Hi! I am the proud mom of an alumni of your program, Aaron Lopez. He is now Sgt. Lopez, currently serving his second tour in Iraq. He recently received the Bronze star with v' device. Here is a link to the article:
I thought you might be interested! The Challenge program definitely got him going in this direction…Thank you!
Karen Lopez
2Lt Clint DesJarlais, USMC
US Naval Academy Class of 2007
I would like to give you an update for what has been going on at Annapolis lately. I finished this semester with the best grade I have had since I was in elementary school. I have a 3.47 this semester, and a 2.51 overall. I also made not only the Dean's list, but the Commandant's list as well. I will be doing summer school for the first half of summer. The second half of the summer I will be doing Yard Patrol Craft training on the Eastern Seaboard. Given the commitments this summer and limited leave time, I will not be able to return to Alaska this summer. I had desired to spend time working at AMYA. I believe it would be a wonderful experience to give back in any way I can, but I also realize that the #1 way to give back is to perform successfully at USNA.
I ordered my class ring 2 months ago. I placed a very original design that no Midshipman has ever had. Instead of a precious stone, I specially ordered the school crest of AMYA to be capped on the top in Gold and Silver. It is the most important school crest I will ever have.
So this is a little bit of what is going on for me in Annapolis. I appreciate your support and encouragement. Please pass this word on to others at AMYA. Thank you and God Bless you.
Sincerely,
Clint DesJarlais
AMYA Graduate class 99-1
I may only be 16, and may not know a whole lot yet, but I do know that you run a great program. My boyfriend was in the 2000-2 class, and unfortunately was dismissed. But I wanted to write to you because he has changed so much. Before he was a trouble maker. He loved trouble, drinking and drugs. Worst of all he disrespected everyone. Ryan was so careless, he just did not care. He is back home now and even though he did not finish like we all would have liked him to, he has completely changed. He won't drink now, doesn't do any drugs. He won't even drink caffeinated soda, because it contains stimulants. Now he has so much respect for himself and others, it is amazing. He has self-discipline. Our relationship has gotten so much better. He has gotten to be such a great person. He even dresses better. He went from gangster to a nice looking respectable person. Now he is totally ready to face any challenge. We would like to come and visit. Ryan misses all of you and wants to see you and say thanks.
P.S. He has a full time job and is making about $10.00 an hour. It could not have happened without you all.
Ryan & Ashley (Class 2000-2)
Thanks for helping me out and keeping me motivated, when all I wanted to do is quit. You were like a father to me, and for that you have my deepest gratitude.
Brian Falldorf (class 96-1)
From age 14-16, I was out of control. My P.O. suggested the Academy, and I took his advice. I had always dreamt of becoming more than my parents, who were both high school drop-outs and teenage parents. I went through the program and it changed my life completely. I now have my G.E.D., two skills trainings and a better outlook on life. I currently live on my own and a. off probation. I I am 17 years old and going places. This program is the best thing that ever happened to me and it can help a lot of other teenagers to reach their goals and dreams.
Angela Meridith (Class 96-1)
The Alaska Military Youth Academy changed me by isolating me from all the negative impact of society today and having the positive leadership and influence of the staff, counselors and pastor for 5 1/2 months. It allowed me to look back and see where I was going in life and the opportunities I had after the attending the Alaska Military Youth Academy was one of the best choices of my life and all the good things I have today would not have happened if not for the Academy.
PFC Matthew Moore of the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), class 99-3
I will not lie. This was not an easy program. Before I came to the program I lied, cheated, stole and did many negative things that hurt my family very much. Now I realize that I was extremely heartless, so now I have a whole new respect for my family and friends thanks to the Alaska Military Youth Academy. Now in the future, when I have children I can tell them that I proved a lot of people wrong and at the same time impressed many people by graduating from the hardest high school anyone can attend, The Alaska Military youth Academy!
Bryan Ratterree, class 2000-1
I can never tell you how hopeless and disgusted I felt about myself. I had never finished anything I started and I seemed to fail at any attempt to change my lifestyle. I sincerely felt that I was useless and good for nothing, but my feelings changed drastically after spending just a few weeks at Camp Carroll.
After I realized that I could excel in just about everything you put us up against, I began to feel hope for my future. I accomplished and succeeded in so many areas that I could feel comfortable with making important decisions and goals for myself.
I can honestly say that I like who I am now, especially when I look back at where I was a year ago, and where I am now.
Lindsay Janelle Rodgers, class 94-2
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My name is Ben Thomas. I graduated from the program over ten years ago. I am currently serving in the United States Navy, and have been ever since a month after graduating the program. Just know that I really appreciate everything that you all have done. It has been the foundation of my career and I still talk about the program. Thanks again.
