Wisconsin youth graduate Challenge Academy, focus on future

By Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue
Wisconsin National Guard

More than 100 young adults - from 38 Wisconsin counties - celebrated an important milestone in their lives as they officially graduated from the first phase of the Wisconsin National Guard Youth Challenge Program during an official ceremony Saturday (Dec. 17) in Mauston, Wis.

Senior Wisconsin National Guard leaders, Challenge Academy staff, family, friends and spectators left standing room only in the Mauston High School gymnasium as each young man and woman took center stage in celebration of their accomplishments.

"Most people strive to be good," said Kevin Krueger, Challenge Academy acting director. "Cadets, you're on track to be brilliant."

The graduates - ranging from 16 to 18 years old - have taken a concerning label of "at-risk youth" and have transformed their progress in life to that of success and promise.

"We have made such a positive step in the right direction," said Raymond Skudlark, of Athelstane, Wis., and Class 27's honor graduate. "We all have the tools to do great things."

Eighty eight of the 103 graduating cadets earned their high school equivalency diploma (HSED). In addition to scholastic success, each cadet received Red Cross certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid. Each cadet also received lessons in philanthropy and community service as the graduating class logged more than 7,000 hours of service work.

The cadets now enter into the 12-month post-residential phase of the program where cadets are encouraged to enter higher education or enter the military. This phase matches each cadet with a mentor from their local community.

"The mentor is there to help the cadets with whatever they have chosen to do," said Mary DeWitt, Challenge Academy admission coordinator. "We also keep in touch with them over the next 12 months and continue to be a resource."

The goal of the program - by the end of the two-phase, 17-month program - is to have provided graduates with "values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as productive citizens."

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin and the ceremony's keynote speaker, told the cadets they are on their way to reaching that goal.

"They call this commencement for a reason ... it's just the beginning," Dunbar said."Cherish this moment - you've earned it."