New Jersey Youth Corps of Phillipsburg celebrates 10-year anniversary with program alumni

PHILLIPSBURG | Ten years ago, Michelle Bess took a chance on a program that was taking a chance on young people.

The New Jersey Youth Corps of Phillipsburg was in its first year when town resident Bess, now 28, decided to try for her GED through the education and community service program.

Program Director Michael Muckle said Bess was among the first 12 students to take the leap with the youth corps, a program that offers troubled youth paid community service and a chance to earn their high school diploma equivalent.

At the local youth corps' 10th anniversary celebration Friday in Walters Park, Bess had no trouble expressing her gratitude to the program that boosted her confidence and drive.

"The program is just very encouraging," she said.

Bess later became involved in service-based AmeriCorps and is pursuing a paralegal career.

"The program is definitely in an area that needs it," she said. "It's ideal. It's just ideal."

Standing before dozens of Phillipsburg youth corps students from the past and present clad in bright-yellow shirts at Friday's celebration, Muckle told them, "Everyone here has played a part in letting me see what's possible in this world."

"I didn't think 10 years would go by so quickly," Muckle said later. "It's a humbling thing when you see kids come to you needing the help they do."

For students who feel like "square pegs in round holes," Muckle said the youth corps has acted as a successful alternative to the normal routine.

Muckle credited much of the founding of New Jersey Youth Corps to retired Army Maj. George Paffendorf. Paffendorf, in attendance Friday, said students regularly come back to share their triumphs.

"It's nice when they come back," he said. "They don't forget their roots."

For A.J. Teat, 22, of Phillipsburg, Friday's celebration brought in alumni he'd heard countless stories about. Teat has been a part of the youth corps since December 2006 and has since become a staff member for the organization.

"This program is unlike anything else in the area," he said. "It's hands-on and the staff gives 110 percent all the time."

Teat said he plans to go to college and obtain a business administration degree, but said he'll never forget those at the youth corps who pushed him toward success.