We are now accepting preteens
We are now accepting preteens, 10-12 year olds, into the program. Over the years we have received many requests for this. We are now prepared with the addition on our new, preteen friendly, Optimist sailboats. We also added a floating dock, pictured, that makes it idea for launching the sailboats and instructing preteens while they are in the boat by themselves. The single sail boats shown in the pictures are our new Optimist sailboats.
News about
Challenge the Wind Graduates
Challenge the Wind Graduates
John Garrett
John, who goes by the nick name "Capt'n Jack, when he is on a sailboat, was recognized by the Urban League and Southwest Airlines for his outstanding achievements.
CELEBRATING YOUTH WHO “DO THE RIGHT THING” AWARDS
History of the “Do The Right Thing” Awards
In 1996, the National Urban League launched a nation-wide initiative to celebrate young people who are achieving in schools, church, their communities, etc. Everyday, millions of youth are trying their very best to “do the right thing,” yet their stories are seldom told. Subsequently, not enough adults or media acknowledge the positive contributions and behaviors young people make in our community. The Urban League of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan’s Celebrating Youth who “Do The Right Thing” Award is designed to acknowledge these young people for setting a positive example for their peers and their contributions to making our community a better place to live.
"As I reflect on how I’ve “beat the odds”, I’m proud of what I have accomplished at such a young age and what I didn’t realize was possible without my father in my life. My goal is to use basketball, academics, aviation and sailing as mechanisms to receive a full ride scholarship to a D1 university of my choosing. I will mentor African American boys being raised by single moms through the Homie Book Club that my mom started for me when I was 13, continue to pursue experiential learning experiences through travel and graduate high school with at least a 3.5 G.P.A. As a new member of the Detroit Urban League’s College Club, I will share my experiences with my fellow club members, serve as a motivational speaker and continue to “say yes” to opportunities such as the Urban League’s “Do the Right Thing"". - John Garrett
History of the “Do The Right Thing” Awards
In 1996, the National Urban League launched a nation-wide initiative to celebrate young people who are achieving in schools, church, their communities, etc. Everyday, millions of youth are trying their very best to “do the right thing,” yet their stories are seldom told. Subsequently, not enough adults or media acknowledge the positive contributions and behaviors young people make in our community. The Urban League of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan’s Celebrating Youth who “Do The Right Thing” Award is designed to acknowledge these young people for setting a positive example for their peers and their contributions to making our community a better place to live.
"As I reflect on how I’ve “beat the odds”, I’m proud of what I have accomplished at such a young age and what I didn’t realize was possible without my father in my life. My goal is to use basketball, academics, aviation and sailing as mechanisms to receive a full ride scholarship to a D1 university of my choosing. I will mentor African American boys being raised by single moms through the Homie Book Club that my mom started for me when I was 13, continue to pursue experiential learning experiences through travel and graduate high school with at least a 3.5 G.P.A. As a new member of the Detroit Urban League’s College Club, I will share my experiences with my fellow club members, serve as a motivational speaker and continue to “say yes” to opportunities such as the Urban League’s “Do the Right Thing"". - John Garrett
Southwest Airlines 2017 Continuing the Legacy in Aviation Program, Dallas Texas
John at the Southwest Airlines award ceremony with Tuskegee Airmen Col Hardy standing and Lt Col Ashby red jacket. And yes, preparing to take flight.
Three metro-Detroit high school students were selected to participate in the Southwest Airlines 2017 Continuing the Legacy in Aviation (CTA) program. The program was held at the Southwest Airlines campus in Dallas, TX from October 26-29, 2017.
These students were nominated by the Detroit Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., and were chosen for their student accomplishments and a 250-word essay explaining their personal fascination and aspiration in aviation.
This is a special invitation to honor the legacy of the Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen (DOTAs). These students will interact with Southwest Leaders, aviation equipment, and attend the National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinement Dinner.
John Garrett is an 11th grader at #9 2018 Best Public High Schools in Michigan, Groves High School in Birmingham. He is a participating member in the Tuskegee Airmen/Young Eagles AirVenture Aviation program, a certified Coach/Skipper in the Challenge the Wind Sailing Program and completed the Engineered 4 Success Summer Diversity Workshop at University of Kentucky.
When John was 4, he went on his first flight. On that flight, he got to visit the cockpit where he learned from the pilots that engine power is what allows them to fly through the air. This sparked his desire to know how airplanes worked and how to fly them. He’s had a fascination in aviation ever since.
At age 13, he joined “Challenge the Wind Youth Sailing” where he learned to sail. In this program, he was taught the US Sailing standard curriculum. Three years later, he is now a certified Coach/Skipper.
