Six Fayette County teens recently graduate from the National Guard-sponsored Youth Challenge Academy at Fort Stewart at the Macon Civic Center.

Rex L. Gayler, Philip M. Gross and Lindsey B. Newton of Fayetteville; Heather L. Bowman, Rodney A. Epps, Jr., and Julian A. Simpkins of Peachtree City, are among the 217 students to graduate from Fort Stewart Youth Challenge Academy program.

Youth Challenge is a voluntary, 22-week residential program for “at-risk” youth between the ages of 16-18 who have dropped out of school. The structured program provides teens with the opportunity to complete basic academic courses and learn valuable life skills. YCA graduates often continue in higher education, or return to their hometowns with marketable skills, or enlist in the military.

Fort Stewart was the first YCA campus located in Georgia. A second YCA campus opened in 2000 at Fort Gordon near Augusta. For additional information about YCA, contact the Admission Department at 912-767-0326 or view the YCA website at www.ngycp.org/state/gafs/contactus.php.

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