Brig. Gen. Gary L. Ebben, Wisconsin’s deputy adjutant general for Air, presents cadet Isaiah Roundtree of Beloit, Wis., with the distinguished honor graduate award during the Challenge Academy graduation Saturday, June 16 at Necedah High School. One hundred cadets, from 38 counties, successfully completed a 22-week in-residence training designed to re-shape and positively affect the lives of at-risk-16-to-18-year-olds through using a structured, military-style, environment with state-certified educators and counselors to build cadets’ academic abilities, character, self-confidence, and personal discipline. Wisconsin National Guard photo by Spc. Jared Saathoff
The graduating cadets successfully completed a 22-week in-residence program designed to re-shape and positively affect the lives of at-risk-16-to-18-year-olds using a structured, military-style environment with state-certified educators and counselors to build cadets’ academic abilities, character, self-confidence, and personal discipline.
Brig. Gen. Gary L. Ebben, Wisconsin’s deputy adjutant general for Air, presents cadet Savana Amble of Lodi, Wis., with an award for platoon honor graduate during the Challenge Academy graduation Saturday, June 16 at Necedah High School. One hundred cadets, from 38 counties, successfully completed a 22-week in-residence training designed to re-shape and positively affect the lives of at-risk-16-to-18-year-olds through using a structured, military-style, environment with state-certified educators and counselors to build cadets’ academic abilities, character, self-confidence, and personal discipline. Wisconsin National Guard photo by Spc. Jared Saathoff
“This was the place to go for me,” said Isaiah Roundtree, Class 40’s Distinguished Honor Graduate from Beloit, Wisconsin. “I was raised better than I was acting, and I really needed to do better to accomplish my goals.
Members of the Challenge Academy Drill Team demonstrate their skills to guests attending a graduation ceremony Saturday, June 16 at the Necedah High School. One hundred cadets, from 38 counties, successfully completed a 22-week in-residence training designed to re-shape and positively affect the lives of at-risk-16-to-18-year-olds through using a structured, military-style, environment with state-certified educators and counselors to build cadets’ academic abilities, character, self-confidence, and personal discipline. Wisconsin National Guard photo by Spc. Jared Saathoff
Roundtree described a journey of redemption other Challenge Academy graduates have also experienced.
“I knew I needed to get my life back on track in order to be successful,” said Trey Brandenburg, a Challenge Academy Class 38 graduate attending this ceremony to be recognized for continued achievements maintaining the goals and values of the academy. “The self-discipline, confidence, and ability to motivate myself made it possible to not only achieve academic goals but reshaped who I am. It’s challenging — it’s hard to keep moving when you don’t want to.”
State Sen. Patrick Testin, Stevens Point, presents cadet Markus Anderson with his Certificate of Completion during the Challenge Academy graduation Saturday, June 16 at Necedah High School. One hundred cadets, from 38 counties, successfully completed a 22-week in-residence training designed to re-shape and positively affect the lives of at-risk-16-to-18-year-olds through using a structured, military-style, environment with state-certified educators and counselors to build cadets’ academic abilities, character, self-confidence, and personal discipline. Wisconsin National Guard photo by Spc. Jared Saathoff
The cadets are provided with local mentors for after they graduate and return home with the goal of helping the graduate maintain focus and continue to strive to be successful.
Command Sgt. Maj. Rafael Conde, the Wisconsin Army National Guard's top enlisted leader, presents cadet Samuel Whipple with an honor graduate award during the Challenge Academy graduation Saturday, June 16 at Necedah High School. One hundred cadets, from 38 counties, successfully completed a 22-week in-residence training designed to re-shape and positively affect the lives of at-risk-16-to-18-year-olds through using a structured, military-style, environment with state-certified educators and counselors to build cadets’ academic abilities, character, self-confidence, and personal discipline. Wisconsin National Guard photo by Spc. Jared Saathoff
The National Guard Youth Challenge Program currently operates 40 programs in 28 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. Nationwide, more than 145,000 teens have graduated. In Wisconsin more than 3,600 students have graduated, with more than 81 percent also earning their high school equivalency diploma while attending the Challenge Academy.
The Wisconsin Challenge Academy will begin its next class July 19. Applications are available for future classes by contacting the Challenge Academy at (866) 968-8422 or visiting their website.