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ALTAIR — Nearly 140 youth candidates and their families shared tearful but hopeful goodbyes Sunday as the newest class of the Texas ChalleNGe Academy completed Day Zero intake at Rice High School.
Over the next five months, candidates will live on the academy’s campus while earning high school credits, learning military structure and discipline, developing leadership and job skills, and building mental and physical resilience. The quasi-military residential program serves youth who are at risk or disengaged from school.
“You have to be uncomfortable to promote change,” Cadre Supervisor Diamond Bellvin told candidates.
During Day Zero, candidates received uniforms and gear before traveling to the academy’s campus to begin orientation. Parents remained behind to complete paperwork and attend an informational session with staff.
After hugging their son, Gavin Gonzales, goodbye, Meredith and Theodore Gonzales of Kyle sat quietly on the gym bleachers watching other families say their farewells. They said the separation was the hardest part of the process.
“Reality sunk in, and you see him leave,” Theodore Gonzales said. “It’s probably the longest period of time where he would be without us. We want him to have a mind of his own and know what’s right and wrong.”
Program Director David De Mers acknowledged the emotional challenges facing both parents and candidates. He encouraged families to remain committed to the decision and to stay connected by sending frequent letters.
“This is that moment where he builds resilience, he builds strength, he builds courage, and it’s his, not yours,” De Mers told parents.
For candidate Justin Noble of Dallas, enrolling in the academy represents a fresh start.
“I was getting into some trouble back at home for the past few years, and nothing else worked,” Noble said.
Noble said he hopes to earn his high school diploma and develop greater self-discipline during the program. He expects running and cardiovascular training to be the biggest challenge but hopes graduating will create opportunities to pursue a career as a clothing model on social media.
