Integrity, incentive, inspiration, impulse, purpose, challenges, encouragement: These are immense parts of a strong person. There is a program that is located in the State of Texas that helps the teens who need that little extra help to overcome obstacles. It is called Texas Challenge Academy, formally known as Seaborne Challenge Corps, and it is located in Sheffield, Texas. What exactly is Texas Challenge Academy? The Texas Challenge Academy (TCA) is a volunteer program for 16 to 18 year old teens that are at risk of dropping out or that have already dropped out of high school. The program is open to all students, without regard to race, sex, religious affiliation or household income. The program requires a 17 1/2 month commitment and is divided into three phases: Pre-Challenge, a two week period where staff works with new teens to see if they have the right stuff to become cadets. Phase Two is Challenge where cadets enter a 5 1/2 month residential stay in Sheffield, and Phase Three is where cadets are mentored over 12 months period in their home communities after graduation. It is important to know that Texas Challenge Academy has no military obligation for the students. It is not a juvenile detention center or a court ordered boot camp. It's not affiliated with the Texas Department of Justice nor a drug or alcohol treatment center.One young man felt he needed to enter this program and he applied. In January of 2012, Michael Miller, of San Saba, went to Sheffield to be one of 120 cadets. Out of all those who entered, only around 74 were able to complete the 5 1/2 month stay. He had to get up early to do a lot of Physical Training in the morning hours and spend afternoons doing studies to have lights out at eight in the evening. During that stay, he was only able to have a five minute phone call once a week and only see his family and friends that were not in the program twice during the whole duration of his stay.June 23, of 2012, Michael Miller walked across the stage with gratification and dignity. Michael Miller, we are proud of you and eager to see you go on with your future desires. Like you've heard many times from a family member, "Get 'R' Done." Congratulations, young man, from many.If anyone is interested in knowing more about the Texas Challenge Academy, all you need to do is go to the website at http://www.ngycp.org/site/state/tx or call (877) 822-0050.