come through our front door,” said Josh Coldiron, director of the Appalachian Challenge Academy in Harlan. “They often come from situations that would break your heart. All they need is a little structure and encouragement to make a positive difference in their lives.”
“If you are the parent of a young person who is in need or you know someone you think needs help, this program just may be the answer,” said Coldiron.
With spring classes beginning January 12, 2014 the deadline is fast approaching.
To find out more about the Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Knox call 1-877-599-6884 or email dorothy.m.heffelfinger.nfg@mail.mil
To find out more about the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy in Harlan call 1-855-596-4927 or email melinda.f.dillman.nfg@mail.mil
Below are the top five myths about the Kentucky National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program:
MYTH #1. The ChalleNGe Program is another juvenile detention center for teenagers who are troublemakers.
FACT: The ChalleNGe Program is a voluntary program for families needing direction for youth 16-18 who have the desire to complete their high school education or earn a GED, and to learn life skills to enhance their future.
MYTH #2. Most participants are court ordered to attend the ChalleNGe Program.
FACT: The ChalleNGe Program is a voluntary program for all participants.
MYTH #3. The ChalleNGe Program is 22 weeks of discipline and military training.
FACT: The ChalleNGe Program earns participating Cadets more than discipline and structure. Over the course of the 22 week residential phase, Cadets work daily towards earning a GED or earning credits to return and rejoin their high school class. They also complete a minimum of 40 hours of community service, and take part in many local events.
MYTH #4. Participants must be of a qualifying low income level to attend the ChalleNGe Program.
FACT: Acceptance to the ChalleNGe Program is open to all teenagers ages 16-18 who are educationally at risk, regardless of income level. The program is also of no cost to participants.
MYTH #5. Participants graduate from the ChalleNGe Program to enter into the military.
FACT: Participants graduate from the ChalleNGe Program to enter into many types of placement – there is no requirement to enter into the military upon graduating. Many cadets enter into college, gain full-time employment, or enroll back into their high schools to complete their high school diploma.
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Jessi Wilson (right) is a cadet at the Kentucky National Guard’s Appalachian Challenge Academy in Harlan while her sister Christen is a cadet at the Bluegrass Challenge Academy at Fort Knox. The two have made a fresh start after a chance meeting during a Challenge Academy event. (Photo courtesy Appalachian Challenge Academy)
HARLAN, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe is a 22-week program designed to help at-risk youth get a jump start on life. With two academies in Kentucky — the Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Knox and the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy in Harlan — the curriculum covers extensive academic studies geared toward completing a high school diploma as well as physical fitness, leadership and community awareness projects.
Following is commentary from Jessi Wilson, a cadet with the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy in Harlan. Both she and her sister Christen are scheduled to graduate on December 14.
My sister, Christen Wilson, and I had a terrible relationship as sisters in the past. But now we do not. I am going to tell you how the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy and the Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy have changed our relationship.
My sister is a cadet at Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy in Fort Knox, Kentucky. She was born on May 3, 1995. She is exactly one year, three hours and twenty-one minutes older than me. We have never gotten along our entire life. In the past, my sister and I would nit pick at each other. We would fight constantly over childish things. We also could not stand the sight of each other. We would fight because we were hard-headed and stubborn. We also had really bad attitudes toward each other.
Youth Challenge cadets boarding a Kentucky National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helcopter in preparation for an orientiation flight in Frankfort, Ky. (U.S Army National Guard photo by Staff Scott Raymond)
Everything changed on 9/11/13, when ACA went to Frankfort for a tour of the state capital and a ride on a Blackhawk helicopter. I never expected my sister to be there. ACA rode the Blackhawk first that day. After we finished riding the Blackhawk, we began to eat lunch. As I finished eating my lunch, I looked up and saw BCA pulling in. I hollered at Sergeant Card and told him that my sister was with BCA and that I did not want to see her. I sat back down to talk with my fellow cadets.
Next thing I heard was Master Sgt. Henry saying, “Cadet Wilson, on your feet! Ma’am we don’t have all day.” I was thinking in my head, “What did I do to get in trouble?”
When I reached Master Sgt. Henry, I saw my sister. It surprised me to see her. Things and feelings towards my sister changed. I could tell my sister’s attitude had changed since being at BCA. I was standing there in complete shock. Master Sgt. Henry told me that it was okay to hug her and ask her how her days at BCA have been. Well, I became an adult. I hugged her and wanted to talk, but I was speechless. This same day, I wanted to give my sister the apology that she had been waiting for. I have owed her an apology for years.
