Testimonials - How the Washington Youth Academy Changes lives
Washington Youth Academy cadets get second chance
Cadet Stewart volunteers at a Kitsap Regional Library.
A story of one cadet's journey to getting back on track Shantelle Stewart had given up. At 17, she was ready to drop out of high school. She didn’t care what anyone thought of her. She was coping with depression. She was into drugs. She was failing school. Then, two of her closest friends died. And things just went from bad to worse. “It was just a downward spiral … and I couldn’t get out,” Stewart said. “I just kind of plummeted downhill and started doing negative things with my life – smoking weed, skipping school a lot, sneaking out,” Stewart added. “I was just doing stuff I wasn’t supposed to do. And I knew it. Once I got caught and I saw the pain in my dad and step-mom’s eyes, I knew it was time to take action and change the course of my life.” Enter the Washington Youth Academy in Bremerton. The Washington Youth Academy is a division of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program, operated by the Washington Military Department. Established under authority of both federal and state law, the Youth Academy is a state-run residential and post-residential intervention for youth who have dropped out of high school or are at risk of dropping out. Stewart was a perfect fit. The Washington Youth Academy is a quasi-military training and mentoring program for at-risk youth. The goal of the program is to give youth a second chance to become responsible and productive citizens by helping them improve their life skills, education levels and employment potential. The program incorporates a highly structured format, with an emphasis on student discipline and personal responsibility to provide a positive, safe and secure learning environment. “My biological mom had left me when I was little,” Stewart said. “She was into meth and alcohol. My step-mom and dad had their struggles but were able to better their lives to give me a better environment to help me become successful.” Stewart left Mt. View High School in Vancouver back in January to join 171 candidates for the Washington Youth Academy, who underwent a grueling two-week acclimation phase of physical and mental prowess before they had the right to call themselves cadets. Then, each cadet had to maintain strict discipline and maintain good grades. As of today, there are 140 cadets set to graduate on June 20. Stewart will be among the graduates. “I knew two cadets that went here and they said it wasn’t a nice place,” Stewart said, noting there were complaints about the food, the sleeping conditions, all of the exercise and having to live in such close quarters with dozens of other teenagers for nearly six months. “But that’s because they weren’t trying to change,” Stewart says now. “They were forced to come here. I decided to come here because I knew it would be a positive thing and I would be away from all of the negative influences. That way, even if I was trying to better myself and go back to my old ways, I would be surrounding myself with other people who were also trying to change their lives.” She didn’t always think that way. She remembers her first couple weeks at the Academy, but what she remembers most is the crying. Not because she was hurt or because anyone had done anything mean to her. “It was all just too much,” Stewart said. “My first day was like hell. I kept trying to convince the cadre to let me go home but Lt. Willis said I see something in you and I won’t let you go home. It was 24-7 that I was crying. We’d be towing the line. We’d be going to chow. I wouldn’t eat because I was so upset. At the time, I didn’t see the positives of what it could be.” Jamila Larson, a Youth Mentor Advocate at the Washington Youth Academy, says she remembers Stewart being moved from a bed to a cot because her crying those first few days kept her fellow cadets awake. It was right in front of Larson’s office. “I remembered her very clearly and see how much she has changed into a young woman that we can all respect,” Larson said. “She’s an example now for everyone else.” Now, she says, her grades are up and she’s on her way to getting all of the credits she needs in order to graduate on time with her class in Vancouver. She says she’s also cut ties with bad influences and friends that could put her on the wrong path. “That’s the hardest part,” she said. “I’ve changed, but my friends haven’t.” She credits her cadre Ashley Ramshaw with being the biggest influence. Cadre staff are a mix of drill sergeants and quasi-parents responsible for overseeing the welfare of each of the cadets. “She was there for me when I needed her to be,” Stewart said. “She’s helped me earn this second chance – and I won’t let anyone down.”
Cadet Stewart meets with Congressman Dave Reichert during lunch at the WYA.
Stewart said she was always interested in politics and how laws were made, but became particularly excited when she got to meet Secretary of State Kim Wyman. Wyman made a special trip to visit cadets at the Youth Academy and then took more time to visit with them when cadets made a special field trip to Olympia. “She was just so amazing,” Stewart said. “I turn 18 in October and I just can’t wait to vote. I can’t wait to get my friends to vote. I really think we can all make a difference.” Stewart’s thoughts traversed social media and got back to Wyman, who Tweeted out recently, “I am in politics because I am inspired by women like Cadet Stewart!” Stewart says she’s in shock that someone like Wyman would even pay attention to her. Stewart had a chance recently to hang out during a lunch break with U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert as the congressman took a lengthy tour of the Academy. Reichert told of his roots pulling himself up from his bootstraps when as a young man he was homeless and living out of his car to becoming King County Sheriff and ultimately a congressman. “He was just so inspirational,” Stewart said. “He gave me advice for school and how to really get involved.” “I have so many people looking out for me now,” Stewart said. “I’m not alone. I have my parents, my cadre, my counselor – and even Secretary Wyman who care. This has been a dream come true for me. It’s going to be sad to graduate, but I won’t let anyone down.”