This year John was invited to the Tuskegee Airmen’s Young Eagles program. Not knowing what to expect, he was surprised when told he would have the opportunity to fly a plane. As he sat in a plane, John was amazed to learn that sailing and flying use similar concepts. John’s co-pilot, Dr. Michael Nutt, said he did “very well.” So, when asked by Dr. Brian Smith if he wanted to attend the Young Eagles AirVenture Aviation ground school, he said an emphatic “Yes!”
The Southwest Airlines 10th Continuing the Legacy in Aviation Program will provide a great opportunity for John to learn more about aviation so his dreams and aspirations of becoming a successful mechanical engineer will come true.
These students were nominated by the Detroit Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., and were chosen for their student accomplishments and a 250-word essay explaining their personal fascination and aspiration in aviation.
This is a special invitation to honor the legacy of the Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen (DOTAs). These students will interact with Southwest Leaders, aviation equipment, and attend the National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinement Dinner.
John Garrett is an 11th grader at #9 2018 Best Public High Schools in Michigan, Groves High School in Birmingham. He is a participating member in the Tuskegee Airmen/Young Eagles AirVenture Aviation program, a certified Coach/Skipper in the Challenge the Wind Sailing Program and completed the Engineered 4 Success Summer Diversity Workshop at University of Kentucky.
When John was 4, he went on his first flight. On that flight, he got to visit the cockpit where he learned from the pilots that engine power is what allows them to fly through the air. This sparked his desire to know how airplanes worked and how to fly them. He’s had a fascination in aviation ever since.
At age 13, he joined “Challenge the Wind Youth Sailing” where he learned to sail. In this program, he was taught the US Sailing standard curriculum. Three years later, he is now a certified Coach/Skipper.
This year John was invited to the Tuskegee Airmen’s Young Eagles program. Not knowing what to expect, he was surprised when told he would have the opportunity to fly a plane. As he sat in a plane, John was amazed to learn that sailing and flying use similar concepts. John’s co-pilot, Dr. Michael Nutt, said he did “very well.” So, when asked by Dr. Brian Smith if he wanted to attend the Young Eagles AirVenture Aviation ground school, he said an emphatic “Yes!”
The Southwest Airlines 10th Continuing the Legacy in Aviation Program will provide a great opportunity for John to learn more about aviation so his dreams and aspirations of becoming a successful mechanical engineer will come true.
Dwight Ellis Jr.
In 2016 Dwight participated in Challenge the Wind as a beginner. Later in the fall he joined his school's sailing team at Detroit Country Day School. "Because of his experience with Challenge the Wind he was able to enter Country Day's program with confidence." said Dwight's grandmother. She added "He was welcomed by the upper school students and was the only middle school student on the team."
Below is a picture of Dwight as crew and his captain, in red cap, after competing in his first school regatta held at the Pontiac Yacht Club in October 2016.
Below is a picture of Dwight as crew and his captain, in red cap, after competing in his first school regatta held at the Pontiac Yacht Club in October 2016.
Selena Cade
In 2016 Selena participated in her second year with Challenge the Wind and earned her US Sailing Certification. Later in the summer while vacationing up north, Selena convinced her mom to go out for a sail. Selena's brave mom sent us an amazing video of their mother daughter adventure. The video will definitely have you smiling as mom narrates the action with Selena behind her at the helm. You can see the video at the Challenge the Wind Facebook page.
With Selena's enthusiasm, courage and skills, I can see her instructing others to sail in a few years.
With Selena's enthusiasm, courage and skills, I can see her instructing others to sail in a few years.
Christian Johnson
Christian, a 2013 graduate of Challenge the Wind, is finishing up his Junior year at North Carolina A&T.
Christian has been named a Thurgood Marshall - Apple HBCU Scholar in recognition of his academic achievements. Last month Christian participated in an Apple HBCU Immersion experience in Cupertino, California. This summer he will intern with Apple in California as well as receive on-going coaching and guidance from an experienced Apple employee.
It is also worth mentioning that during his 2013 CTW experience, Christian volunteered, before and after the class, with the daily prep, helping to accomplish his National Honor Student volunteer requirements. We got to know Christian better while sailing together and look forward to hearing about his future accomplishments.
Christian has been named a Thurgood Marshall - Apple HBCU Scholar in recognition of his academic achievements. Last month Christian participated in an Apple HBCU Immersion experience in Cupertino, California. This summer he will intern with Apple in California as well as receive on-going coaching and guidance from an experienced Apple employee.
It is also worth mentioning that during his 2013 CTW experience, Christian volunteered, before and after the class, with the daily prep, helping to accomplish his National Honor Student volunteer requirements. We got to know Christian better while sailing together and look forward to hearing about his future accomplishments.
