Freestate Class 58 recognized for their perseverance

HAVRE DE GRACE, Md. - After five months of hard work, 42 cadets from Maryland National Guard Freestate ChalleNGe Academy’s Class 58 were honored during a completion ceremony at Havre de Grace High School May 21.

Maryland teens who decide to attend the Freestate ChalleNGe Academy have withdrawn from traditional high school and are often looking for a second chance. The school, located on APG South (Edgewood), is a highly-structured environment, described as “quasi-military.” While in school, they prepare to take the GED and learn life skills.

A twelve-month post-residential phase focuses on helping enroll graduates in continued education, technical school programs or entry-level employment. During this phase, cadets work with a mentor for further development.

Ready for the future

Family, friends, staff members, mentors and community leaders cheered the cadets on as they celebrated their perseverance. They received completion certificates and some received scholarships.

Freestate Director KariLynn Dunmeyer said collectively, Class 58 has progressed three grade levels. Their progress is measured by taking the Test of Adult Basic Education, or TABE, at the beginning and end of the cycle. This test evaluates a student’s skill levels in reading, math, and English.

Dunmeyer praised the class for their resilience in dealing with many obstacles due to the COVID-19 pandemic, like having to wear masks and being more isolated.

“They have persevered in an extremely challenging program, in an extremely challenging time,” she said.

According to Dunmeyer, many cadets studied trades like welding, food safety and lifeguarding during their time at Freestate to prepare them for the “real world” after graduation. All cadets plan on either working, attending college or joining the military, she said.

“Believe when others doubt; work when others refuse; stay when others quit; you win when others lose,” she said.

Brig. Gen.  Adam Flasch, director of the Maryland National Guard Joint Staff, instructed the cadets to take everything they have learned at the Academy and “have your best life.” Rely on someone you can trust for advice, he said.

“Take this opportunity to do something amazing with your life,” he said.

Making wise choices State Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Lonny Wortham, Maryland Army National Guard, delivered the keynote address. He told the cadets to “invest wisely in life.” He told cadets to make the most of each day because, “life is a race,” and you “never know when that ending will come.”

Wortham instructed the cadets to take advantage of opportunities. Those who are successful make good choices, he said. He advised them to surround themselves with the right ideas and people. Also, don’t take social media too seriously, he suggested.

“You don’t have to have your head hanging low; your head can be held high,” he said. “Because you know you did all you can do to cross that finish line and finish life well.”

Cadet reflections

Cadet Jhoana Nolasco Hernandez talked about her experience at Freestate. She described going to the Freestate as her only option because she had trouble focusing on virtual classes and traditional high school. As someone who has struggled with an eating disorder and depression, she credits the Freestate staff with helping her gain confidence and acceptance.

“I can proudly say that I am beautiful, I am enough, and I can do anything I set my mind to,” she said.

Nolasco Hernandez said while she will always have struggles, she now has the tools to be successful.

“I will always have someone in my corner to support me,” she said about the Freestate staff members.

Her goals after Freestate include attending college and becoming an entrepreneur, she said.

“The world is at my fingertips,” she exclaimed as the crowd cheered.

Optimistic for the future  

 Ruth Reynoso, the mother of Cadet Evelyn Rancel, said it was difficult for her teenage daughter to move out for the first time. She had mixed emotions about letting her go but is proud of all she has accomplished. To welcome her back, she redecorated her room as a surprise, she added.

“The people [staff] here go out of their way; they are excellent,” she said. “Anybody who wants their child to find themselves and be better they need to come here.”

Cadet Ja’don Lewis, from Aberdeen, received his high school diploma. His brother, Marcus Johnson, also attended Freestate.

“I am more than proud of my little brother. He is following in my footsteps,” Johnson said, hugging Lewis.

“He got his diploma; he is going to do something with his life,” Lewis’ sister, Shyla Johnson said, after finding out the news.

For more information

Freestate ChalleNGe Academy was founded in 1993.  It is endorsed by the State of Maryland and is in a cooperative agreement between The Maryland National Guard and the National Guard Bureau. For more information, visit http://freestatemil.maryland.gov or call 410-436-3220/410-436-3294.

For more photos, visit: Freestate ChalleNGe Academy Class 58 completion ceremony-May 21, 2022 | Flickr