"I definitely miss the academy! being in Olympia and not being able to see my family cause I live here was hard.. Just stick to it, and take what you learn home. It helped me so much." C.G. - Former student cadet with advice for current cadets
"What a true blessing it was for us all. Thank you to WYA and all Cadre. You have forever secured a place in all of our hearts and families. Go Eagles!" S.W. - Student cadet parent
"Our grandson graduated from there...wonderful place. The academy is an awesome program for these young people.Our grandson begged his parents for months until they let him go....it was the best thing he did and he loved it." M.M. - Student cadet grandparent
“Twenty four weeks ago I was considered an at-risk high school student. Today, I am a Washington Youth Academy Cadet. We are now leading by example: responsible, respectful, selfless, confident, smart young men and women. Coming to the academy was the first step out of our comfort zone and to make a change, not only in our lives but those around us and our families." M.P. - Student cadet program graduate
"Before I got here, I had low self-esteem, and used to deny responsibilities. I was plagued by the people surrounding me, telling me I was no good and amounted to nothing. I was drug induced, intoxicated, and often a thief and a liar. Now, the realization of all I've gained since my stay here is promising. That feeling inside that yearns for a better me. I will strive to keep improving and never settle for less, but to be the best. This is when you take a moment and think about everything you’ve learned here from your experiences and how it will affect you in the long run. The staff has provided guidance, but the walk is mine. Our minds are capable of many things. My new dreams and goals give me something to fight for." K.S. - Student cadet program graduate
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the generous scholarship you have awarded me. I appreciate your recognition of my potential. This scholarship allows me to continue my education at Green River Community College pursuing my ultimate goal of a career in medicine. Being unable to pay for school can be stressful, but by having the Washington Youth Academy Foundation support it makes it easier for students like me. Thank you again." Y.A. - Student cadet and scholarship recipient
"I can't begin to express my gratitude for the privilege to acquiring this scholarship. The Washington Youth Academy Foundation has been so supportive of my continued higher education and easing part of the financial burden has taken a huge weight off my shoulders. No matter what it takes, I will finish school and earn my degree. The residential phase at the academy taught me the self-discipline it takes to deal with anything life can throw my way and allowed me to see that nothing in life is truly unattainable. With this scholarship I could focus on my grades earning the Dean's list this past quarter. Thank you for believing in me." A.K. - Student cadet and scholarship recipient
“Thank you WYA. It is obvious to me that my son is in good hands. I'm very grateful my son found the Youth Academy program and this experience is having a huge positive influence on his future. The WYA is an awesome program, administered by very exceptional people, dedicated to helping our kids achieve excellence... Thank you all. My son believes in himself like never before." J.O. - Student cadet parent
“One of the greatest places on earth for young men and women who would like to make changes in their life, this program is for them. They learn and transform from the best staff around. My grandson attended and graduated. I have seen first-hand what wonderful changes he has made from self-esteem, confidence, new skills and a very respectful attitude. His school grades are skyrocketing." K.R. - Student cadet grandparent
"The academy has helped me in so many ways I don't know where to begin. The academy actually saved my life, if I hadn't attended and made changes I probably wouldn't be here today. Thank you Washington Youth Academy and staff." A.P. - Student cadet program graduate
“My son is a good young man who lost his way after middle school and, experienced multiple failures at navigating high school. Last June, at the age of 18, he was facing another year or more of high school to graduate. His spirit, endurance and confidence were broken. His despair overwhelmed every choice he was making and his future was uncertain. Graduation from high school was no longer a possibility from his vantage point. Then a trusted teacher asked him to apply to Washington Youth Academy. I can speak with complete confidence when I tell you this single decision changed his life forever." T.N. - Student cadet parent
“For you, it may appear like magic but for us, it was no quick fix. It took hours of direct, concerted, laborious effort to force ourselves out of our shells and into the shoes of mature young adults. We had to be convinced we were capable of being the people we’d always imagined, always dreamed of but never really had the motivation or the guts to try and become. There were times of triumph and celebration and brotherhood the likes of which I may never experience again. We're now able to do anything we set our minds to. No one goes from zero to hero without mistakes along the way. That’s what helps us grow—learning from our mistakes, feeding our roots with lessons and wisdom so that we may grow tall and strong and weather any storm. That is what this Academy is all about. About second chances and developing the courage to overcome a thousand obstacles, and to win in spite of a thousand defeats.” K.D. - Student cadet program graduate