After meeting each other for the first time in two months, we got a picture together. We finally got approved to write each other letters, thanks to our first sergeants from each academy. I became an adult again. I wrote my sister giving her the apology that I owed her for the years that I did not treat her right, and also asked her if we could restart our sisterhood. She wrote me back saying that she did want to restart our sisterhood and become close.
Youth Challenge cadets waiting for their turn for an orientation flight on a Kentucky National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helcopter. (U.S Army National Guard photo by Staff Scott Raymond)
Since I wrote my sister asking her if she wanted to restart our relationship, it has dawned on me that just because I may not like the choices my sister makes, that does not mean that I need to treat her wrong. I realized that the rule “treat others the way you want to be treated” is true. We now talk about anything and everything, and actually talk about things without fighting. I want to continue this new relationship with my sister. If we do not continue this relationship, no matter what she does or how she lives, I will always love her for who she is with all of my heart.
In the future, if my sister and I were to come to find ourselves on the rocky path that we were once on, I would change a lot of things. For instance, if we were to argue over who does the dishes, I would compromise to either one of these two choices: I do half of the dishes and she does the other half, or she washes and I rinse or vice versa.
Now that I have been through this program at Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy, I have seen the different cultures and personalities that exist between teenagers. This program has helped me in several ways. I was the wild child of the family; I loved to do the craziest things. I have learned that fighting is not the way to solve problems between each other, but that talking the problem out is the route to success of solving problems.
Sometimes you have to be the bigger person in life. Being the bigger person will always earn you the respect that you want from others. Also, in this program I learned that having a “bad attitude” will never get you back on the right path to success.
For more information:
Click here for Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Knox, or call 1-877-599-6884 or email dorothy.m.heffelfinger.nfg@mail.mil
Click here for Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy in Harlan, or call 1-855-596-4927 or email melinda.f.dillman.nfg@mail.mil
Photos by Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
SPARTA, Ky. — A small group of Challenge Academy cadets were honored during the NASCAR race weekend at Kentucky Speedway, June 28-30, 2013. Their attendance was due in part to the growing relationship between Hendrick Motorsports and the National Guard Youth Foundation. None of them had ever been to a race of this scale before. Regardless of whether each was a Jeff Gordon fan or a Kasey Kahne fan, they all were in awe of the 88 Chevrolet adorned with the logo of the Youth Foundation. From the moment Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the green flag on Sunday, their excitement did not falter through each and every left hand turn.
Dallas Voge, a graduate of Bluegrass Challenge Academy checks for guidance in leading the color guard prior to presenting the colors for the pre-race festivities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Maxx Gay, a cadet with North Carolina’s Tarheel Challenge Academy and Sarah Heck, a graduate of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Challenge Academy took photos with Kaley Caperton, singer/songwriter and national spokesperson for the National Guard Youth Foundation, in front of an American Flag display featured in Caperton’s music video, Red, White and Beautiful. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Click here to see Kaley’s music video on CMT.com.
Appalachian Challenge Academy graduate, Rome Meade, (right) said meeting Dale Earnhardt Jr. was a highlight of the great weekend. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Sarah Heck, (left), a graduate of Bluegrass Challenge Academy was glad to share her Challenge story with two U.S. Senators, Mitch McConnell from Kentucky and Mary Landrieu from Louisiana. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht)
Challenge Academy graduates, Sparky Edwards (left) and Cole Davis took a peak inside the 88 Chevrolet during a garage tour on Saturday. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Rome Meade participated in a press conference on Friday with Earnhardt Jr., Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini and Gail Dady, President of the Borad of Directors for the Youth Foundation. Meade had no idea he would be the face of the Challenge program on this day. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht)
Dallas Voge from the Bluegrass Challenge Academy snapped a few quick photo on pit road prior to the race on Sunday. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
It’s not everyday, you can just take a stroll down pit road between race cars on race day. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
After strolling down pit road, it was time for business and marching the colors to the start/finish line for the National Anthem. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The cadets last stop on their exciting weekend was high above the track in their seats in a suite provided by the Youth Foundation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
To see all the photos from the weekend, click here.
To learn more about the National Guard Youth Foundation, visit their website, www.ngyf.org.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini joins Gail Dady of the National Guard Youth Foundation, Louisiana’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Glenn H. Curtis and Challenge Program cadets for a group photo with the 88 Chevrolet on pit road prior to the start of the Quaker State 400 NASCAR race at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky., June 30, 2013. The National Guard Youth Foundation teamed up with Hendrick Motorsports to race the 88 with a special logo for the race at Kentucky Speedway. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
SPARTA, Ky. — Persistent rain showers did little to dampen the spirits and excitement of a group of teens at the Kentucky Speedway this past weekend. The young men and women are current and former cadets with the National Guard Youth Challenge programs. They were given a full-access pass to all NASCAR had to offer at this year’s Quaker State 400 race at the track in Sparta, Ky.
