Lincoln's ChalleNGe Academy Graduates 303 New Cadets

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (12/16/2013)(readMedia)-- On Dec.15, 303 cadets graduated from Lincoln's ChalleNGe Academy (LCA), an Illinois National Guard administered program for at-risk youth. The ceremony for the Rantoul-based program was held at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Ill.

LCA, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in July, is one of the most successful youth challenge programs in the nation. Approximately 75 percent of LCA graduates earn their graduate equivalency diplomas, compared to the Illinois state average of 53 percent. LCA graduates can now return to their communities and demonstrate the success of this "second chance program." 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.

Since 1993, 13,694 cadets have graduated the program.

Photo 1: Cadet Marquis Freeman, a member of the Lincoln's Challenge honor guard , salutes the flag during the national anthem at the Lincoln's ChalleNGe Academy commencement ceremony for Class 41-13 Dec. 15 in Springfield, Ill. (Illinois Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Shelly Stark/183rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

Photo 2: Cadet Destinee Orosco is presented a $1,000 National Guard Youth Foundation Scholarship by Brig. Gen. William Cobetto of Hillsboro, Ill., Assistant Adjutant General for the Illinois National Guard. The scholarship was presented during the graduation ceremony of Lincoln's Challenge Academy Dec. 15 in Springfield, Ill. (Illinois Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Shelly Stark/183rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

Photo 3: Salutatorian Cadet Yvette Ramirez of Chicago is congratulated by Illinois Air National Guard Col. Steven Baggerly of Springfield, Ill., Chief of Staff for the Illinois Air National Guard, after receiving her diploma at the Lincoln's ChalleNGe Academy's commencement ceremony Dec.15 in Springfield, Ill. (Illinois Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Shelly Stark/183rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

Photo 4: Cadets at the Lincoln's ChalleNGe Academy's commencement ceremony for Class 41-13 throw their caps in the air in celebration Dec. 15 after graduating the 22-week program. (Illinois Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Shelly Stark/183rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

For high resolution photos, please contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at ng.il.ilarng.list.staff-pao@mail.mil or 217-761-3569.

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