HAVRE DE GRACE, Md. — Twenty-five Maryland National Guard Freestate ChalleNGe Academy cadets in Class #63 were honored for their perseverance in front of an audience of family, mentors, military, and local elected leaders during a ceremony at the Havre de Grace Middle/High School auditorium Dec. 14, 2024.
The cadets, ages 16 to 18, completed a 22-week residential military-style program at APG South (Edgewood). FCA is a tuition-free program that offers at-risk adolescents an opportunity to change their future for the better by providing the skills, education, and self-discipline needed to become responsible, productive citizens. During the residential phase, cadets studied for the GED.
FCA Director Michael Buffum said at the beginning of the residential phase he challenged each cadet to reflect on why they were in the program and what they hoped to achieve. He described their experience “as a journey of self-discovery that doesn’t end here.”
“Some here came here looking for discipline, others were looking for a fresh start, and many of you simply knew you were capable of more than your circumstances suggested,” he said.
Buffum said throughout the 22-week residential phase, they showed courage, resilience, and determination.
“Carry your ‘why’ with you always, and let it carry you through the challenges ahead,” he said.
“Let it remind you of the strength that you discovered here, and let it inspire you to continue becoming the person you always wanted to be and can be.”
Adjutant General of Maryland Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead gave opening remarks. She told the cadets to always remember their self-discipline and motivation to finish the residential program, which she compared to “climbing a mountain.”
"You can do the hard things,” she said.
‘Dream big’
Director of the Network Command, Control, Communications and Computer Services and Integration Maj. Gen. Jeth Ray served as the keynote speaker. He thanked the mentors, staff, and family for supporting the cadets. Ray described some of the challenges and disadvantages he faced as a minor, and said he was determined to have better opportunities himself. To help him succeed, Ray sought out a mentor, and in high school, was in the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps and rose to the rank of commander.
Ray joined the Army immediately after high school. With the encouragement of several mentors, he continued to progress in his military career, becoming a warrant officer, then an officer, and eventually a general officer.
“When you are setting your goals, I want you to dream big, I want you to go big, and I want you to achieve big,” he said.
Ray told the cadets to continue to develop, grow, and learn. He also urged them to pay it forward by giving back and mentoring others.
“This journey does not end right here; it does not end right here. Everyone is here to help you carry the journey on, and I want to be a part of that,” Ray said.
The ceremony included cadets receiving awards, scholarships, and course completion certificates.
Next steps
Cadet Christopher Ordonez, who received several awards including the Most Improved Cadet of the Cycle, said that while he was in Freestate, he learned more about himself and how to stay motivated.
“Freestate really pushes your limit to see where you can go,” he said.
Ordonez’s next step is to volunteer at the West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department. He is interested in becoming a firefighter or a paramedic.
Ciara Lang, the mother of Cadet Autumn Lang, said she is grateful for the program and the staff.
“This program has changed my daughter’s life, for the better,” she said. “They always say some people don’t get a second chance, but she was allowed to get a second chance at life.”
After the residential phase, all cadets participate in a 12-month post-residential phase, where students are assisted by at least one trained mentor from the community for further development. For more information about Freestate, visit
https://freestatemil.maryland.gov/
For more photos, visit:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/usagapg/albums/72177720322748540
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