As part of the National Guard Youth Foundation - the national nonprofit that supports Challenge - and the Challenge program’s relationship with Hendrick
Motorsports, several cadets, foundation officials and members of the National Guard were invited to the track to see Dale Earnhardt Jr. drive the number 88 Chevrolet with a special National Guard Youth Foundation logo on his car.
To see more photos from the race weekend, click here.
Challenge program cadets receive a garage tour from Hendrick Motorsports prior to the running of the Quaker State 400 NASCAR race at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky., June 29, 2013. The tour was part of a full weekend of race access for the cadets as part of the relationship between Hendrick Motorsports and the National Guard Youth Foundation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“We are honored and deeply appreciate the opportunity to partner with Hendrick Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt Jr. to raise awareness of the Challenge program,” said Gail Dady, National Guard Youth Foundation Board of Directors President. “The Hendrick Motorsports team went to an extraordinary level to make this an unforgettable experience for the cadets.”
The excitement began Friday morning with a press conference announcing the sponsorship and highlighting the Challenge programs. Rome Meade, a graduate of the Appalachian Challenge Academy in Harlan, Ky., sat with Dady, Earnhardt Jr., and Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini in the press room at the track for the interaction with media. Meade said he was proud to have Earnhardt drive for the program, acknowledging that many more people will know about the program after the race.
In between the rain drops, Meade and his fellow cadets were treated to garage tours, a meet and greet with Earnhardt, Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and also University of Kentucky Basketball coach John Calipari.
During the meet and greet, Earnhardt told the cadets and the crowd that the relationship he has had with the National Guard has been one he has had a lot of fun with and takes very seriously. He said he was honored to drive his car with the foundation logo in the race and remains excited to be a part of the program.
Jeremy Suhor, a cadet with the Louisiana Youth Challenge program watches the Quaker State 400 NASCAR race from his seat at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky., June 30, 2013. A life-long race fan, the race was Suhor’s first in person. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“This is a great opportunity for us to tell more people about the Youth Foundation,” he said. “What it’s about, what it does, what it entails and how many kids’ lives it’s helped turned around, and the effect it’s had on the communities.”
Although Earnhardt didn’t drive the car into victory lane on Sunday, the clouds did part long enough for the cadets to enjoy the full race a day late. They were still trackside presenting the colors for the pre-race festivities and had the time to walk pit road and take some memorable snapshots with their favorite cars. The cadets eventually found a front and center seat for the race in a suite above the start/finish line of the track.
“I never expected to be at my first NASCAR race,” said New Orleans native, Jeremy Suhor, a cadet at the Louisiana Youth Challenge Program. “I’ve had a lot of great opportunities since I’ve been in Challenge.”
“The weekend has been awesome,” said Meade. “It’s one of the best experiences of my life.”
To learn more about the National Guard Youth Foundation, visit their website www.ngyf.org.
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
FRANKFORT, Ky. -Do you know someone who is…
- Sixteen to eighteen years of age?
- A high school student failing to progress toward completion?
- Unsure about the future?
Cadets from the Appalachian Academy on a field trip to Portal 31, an exhibition coal mine in Harlan County, Ky. Learning about culture and history is an important part of the Youth ChalleNGe curriculum. (Photo courtesy the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy)
Then now is your chance to make a positive difference in this young person’s life!
The Kentucky National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe is a 22-week program designed to help at-risk youth get a jump start on life. With two academies in Kentucky — the Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Knox and the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy in Harlan — the curriculum covers extensive academic studies geared toward completing a high school diploma as well as physical fitness, leadership and community awareness projects.
The program is 100% free for qualified applicants. The academies are drug free with a zero tolerance policy. A post-residential mentorship phase is a key part of the program, providing support and guidance to cadet graduates as they pursue additional education and career opportunities.
The Bluegrass ChalleNG Academy takes part in a local community event, which raises civic awareness among its cadets and prepares them for life as roductive and responsible adults. (Photo courtesy the Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy)
Both academies are currently recruiting for the next cycle, which is scheduled to begin July 12. Time is growing short and seats are filling up, but the opportunities are real and well within your grasp.
If you’ve ever wanted to be someone’s hero, the time to act is now. Help a young man or woman take that first step toward reclaiming their life and developing the skills, education and discipline necessary to be productive and happy in life.
