Michael Royal, a General Education Development program Math Teacher at the Fort Gordon Youth Academy, allows Kyle Chapman to shave his head after the cadet became the first to earn a perfect score of 800 on his math GED exam. Bonnie Heater/Fort Gordon Public Affairs The Fort Gordon Youth Challenge Academy recently reached a milestone. For the first time since the academy opened in September 2000, a cadet earned a perfect score on the General Education Development exam in mathematics.

The academy celebrated not with a party, but in a very unique way. In front of YCA cadets, cadres, instructors, and staff, Michael Royal, an YCA GED Math teacher, lost his full head of hair on the YCA campus physical training field.

Royal put a challenge out to his students 12 years ago and every year since in hopes of motivating them to achieve their best. “In my class if you get an 800 [perfect score] on the math portion of the GED I’ll let you shave my head,” promised Royal. Early in January Cadet Kyle Chapman of the third platoon at YCA accomplished the impossible. He earned a perfect score. “It blew me out of the water when I was told in formation the good news,” said Chapman. “I knew about the long standing agreement, but I thought I’d just get a lunch I didn’t think I really get to shave my teacher’s hair off.

“I took this challenge on because I wanted to better my life and prove to my family and friends that I could better myself,” said the cadet. Chapman didn’t expect to earn a perfect score, but he applied himself to the task. “I studied equations and general principles,” said the cadet. “The Pythagorean Theorem was a bit of a challenge for me to master, but with practice I learned it.”

After the teacher’s grayish locks were shaved off and lying on the floor, Royal spoke to the cadets of all four platoons. “You all have done really well in the classroom,” he said. “Graduation is just around the corner. Don’t lose your focus. Some of you have your GEDs; the rest of you have to finish yours. This is a team effort!”

Royal then turned to Chapman, shook his hand and said, “That was the most enjoyable haircut I ever had.” He’s only concern was what his wife would think about the haircut. “My wife doesn’t have a clue what she’ll see tonight,” said Royal.

The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program is a voluntary intervention program open to 16- and 18 – year old high school dropout who are looking for a way to change their lives through education, community service, physical fitness and life skills training, according to Janet Zimmerman, the YCA director. “The 17-month program helps young people earn their GED, enroll in college, enter the workforce or join the military,” said Zimmerman. “The Fort Gordon Youth Challenge Academy will graduate more than 200 Georgia cadets, all having gained the opportunity to improve their lives through higher education.”

This class of cadets is expected to graduate 3 p.m. March 3 at the Bell Auditorium in downtown Augusta. Chapman plans to be the first in his family to go college and earn a master’s degree. Later, he wants to join the military and eventually own a small business.