Hometown Military News for June 17, 2016:
142 cadets graduate Lincoln’s Challenge Academy
SPRINGFIELD – More than 140 Cadets graduated from the Rantoul-based Lincoln’s ChalleNGe Academy during a ceremony at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield June 10.
LCA is one of the most successful youth challenge programs in the nation. Approximately 75 percent of LCA graduates earn a graduate equivalency diplomas (GED), compared to the Illinois state average of 53 percent. Lincoln’s ChalleNGe consists of a 22-week residential phase conducted in a quasi-military environment followed by a 12-month post-residential phase when the cadets return to their communities and are paired with a mentor.
“It was an honor to speak at the Lincoln’s Challenge Academy’s graduation and I am very proud of each one of them,” said keynote speaker, Brig. Gen. Paul, the Assistant Adjutant General, Illinois National Guard. “It took a conscious decision for each of them to enroll in this program and I hope this will be a springboard to their successful futures.”
Noah Rogers was among the graduates who earned a GED.
“I plan to attend community college and join the United States Marines after this,” said Rogers.
Rogers said he joined LCA after two cousins, who graduated from the academy, encouraged him to give it a try.
“I have never tried at other schools,” said Rogers. “Coming here and giving it my best and succeeding feels really good.”
Rogers was the Valedictorian of his class and was also awarded the leadership award.
“It’s an amazing feeling to win these awards, I tried my hardest in class every day,” said Rogers. “I was trying to be a role model for others because I thought that if they saw me doing stuff that they would start doing it too.”
LCA Director Peter Thomas said he hopes the graduates hold onto the principles they were taught at the academy.
“These graduates found the strength, walked the path and I am thrilled to say that they succeeded,” said Thomas. “These graduates will be the leaders of tomorrow and I hope they will continue to reach for stars.”
Graduates who were awarded scholarships:
Noah Rogers – 1,000 dollars from Health Net
Ariyan Harrington – 1,000 dollars from Health Net
Janelle Collins – 1,000 dollars from BBQT Scholarship
Tamia Creed and Teun Sims – 500 dollars from the National Guard Youth Foundation
Stephanie Campos and Dean Funk – 500 dollar scholarship from the DNDC Telephone
Awarded Cadets:
Noah Rogers – Valedictorian, Academic and Leadership Award
Ariyan Harrington – Solitarian
Knock Out Drill Award – Jeremy Watson
U.S. Air Force Airman Brent A. Brucker
U.S. Air Force Airman Brent A. Brucker graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Brucker is the son of Beth and Daniel Brucker of Ellsworth. He is a 2015 graduate of Tri-Valley High School, Downs.
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