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More than a hundred cadets graduate from Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy

The academy serves older teenagers who dropped out or are at risk of dropping out of high school.

BOISE, Idaho — In front of a very proud audience, 124 cadets defied expectations and graduated from the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy on Friday afternoon. 

"It's given me so much more than just credits for school," 16-year-old Isaac Puga said.

The academy, located in Pierce, Idaho in Clearwater County, is part of the Idaho Military Division. The quasi-military program serves older teenagers who dropped out or are at-risk of dropping out of high school. 

Puga said he went from a .1 GPA to a 4.0. 

"To me, it's been kind of a second home for me," Puga said. "I came into the academy in foster care," Puga said. "And I got to know one of my cadre really well, and his parents … they actually ended up finding out about my situation and adopted me … so now, I have a family here to support me."

Another graduate, Vince Carson, said while the academy is a lot of hard work and takes a lot of grit, it is worth it. 

Not only did Carson also graduate with a 4.0, he was awarded Cadet of the Cycle, which is given to one "exemplary" cadet.

"If I'd never gone to the academy," he said, "I would have never gotten the opportunities I've had. And I just think it's one of the greatest things that I've ever done." 

The academy started about a decade ago. After Friday, more than 2,000 Idaho teenagers have graduated in total.

Program Coordinator Guy Bonner called the academy a "glimmer of hope" for so many. 

"Those decisions that they have made getting there, they figure out new ways to make decisions," he said. "And so, I just really appreciate the things that they learn, and you see it on their faces when they graduate."

While less than 10% of graduates go into the military, Carson said he is headed to the Army. 

Puga still needs to finish high school. He plans on enlisting in the Marines and becoming an engineer.

"Knowing what I'm going to do with my life now just makes me so much more confident," he said. "I'm proud of everyone that made it here, honestly. They're all amazing people, and I'm really proud of them."

The academy, which has a waitlist, holds graduation every six months. The next one will be in North Idaho.

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