Salute Race Raises Funds for Cadet Scholarships
More than 500 runners and walkers took part in the Salute Red, White and Blue race series at Camp Shelby to support the Youth Challenge Academy Foundation.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Philanthropy
Hundreds of people ran and walked at Camp Shelby on a Saturday morning in the second Salute Red, White and Blue 11K, 5K, and 11-miler to raise money for the Youth Challenge Academy Foundation. Proceeds will fund cadet scholarships for college or trade school.
Why it matters
The fundraiser supports cadets at the Mississippi National Guard's Youth Challenge Academy, helping them pay for continued education after graduation. Money raised through community events like this one helps the program offer scholarships to students moving on to higher education or trade training.
More than 500 runners and walkers participated, with a target of about $25,000 raised for the Youth Challenge Academy Foundation. Each eligible cadet may receive a scholarship of up to $2,000, though the total amount actually raised was not yet reported.
The players
John B. Stringer
Retired lieutenant colonel who serves as director of the Youth Challenge Academy, a Mississippi National Guard program that mentors at-risk teenagers toward graduation and further education.
Youth Challenge Academy Foundation
The nonprofit foundation supporting the Youth Challenge Academy by funding cadet scholarships for college or trade school.
The details
The race series, which included an 11K, a 5K, and an 11-miler, was held at Camp Shelby, Miss. The Foundation will use the funds to give up to $2,000 to cadets continuing their education in college or a trade.
Timeline
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026: Salute Red, White and Blue race held at Camp Shelby.
Philanthropy Context
Community-run fundraising races like this one provide a local revenue stream for the Youth Challenge Academy Foundation, which depends on donations to finance cadet scholarships. The event builds on the academy's model of pairing cadets with post-program education funding.
Cadets who complete the program may receive up to $2,000 toward college or trade school tuition. Residents who want to support the effort can enter future Salute races or donate to the Foundation.
The takeaway
Community races can turn everyday participation into direct funding for young people pursuing education after a structured youth program. Supporting events like this one helps extend the reach of programs that help cadets move from training into college or skilled work.
Further reading
For more on charitable giving efforts across the state, see Philanthropy coverage for Mississippi.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wdam.
