85-year-old woman killed in Houston dump truck crash identified by police

For at-risk teens, military-style academy a second chance

Jessica Bies
The News Journal

It's a trope featured in countless TV shows: The archetypical rebellious teen is failing all his classes so his parents threaten to send him to the nearest military school, where a hard-nosed commandant is sure to knock some sense into him and teach him life's most valuable lessons. 

At-risk students in Delaware can apply to attend the Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy in Laurel, Md. Class 48 tours the Delaware National Guard with counselor liaison Karen Hughes. From left, Anthony Loatman, Angel Wooden, Kyal Macdonald, Hughes, Alixander Loatman and Jake Hagerman.

But Joshua Ferrell is far from a rebel, he said. And the military-style academy to which his mom sent him after he was held back a year at Milford High School was hardly a punishment. 

"It was a really good experience," he said. "I think it was one of the wisest choices I've ever made." 

Ferrell, 17, is one several Delaware students who have graduated from the Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy in Laurel, Maryland. 

The Delaware National Guard sets aside a number of seats there — 15 in the next class — for 16- to 18 who have either dropped out of high school or are at risk of not graduating. Those accepted attend the 22-week residential program free of charge and get both their GED and a high school diploma from the District of Columbia.

STORY:Christina vote to keep class sizes small could cost $1.4M

STORY:Leach School holds Thanksgiving meal for students with disabilities

For one year after the program, they meet regularly with a mentor and a counselor liaison to make sure they're accomplishing their post-high school goals, whether they want to get a job, go to college or enter the military. 

The Youth ChalleNGe program is a highly structured, nontraditional learning environment that integrates training, mentoring, tough love and diverse educational and extracurricular activities, according to the program's website. The cadre makes sure cadets learn the importance of being prompt; being dressed appropriately; and that they are focused on daily tasks, such as homework.

They also teach the cadets to accept responsibility for their actions. 

"It's not for everyone, obviously," said Col. Angela Showell, of the Delaware National Guard. "Not every child needs this much structure."

But for some teens, it's the answer, she said. They all come from different backgrounds, from up and down the state. There are also three girls in the program this year. 

Delaware students who have dropped out of high school or are at risk of dropping out can get their high school diploma from the Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy in Maryland. In this picture, Delaware's first class in the program graduates. Left to right: MAJ Reginald Jones, COL Angela Showell, Cadet Randy Alexander, Cadet Dreamon McIntosh, Mrs. Karen Hughes, Cadet Zachary Whitaker, Cadet Jim McCants, GEN Francis Vavala, Cadet Daimiayza Eley, BG David Fleming, Cadet Joshua Ferrell, Cadet Benjamin Ekas

One student, Showell said, struggled in part because he came from a disadvantaged family. When asked what he liked about the academy, he broke Showell's heart by telling her he wasn't used to getting three meals a day. 

Another student had been charged with several misdemeanors and found out about the Youth ChalleNGe Academy in Family Court, where he was facing probation. 

"That's just the reality of some of these youth's backgrounds," Showell said. 

Others just lack structure, and at first, struggle to adjust to the quasi-military nature of the academy. They are allowed to visit home twice, but only if they earn it and behave. 

"It's not too strict, but at the same time, it's really strict because you have to follow the rules," Ferrell said. "You get used to it and feel comfortable with it.

"They basically put it in your mind to just want to do the right thing, instead of being rebellious." 

Not that Ferrell ever acted out that much, he said. He just had a hard time focusing on school and making his education his top priority. 

His mom gave him the option of either trying to finish high school in Milford or go to the academy, and he chose the latter. The program is completely voluntary, and the cadets can attend only if they are completely willing, Showell said. 

As a result, Ferrell was able to graduate on time, instead of a year late. 

"High school is ... complicated," he said. "It was hard for me, especially when it came to my grades. My friends are good people. They're good people to be around. It's just that I got distracted. I'd always be talking to them, and I never turned my homework in on time." 

Now, Ferrell wants to join the Air Force, he said. He misses the structure and routine of the academy and felt he had a real purpose there. 

Delaware students in the 49th class of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy program graduate with both a high school diploma and GED. 1st row-Mrs. Karen Hughes, Cadet Hunter Martin, Cadet Jamar Campbell, Cadet Trevon Taylor, Cadet James Richardson, Cadet Tayla Cody, Cadet Nyjeria Hall, Cadet Tyra Hicks, Cadet Zachary Hobbs, Cadet Benjamin Price, Cadet Jacob Dolphin, COL Angela Showell
2nd row- Cadet Jewel Henry. Cadet Jamir Goldsborough, Cadet Brandon Austin, Cadet Malachi Gill, Cadet Jaewon Harmon, Cadet Lucas Kling, Cadet Keith Pettiford, Cadet Makie Santil

"I never thought about the military before," he said. "But now that's what I want to do." 

That didn't surprise Showell, who said going to the academy completely transformed Ferrell and made him more outgoing and confident. 

"That's a man, who before the program, hardly said two words to me," she said. "Now, you can't get him to stop talking." 

Delaware has partnered with the academy since 2016. The first class from Delaware started in July 2016 and graduated in December of the same year, alongside students from Washington, D.C.

Of the seven Delawareans in that first class, one has returned to the academy to be a peer mentor, one has joined the Army, three have found jobs and one is preparing for a career in the military. 

"It's been such a rewarding project to establish," said Showell, who joined the military herself when she was 21. 

Find out more

The next Youth ChalleNGe Academy class starts Jan. 14. Applications are due by Dec. 15. 

The Delaware National Guard will be conducting information briefings for those who want to learn more. Dates are as follows: 

  • 1-3 p.m., Nov. 30, Smyrna Readiness Center, 103 Artisan Drive, Smyrna.
  • 1-3 p.m., Dec. 5, Delaware National Guard Headquarters, 1 Vavala Way, near New Castle.
  • 1-3 p.m., Dec. 7, Seaford Armory, 601 Bridgeville Highway, Seaford.

The requirements for the program are as follows:

  • Age: 16-18 years old
  • Legal: No violent or felony offenses and cannot have charges pending
  • Mental: No history of mental disorders
  • At-risk students: Students who dropped out or are in the process of dropping out of high school

Those interested can fill out a pre-application form at www.cgyca.org/pre-app, textCGYCA to 80123 or call (202) 730-1579.

To enroll in the Youth ChalleNGe program or find out more, visit www.cgyca.org

Contact Jessica Bies at (302) 324-2881 or jbies@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @jessicajbies.

Looking for more education news? Visit delawareonline.com/education. Submit story ideas at delonline.us/2i2tugB.