Click here to read about the top five myths about the Kentucky National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program
For more information:
Click here for Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Knox, or call 1-877-599-6884 or email dorothy.m.heffelfinger.nfg@mail.mil
Click here for Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy in Harlan, or call 1-855-596-4927 or email melinda.f.dillman.nfg@mail.mil
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
(Left to right) Sarah Heck, graduate of Bluegrass Challenge Academy, Rome Meade, graduate of Appalachian Challenge Academy, Cole Davis, graduate of Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy, Dallas Voge, cadet at Bluegrass Challenge Academy, Jeremy Suhor, cadet at Louisiana Youth Challenge Program, tour Hendrick Motorsports in Concord, N.C., June 10, 2013. The tour was in conjunction with the company’s support of the National Guard Youth Foundation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
CONCORD, N.C. — Since 2007, Hendrick Motorsports has been a fan of the National Guard Youth Foundation. 2013 marks a new step in the relationship as the National Guard Youth Foundation logo will adorn Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s car for the NASCAR Quaker State 400 race at Kentucky Speedway, June 29. The move is also benefitting the cadets of the academies nationwide, as millions of fans will take notice of the new paint scheme, placing the foundation in the spotlight.
For six Challenge Academy cadets, the first benefit was a VIP tour of Hendrick Motorsports in Concord, N.C., June 10. Located just outside Charlotte, N.C., the vast complex is fitting for one of the most successful race teams in NASCAR. And there wasn’t much the cadets didn’t get to see.
“I can’t believe there are so many cars,” said Jeremy Suhor, a cadet at the Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program who also said his future plans include anything with wheels and a motor. “The tour was crazy. I saw a lot of machines I’ve never seen before, and I didn’t know what they did.”
To see more photos from the cadets’ tour, click here.
Cadets and faculty of National Guard Youth Challenge programs tour Hendrick Motorsports in Concord, N.C., June 10, 2013. Each cadet said the behind the scenes tour was an interesting look inside the world of NASCAR. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Of the six cadets, three are current and recent graduates of the Kentucky Challenge academies. Rome Meade is from Harlan, Ky., and a graduate of the Appalachian Challenge Academy and a big Kasey Kahne fan. Kahne drives the number 5 car for Hendrick, so Meade was excited to get up and close to the cars of his favorite driver.
“Today was awesome,” said Meade. ” I don’t think I have a favorite part, it was all great, but I really liked the museum of cars.”
Hendrick’s personal collection of old vehicles at the complex is a fine museum for any admirer of cars in general, but the one the cadets are most excited about is the one Earnhardt will drive at Kentucky.
“I can’t wait to see the logo on the car, what he’s representing, for us,” said Meade. “It’s not just something that known by some people now, it’s going to be known by many more people after that.”
Sarah Heck is from Breckinridge County, Ky.,and graduated from Bluegrass Challenge Academy at Fort Knox. She said she is excited for the race in Kentucky and thinks that it will be a lot of fun. Heck is thankful for the program for the opportunities it has given her and is glad to see more kids getting that chance.
“I really enjoyed coming down here, it was nice to get away,” she said. “It’s great to see and meet cadets from other states and share their motivation for the program.”
Rome Meade, a recent graduate of Kentucky’s Appalachian Challenge Academy enjoys his time in the spotlight during an interview with Hendrick Motorsports in Concord, N.C., June 10, 2013. The interviews will be shown during the week leading up to the NASCAR race at Kentucky Speedway, June 29. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
The group toured the body shop and frame shop, where the racecars are built. They saw where Hendrick employees fabricate the engines in house. The highlights of the tour then turned to studio lights as each cadet took their turn doing interviews for future commercials. Hendrick Motorsports plans on showcasing each cadet’s segment leading up to the race at Kentucky.
Ashley Saunders, Communications Director for the National Guard Youth Foundation helped organize the trip, but said it was Rick Hendrick’s idea to put the logo on the car, bring the cadets down for the tour and treat them to the race later in the month. She believes more attention should be paid to the high school drop out rates in the country and to the programs that are out there trying to make a difference.
“We are really excited about the chance to have such a monumental opportunity to raise awareness of the Challenge program and the impact it is having on the lives of thousands of young men and women each year,” she said.
“We like to call the Challenge program, the best kept secret in the National Guard. And to have Dale Jr., Mr. Hendrick and Hendrick Motorsports team in partnership with us to support our efforts to make sure they continue on the right path to success, it means a lot to us.”
For more information on the National Guard Youth Foundation and the Challenge academies, click here.
