(Dodge County) Several cadets from the area are graduating from the Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy. Two were from Reeseville, one from Randolph, another from Portage, and one from Waupun and Watertown.
The Challenge Academy re-shapes the lives of at-risk 16-to-18-year-olds. It uses a structured, military-style environment and state-certified teachers and counselors to build cadets’ academic abilities, character, self-confidence, and personal discipline. After graduating from the 22-week residential phase of academy training, cadets work with hometown mentors who offer guidance and encouragement in pursuing their new direction in life.
The National Guard Youth Challenge Program currently operates 41 programs in 30 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. Nationwide, more than 190,000 teens have graduated.
