GREEN COVE SPRINGS – AMI Kids of Clay County celebrated the graduation of three students last Monday. But that isn’t the only thing new at the national, nonprofit school-based prevention program dedicated to increasing students’ academic success, eliminating high-risk behavior problems and preparing them for the business world. They are taught the responsibilities of being a positive male figure in the family and community.

Paul Fry was hired as AMI’s Career Coordinator in March, transitioning from his former position as a teacher and ESE Behavioral Specialist at Green Cove Springs Junior High. Fry said he is enjoying his new role and thriving in the position. He has many duties, but one true purpose: to help students prepare for the real world in any way possible.

“I work with them in (any way) to help them get their careers started. They are usually clueless about how to do it and too young for employment. It helps them get prepared for understanding their real-world needs,” he said.

That included mock interviews conducted via the “trial by fire” method. Three representatives from the UF-IFAS Extension or others not associated with AMI’s staff.

“We do it because it gives them real-world experience. We put (the program) all together by doing that,” Fry said.

He is just one of the many moving parts of the hardworking staff that’s required to tend to students who are not in legal trouble but have experienced behavioral problems in school.

 Executive Director Maria Przybylski, a New York native who relocated from Fort Walton Beach to establish the new program in the county, provided her definition of the prevention program. She said boys could end up in the school by participating in actions such as fighting or being written up for several referrals.

“They’re not on probation or anything, and they haven’t broken the law. Maybe they got nixed in teen court or something like that,” she said.

When the unruly students arrive at the school, they are treated with care and respect, but the rules, including mandatory uniforms, are enforced. Students are searched in the morning. Vape pens and cell phones aren’t allowed.

“But we love them and discipline them in a way where they learn some self-esteem,” Przybylski said.

AMI’s ranking system mimics the military, with captains, lieutenants, warrant officers, petty officers, seamen and recruits all currently undergoing “training” at the prevention program, which the schools district and Department of Juvenile Justice partially fund.

Only captains are allowed to wear clothes of their choice, a reward for their hard work. Along with regular school grades, the school uses a point-card system. The ranking system and point card system are all part of AMI’s “Behavior Modification program,” designed to weaken and eliminate antisocial behaviors, benefit the children and allow them to return to traditional schools.

Students also benefit through mentoring and treatment, Przybylski said.

Practicing “social skills” is another essential aspect of the program. Part of it means when a visitor, like a guest speaker, arrives at the classroom, students are required to greet and welcome them, maintaining solid eye contact and a firm handshake.

Days begin early and are long and tiring. Five vans pick up the 44 boys each morning, so there’s no excuse for skipping classes. Attendance is at least 95%, according to Przybylski. In the meantime, the boys are completing community service for the Food Pantry of Green Cove Springs and other organizations. One of the volunteer requirements include tending to the garden.

The environment compares to a military school, but there’s plenty of fun, too. On a recent summer trip, Fry and another employee were able to take three students on a SCUBA diving trip at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in the Florida Keys.

“That’s a life-changing experience,” he said.

AMI visited the South Carolina Low Country to participate in competitions against other programs. The leisure field trip wasn’t Michael Queen’s favorite experience.

A hands-on experience with Green Cove Springs’ Vallencourt Construction made a significant impression on him.

Queen was one of the graduates last week.

The experience gave him a feel of what a future career in the construction industry could look like. There are many other career fields and real-world experiences that AMI exposes children to through their program. Educational opportunities are immense. Students can receive Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10-hour career training courses, which are available online. They can also become craft professionals through the National Center of Construction and Research. These are just two of several potential paths that students can take.

Students can earn Food Handler certifications from the National Restaurant Association and local restaurant associations. They will also have the opportunity to acquire healthcare and information technology certifications.

AMI also educates students on tax credits, Queen said. It’s just another helpful thing today’s youth could learn. When walking through the doors of AMI, students choose a career path, charting their ideal goals for the future.

AMI’s program generally takes between 10 and 15 months.

Queen entered as an eighth grader and will exit as a sophomore. He said he has changed for the better.

“When I first came in, I thought it would be hard, but I realized that the smaller setting was better than a public school. Having fewer students makes it easier to focus on assignments. It helped me a lot,” he said.

After graduation, the 10th grader plans to lock in on his business plans for a clothing brand. Queen will attend Fleming Island High, where he will run track and try out for the varsity basketball team to earn a scholarship at UCLA, hopefully.

“It’s actually amazing here. You can do a lot of fun things here,” he said.

Queen will graduate alongside his friend, Dominque King, who started the program as an eighth grader and will exit as a junior. The prevention program completely shifted King’s mindset and kickstarted his plans for the future.

“When I started here, I just came in with a really bad mindset. (Early on), my grades were really low, and now, I’m finally finishing up, and my mindset has changed. I realized everything that needs to get done. It’s helped me focus more on my goals and future,” he said.

King isn’t sure whether he will attend Fleming Island or check into classes virtually, but either way, the 11th grader has a bright future.

“I want to go to a trade school or college to earn my business degree and open an auto mechanic shop,” he said.

Przbylski said all graduating classes are unique and are celebrated once they leave campus.

“You always celebrate (those students) returning to regular schools because they worked really, really, hard over time,” Przybylski said.

After graduation, the AMI family remains intact forever. Przbylski pointed to a photo at a Jacksonville Jaguars game with a group of children hugging her. The picture includes both current and former students. It’s just one example of a get-together between students and alums.

“They’re still part of our family. We follow them forever. We also try to get them in a vocational mindset and have a great relationship with Vallencourt Construction and other businesses in the community. It gives them a vision,” she said.