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By the Indiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, is pleased to announce that Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman, will be the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony of the third class from the Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy, a division of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program.
This graduation ceremony will be conducted Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Franklin Community High School, 2600 Cumberland Drive, Franklin, Indiana at 10 a.m.
The National Guard Youth Challenge Program, a voluntary, preventive program designed to give at-risk youth a second chance, began in 1993. This class of 54 cadets is the third class to graduate from the residential phase of the new Indiana program which began on July 8, 2007.
"We are excited to see our third group of cadet's graduate with a focus on becoming productive young citizens of Indiana. The academy would not have been possible without the great support of Governor Mitch Daniels, the State Budget Committee and the State Legislators." stated Maj. Gen. Umbarger. "After visiting the academy several times during this class, it is rewarding each time to see their growth and change since starting the program. They have grown in so many ways that I think they amaze themselves with what they have been able to accomplish."
The 17.5 month volunteer program is at no cost for at-risk teens and has three phases with the first two phases being in residence in a "quasi-military" environment at the academy.
The 5.5-month residential phase provides training for the cadets in the program's eight core components: academic excellence (with the objective of obtaining a GED), life coping skills, job skills, service to community, physical fitness, health and hygiene, leadership and followership and responsible citizenship.
"These cadets have gained respect, values, discipline and focus while here at the academy" said retired Col. Wayne Hill, director of the Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy. "They learned to live by a cadet creed while here which if they continue will assist them in becoming productive citizens of Indiana. As these youth have become young ladies and gentlemen they have earned the respect of their friends, families and me. On December 20, 2008, I will be proud to present this graduating class of young men and women to the State of Indiana."
| Date Taken: | 12.18.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 12.18.2008 09:07 |
| Story ID: | 27843 |
| Location: | INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 145 |
| Downloads: | 130 |
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