Cadets of Lincoln’s Challenge Academy walk across the stage

Posted on November 1, 2021
90 cadets from around the state received their diplomas. (Photo courtesy: Heart of Illinois ABC)

By Heart of Illinois ABC

NORMAL – An education program based in Illinois works to put teens on the right track toward success and Saturday, students of Lincoln’s Challenge Academy walked across the stage at Illinois State University’s Bone Student Center to graduate.

LCA works with young men and women ages 16 to 18 during a 17 month program to teach teens about service to the community, life skills, physical training, computer literacy and other team activities to prepare them for life after high school and college.

90 cadets from around the state received their diplomas.

More than 50 GEDs were awarded and over $14,000 in scholarships.

“It’s probably been one of the most exciting months I’ve had in the challenge academy seeing placement, instructors, security, everyone taking kids for jobs,” director of LCA Michael Haerr said during the ceremony.

17 of those graduates plan to enlist in the military while others plan on starting their first semester of college in the fall.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected].

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