ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Many teens come to Freestate ChalleNGe Academy, located on APG South (Edgewood), hoping for a fresh start and a second chance at an education. These teens, ages 16-18, are residents of Maryland and Washington, D.C. who have dropped out of high school. This is the story of two cadets currently enrolled in Class 41.
Cadet Alexus Roscoe
Cadet Alexus Roscoe, 17, came to Freestate because she wanted a change in environment. She said she fell in with the "wrong" crowd at her previous school.
"I had to convince myself, at first I was scared and nervous," she said. "It took me a while to come to the realization that I needed this program. I wanted to do better."
Roscoe, from Prince George's County, said the first few weeks, or the "acclimation phase," is the hardest. This is when the cadets have to adjust to a new strict schedule and rules, and decide if the program is right for them. During the residential phase, cadets voluntarily live in the academy's residential program, a structured, disciplined military-style environment. Every minute is accounted for and cadets are not allowed outside distractions like social media, internet or cell phones.
"At first I was a bit standoffish. I found it difficult living with so many females," she said, referring to the academy's barracks-style living quarters. "But I got used to it. Now I am friendly and outgoing. I figured no matter what you do, you are always going to need someone."
Roscoe said the disciplined environment allows her to focus on what is most important, getting a second chance at an education. She feels the program sets her apart from other teens her age, due to her leadership experience. She served as a platoon sergeant for two weeks and currently serves on the Student Government Association, and is running for class president. She also hopes to join the program's Honor Corps which represents the Freestate ChalleNGe Academy at public events.
"Freestate gives you many opportunities," she said. "When I was living at home, I didn't see myself as a leader. Now I do."
The Freestate ChalleNGe Academy's Commandant Job Stringfellow said that all cadets serve in a leadership role for at least two weeks before they graduate. Each cadet is evaluated by the cadre on their strengths and weaknesses as leaders.
Cadets are also evaluated on how well they follow other leaders. Other core components are: Academic Excellence, Life Coping Skills, Job Skills, Health and Hygiene, Service to the Community and Physical Fitness. These components are designed to educate and produce youth who will become productive members of their community.
"I like that community service is emphasized here," Roscoe said "If you take from the community you should also give back to the community."
Job shadowing is also an important aspect of the program. Roscoe has been given the opportunity to job shadow Dr. Victoria Dixon, the director of the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command Human Relations Equal Employment Opportunity/Equal Opportunity program.
Roscoe said she feels confident that she is now well prepared for any challenges that come her way.
Stringfellow said a major component of Freestate ChalleNGe Academy is the post-residential phase. Cadets work closely with their mentors in their community. The cadets are placed into jobs, continue their education or enter the military.
Roscoe's mother, A'Jeenah Hill, said she is proud of her daughter's determination to succeed.
"Sending Alexus to Freestate was the best decision we ever made," Hill said. "It is a challenging program that prepares teens for the real world."
After graduation Roscoe plans to join the military and wants to work in either the medical or communications field. She also aspires to be an actor and an author.
"I am pursing my dreams and making myself and my mom proud," she said.
Cadet Cedrick Thomas
Cadet Cedrick Thomas, 17, is the Freestate ChalleNGe Academy's Company Commander for Class #41. This is the highest rank a cadet can obtain while at Freestate. Thomas, from Harford County, is responsible for waking up the company at 4:50 a.m. for mandatory physical training. He is also responsible for conducting room inspections. Above all, he must be a positive role model, at all times.
"I feel like I am good leader, the cadets feel like they can talk to me," he said.
Stringfellow said Thomas was elected to this position by the cadre because he exhibited strong leadership skills and maturity. Thomas has to be a good example to his fellow cadets to keep his position as the company commander.
"He is determined, he wants to do something with his life," Stringfellow said.
Stringfellow, who has worked at the academy since 1993, said each class has its own personality and not every class has a company commander.
"A company commander has to stand out," Stringfellow said. "They have to earn the position. They do not always do what is popular, they do what is right."
"Sometimes it's lonely at the top," Thomas agreed.
Thomas said he isn't worried about popularity or similar things that distracted him in the past. He said that while he was living at home, he would frequently get into trouble but after months of urging from Family members he agreed to enter the academy for a fresh start. Now, he is focusing on the "bigger picture," graduating from Freestate.
In addition to preparing for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB, and the GED Thomas said he has learned valuable life skills such as money management, anger management, resume writing and interviewing skills. He is frequently chosen by staff members to represent Freestate and speak at public events.
"This program opens you up to new things," he said.
He also has learned the value of setting goals. After graduation he plans to attend college to study business management. He has his sights set on playing football at a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 level and after graduation he hopes to play professional football or own a franchised restaurant. He is also considering joining the military.
"I want to make my Family proud," he said. "The program makes you appreciate what you have on the outside. I am happy for everything now. My sister is so happy for me. She can't wait for me to graduate from Freestate to see what else I can do."
Freestate ChalleNGe Academy is a 17-month program operated by the Maryland National Guard. Currently, 127 cadets are enrolled in Class #41. To learn more about the program, contact Bill Anderson or Marissa Richards. Anderson can be reached at 410-436-3220 or email andersonw@mdmildep.org. Richards can be reached at 410-436-3255 or e-mail at richardsm@mdmildep.org.
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