They heard words like “foundation,” “life skills,” “discipline,” “leadership,” “commitment” and “legacy” – things they learned in five-and-a-half months of rigorous training for at-risk teens at the Camp Blanding Joint Base Training Center.  

The 50th graduating class was to be the last. After 25 years and 6,000 graduates, the state pulled funding from the program and redirected the money to Florida National Guard defense projects.  

Then Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant who reenlisted for five more years with the Green Beret after he lost his left leg while serving in Afghanistan, said something that shocked the cadets, their families and FYCA staff that may have a positive effect on the future of other troubled students.  

“I understand that there are questions about the continuation of this,” he said. “Now, this is not a very political thing for me to say, but it is a good leadership thing for me to say: I think we need to relook this. We need to find a way to continue this.”  

Cadets looked in disbelief. Parents and staff clapped and cheered.  

“If the federal government can't figure it out, I promise you we can help solve this problem at the state level,” Collins said. “So, for you community leaders who are here, reach out to my office. Let's figure out what we can do. That is my promise to you.” 

Graduation was already a celebration. But Collins gave hope that the program that provided high school diplomas and GEDs to thousands of students who otherwise would have been lost in the cracks would be back in 2027 for another revival of graduation and escape from despair. 

The program on June 9 started with a drill from the 50th Class Color Guard. Their routine was razor-sharp, and set the tone for a snappy, upbeat ceremony. 

Guest speaker Ret. Maj. Gen. Ronald O. Harrison was appointed the Adjutant General of Florida by Gov. Lawton Chiles on March 1, 1992, which put him in charge of the Florida National Guard. He met with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush in 2001 about a new nationwide initiative called the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. The purpose was to help at-risk 16-to-18-year-olds earn a high school diploma or GED and simultaneously develop life and leadership skills and discipline. 

“Class 50, step into your own personal future,” he said. “New life for you starts right now, today. Remember, building a foundation for life or leaving a legacy is 100% your responsibility. I hope that you're ready because your future starts right now. 

“Finally, Class 50, on behalf of the Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy, I challenge you to commit to yourself that you will not forfeit this opportunity that you have.” 

Collins was next to talk. He talked about his horrific injuries, including having his leg amputated, and then returning to serve again with the Green Berets. 

He said his mother was a 16-year-old drug and alcohol addict. He was reared by his grandmother, relied on food stamps and government cheese and often slept in his car. 

He then reminded the cadets it’s not where they’ve been, but where they’re going. 

“It doesn't matter where you come from in life. It doesn't matter your race, your creed, your color, your gender. It doesn't matter if your parents have a fortune, or you don't have parents,” Collins said. 

“It's what you do with where you come from. You're going to get hurt. It's not going to be easy. But that's OK. Look at what you've accomplished. Every time we have to deal with something, you can overcome it. You can move forward. 

“I believe the most powerful word in the English language is tomorrow. You see, tomorrow isn't guaranteed, and tomorrow is what you make of it. The mistakes we made yesterday, we deal with them today. But tomorrow is a fresh beginning.” 

FYCA then singled out cadets for special honors: Jonah Kaplan (Valedictorian), Owen Vasquez-Umana (Salutatorian), Hope Bonham (Credit Recovery Clay County), Roxana Marroquin and Camryn Nations (Flaghead Foundation Scholarships), Jay Hartsfield (Most Improved), Danaly Martinez (Life Skill Award), Deonia Thornton (Post-Reconvention Action Plan) and Joel Arrebato-Coffiny (Maj. Gen. Ronald O. Harrison Award). 

“Now for the main event,” said host Patricia Daecher-Crutchfield, “the presentation of diplomas.” 

One-by-one, the cadets marched across the stage and accepted the paperwork for their work. The real prize, however, was earned during early morning physical training drills, in classrooms, during hundreds of volunteer hours around the community and in team-building drills. 

And if Lt. Gov. Collins has his way, the marching will continue into the future.