“It’s all about leadership,” Hinesville Mayor Pro Tem Charles Frasier said to cadets at Youth Challenge Academy on Fort Stewart as they stood at attention with a crowd of about 600 faculty, staff, mentors and family members watching.
Frasier shared advice with cadets as he swore in five officers elected to the YCA Class 33 Student Council on Sept. 4.
“This is as an opportunity to gain the skills
to be a leader and productive citizen,” Frasier said. “Remember the training you received here, and also take a piece of Hinesville back to your respective places,” he told the officers as he handed them city lapel pins.
The student election is a lesson in the political process and organizes student leadership, according to Denise Fisher, a YCA counselor.
“Having a real politician perform the induction boosts the morale of the cadets,” she said.
“It felt good to have a councilman come,” Jasmine Bradley, 18, of Macon said after being sworn in as class president. “I appreciate the support from the local city.”
Phillip King, 16, of Savannah agreed.
“I think it is really nice to have somebody like that support us.”
The academy steers youth at risk of not finishing school toward equivalency diplomas and future careers using a residential program with military-style discipline, according to YCA Director Bob Hughes.
“We all benefit from programs such as this,” Frasier said. “It would be a good thing for all of our kids who have been side tracked to get a second chance.”
Anyone interested in mentoring or volunteering at the academy can call 876-1743.
Frasier shared advice with cadets as he swore in five officers elected to the YCA Class 33 Student Council on Sept. 4.
“This is as an opportunity to gain the skills
to be a leader and productive citizen,” Frasier said. “Remember the training you received here, and also take a piece of Hinesville back to your respective places,” he told the officers as he handed them city lapel pins.
The student election is a lesson in the political process and organizes student leadership, according to Denise Fisher, a YCA counselor.
“Having a real politician perform the induction boosts the morale of the cadets,” she said.
“It felt good to have a councilman come,” Jasmine Bradley, 18, of Macon said after being sworn in as class president. “I appreciate the support from the local city.”
Phillip King, 16, of Savannah agreed.
“I think it is really nice to have somebody like that support us.”
The academy steers youth at risk of not finishing school toward equivalency diplomas and future careers using a residential program with military-style discipline, according to YCA Director Bob Hughes.
“We all benefit from programs such as this,” Frasier said. “It would be a good thing for all of our kids who have been side tracked to get a second chance.”
Anyone interested in mentoring or volunteering at the academy can call 876-1743.