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NADA – On March 25, the Texas ChalleNGe Academy in Eagle Lake held a family day for Cadets who joined the January 2023 class. This day is special because it is the first time families have seen their teen since they entered the program in January.
American Legion Riders, veterans, and supporters from all over the state headed to Nada to support at-risk youth, and the veteran’s organization that helps them.
In May of 2022, a young struggling teen from Fort Worth, who was at risk of dropping out of high school, made the decision to apply to TCA. Regardless of his struggles in school, he spent significant time volunteering at the American Legion in Benbrook. The organization said he became a “Rider Supporter” and helped the motorcycle riders of his post plan and execute various volunteer rides. They said every month, he also volunteered to help serve post members and community members at the monthly rider “burger night.” When his application to TCA was approved for the January 2023 class, the veterans he assisted said they were excited to see him take on the challenge and wanted to find a way to support him and TCA.
Before the event, the American Legion Riders of Benbrook said they contacted the Schulenburg and Sealy American Legion Posts, who joined them along a route on the way to the Nada Community Center where Family Day was taking place. They dubbed this trip the “ALR ChalleNGe Ride.”
Upon arrival, the motorcycles led cadets in a parade march to the community center where their families were anxiously waiting to greet them. The American Legion in Benbrook said it was a fun filled afternoon full of touching reunions, proud parents, and smiles all around. The American Legion Family from Sealy brought a barbecue trailer, and served the faculty, staff, and administration of TCA. Legion members from all posts mingled with cadets to encourage them and support them in completing the program at TCA.
Four hours of food and fun later, the American Legion Riders from all three posts said a cheerful, but tear-stained farewell to the cadets, their special rider supporter, and fellow veterans. Then they got back on their motorcycles and led the TCA buses back to their school in Eagle Lake with a loud and rumbling motorcade straight through the middle of town.
The American Legion Riders of Benbrook are looking to repeat the ride yearly. Those interested in joining next year can contact [email protected] to be added to the email list for updates on the 2024 ride.
According to a release, the Texas ChalleNGe Academy is a volunteer program for 16 to 18-yearold teens that are at-risk of dropping out or have already dropped out of high school. TCA offers at-risk students a second chance at success by partnering with the Rice Consolidated Independent School District.
The Texas ChalleNGe Academy, formerly Seaborne Conservation Corps began as an AmeriCorps Program in 1994, according to a release. The program transitioned to the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program in 1999 and is now operated solely by the Texas Military Department. The campus in Eagle Lake opened in July 2015.
Veterans with years of knowledge and experience come to TCA to help shape the future, build success, and find meaning in mentorship with teenagers who face unfathomable challenges, according to a release. The program is funded through the Department of Defense with matching funds from Texas and private foundations/ donations. The organization said this helps TCA to be tuition free to the families and teens it serves.
If you know an at-risk youth or are interested in learning more about the mission of the Texas ChalleNGe Academy and how it helps Texas teens get back on track, visit tmd.texas. gov/texas-challenge-academy.
