The 71st class of the Oregon Youth Guard Challenge graduated in a formal ceremony at the Riverhouse Convention Center in Bend. The program, which operates as an extension of the National Guard, offers youth a second chance if they’re struggling with school or other problems.
Program Overview
Upon enrolling, students become ‘cadets’ and are rigorously trained and drilled, on top of attending classes. For the duration of the program, they live on site in barracks with other students. The curriculum is designed to foster personal responsibility alongside physical improvement.
Graduating cadets reflected on their journey within the program. Gabriel Tacia, a team leader, said, ‘I’ve learned a lot of different things. From the beginning, I didn’t take this place seriously and I just wanted to go home. But now, like, I’ve gained a lot of new brothers and friends and I’ve never been as smart, I think.’ Tacia thanked one of his teachers, Mr. Yutes, for telling him to stick with it when he felt like quitting.
Eli Hess, another cadet, is joining the Army National Guard following his graduation. Hess said the program didn’t just change his path, it saved him: ‘If I didn’t go to the challenge… (if I didn’t) join the challenge and go to the program… I’d probably be arrested or dead. So it’s a good thing,’ Hess said.
Keira Rodriguez, a graduating cadet, encouraged others to focus on the long-term benefits of the program. ‘Definitely. Just think about the end goal, because it’s all worth it, in the end. Time is going to fly by,’ Rodriguez said. Rodriguez said her experience was actually fun in the end.
Post-Graduation Plans
Cadets leaving the Oregon Youth Guard Challenge pursue a variety of different directions. Some work to earn a G.E.D. or are planning to attend college. Other graduates return to high school to pick up where they left off. A rare few are so inspired by the program’s discipline and order that they choose to enlist in the armed forces.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
