GOVERNOR HONORS YOUTH CHALLENGE GRADUATES

December 22 - Governor Lingle attended the graduation ceremony for the Hawai‘i National Guard Youth Challenge Academy, which provides 16- to 18-year-old “at-risk” students a second chance to obtain their high school diploma by redirecting their lives through an alternative school, based on a military model for organization and discipline. 

The Governor congratulated the cadets for their initiative to take control of their lives by participating in the program.

"Each of you has shown character by deciding to go through the academy," Governor Lingle told the class of 90 cadets.  "In doing this," she added, "you have given your family the greatest gift of all."

The Hawai‘i National Guard Youth Challenge Academy is a voluntary program that stresses academic preparation, leadership development, mentoring, physical fitness, and post-graduate placement in jobs, continued education and/or military career.