My son, Michael Hargis, graduated from the Pryor, Oklahoma ChalleNGe campus in December of 2005. Before he went to the Thunderbird Youth Academy he was not a loud, unruly teenager. He was quite the opposite– very quiet and reserved. Quiet doesn't always equate with good behavior, though. He was very smart, but got behind in school because he simply would not go. The biggest problem was just the lack of direction in his life.
He turned eighteen in June and entered in July. The decision to attend was entirely Michael's, and I believe that is the main reason for the success he has had today. I supported him and was glad that he decided to do something towards his education, but we were not at all familiar with TYA. When I dropped him off I was a little nervous for him because we did not know what to expect. By open house six weeks later I could already see a change in my son. He was gaining confidence and putting on muscle. He was also attending church, which is something he had gotten away from at home. I cannot express to you how grateful I am and how positive an experience attending TYA was for Michael.
One thing I would say to any parent with a child considering TYA would be encourage them to attend, you will not regret it. Michael left TYA with so much confidence in himself. Michael chose to join the Army– something he had spoken about well before he ever went to TYA. He told me that he felt like basic training was a lot easier because TYA had mentally and physically prepared him for it. Today Michael is a paratrooper currently serving in Afghanistan. I am so proud of the man he has become.
Sincerely,
Shelly Hargis