ORANGE PARK – When 96 graduates received their Phase 1 diplomas from the Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy Tuesday at the Thrasher-Horne Center, it only marked the beginning of their journey.

The program, supported by the Florida National Guard, Clay County District Schools, Department of Juvenile Justice and Department of Children and Families, is a fast-track option for 16-to-18-year-olds who have dropped out or have extremely poor attendance records. It offers mentorship and training to help them turn their lives around.

The Class of 47 took that rigorous challenge. In the process, they learned the value of hard work, leadership, self-discipline, respect, moral and ethical standards and military customs to advance to the second phase of the program—the credit recovery program and their high school diplomas.

The program takes 17½ months, with the final 5½ as a residential cadet at Camp Blanding, which closely resembles military boot camp.

Tuesday’s ceremony included a presentation from the academy’s drill team and introductions by Platoon 1 Archers, Platoon 2 Spartans and Platoon 3 Guardians. It also recognized Valedictorian Annabel Lindsey, Salutatorian Stefani Gallmon, $5,000 scholarship winners Mia Hoyos and Christopher Burris, and $1,000 scholarship winners Summer Zorger and Kyla Kelley. Mia Hoyos (Most Improved), Jermelle Curtis (Physical Fitness), Leilani Arias (Service to the Community), Kenneth Butler (Life Skills) and Jeremy Perez (Post Residential Action Plan) won special awards.