Youth Challenge cadets rose to the challenge

ALEXANDRIA - The Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program at Camp Minden in Minden, graduated 126 cadets Saturday, January 30, at the First Baptist Church of Minden. Special guests included Representative Henry Burns, Representative Jean Doerge, Mr. James Hill III, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army – Louisiana, and Brigadier General Brod J. Veillon, Director of Educational Programs.

Cadet of the Cycle Eddie Pikes of Baker, summed up the 22 week program saying. “Every cadet here is different from one another, but through hard times and challenging experiences, we were taught to cope with stress, put forth effort, and accomplish any task at hand by motivation, determination, and teamwork”. Cadet Pikes was one of eight cadets who achieved the rank of five star. The other five star cadets were Henry LeBoeuf, of Houma, Barry Tripp of West Monroe, Nicholas Jackson of Youngsville, Cody Romero of New Iberia, Stetson West of Bastrop, Brittany Lee of Zachary, and Taylor Watkins of Lake Charles.

The valedictorian was Nicholas Jackson of Youngsville and the Salutatorian was Courtney Jones of Shreveport.

Eight cadets enlisted in the LA National Guard, Amanda Ary of Denham Springs, Antonio Guzman of Abita Springs, Chris Heard of Princeton, Willie Issac of Kenner, Brittany Lee of Zachary, Cody Oglesby of Minden, Justin Rachal of Pineville and Taylor Watkins of Lake Charles. All eight enlistees will receive free tuition to the state college of his or her choice.

The National Guard Youth Foundation is a non-profit organization established to support the work of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program through a variety of projects including scholarships for worthy cadet graduates. Four cadets in the post residential phase attending college or technical college received a scholarship from the National Guard Youth Foundation. The former cadets met the criteria of being in good standing with their school and the Youth Challenge Post Residential Department. Each of the recipients will receive a check payable to their educational institute for $1000.00 for payment on basic tuition, books, supplies and room and board. The recipients were Jacqueline Atencio and Michael Bruna of Alexandria, Ryan Stroder of Kinder and Hannah Sweeney of Mandeville.

The LifeScholars Scholarship for $500.00 was awarded to Cadet Kiera Oby of Baton Rouge. The American Legion Patriotism award went to Cadets Corey Carias of Gretna and Karlie Lantier of Carencro.

Mr. Gary J. Mackles was selected as Mentor of the Cycle for Class 2008-2. Mr. Mackles will receive the Louisiana Outstanding Citizen’s Award for his efforts.

The Post Residential Guest Speaker was former Cadet Jacqueline Atencio of Alexandria, LA. She is a full time student at LSUA pursuing a degree in communications.

As a group the class participated in over 6800 hours of community service working with Habitat for Humanity, Louisiana Blood Services and feeding the homeless at the Shreveport /Bossier Shelter to name a few.

In closing Cadet Pikes told the graduates “Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground. Let go of the past and go for the future. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you imagined.”

The following cadets are from the local area:
Cory T. Basco of St. Landry