‘The real challenge starts now’: AMYA cadets celebrate graduation
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - The Alaska Military Youth Academy is celebrating its latest class of cadets.
On Dec. 11, 133 youth from across the state graduated from AMYA’s ChalleNGe program. Many cadets also earned GEDs in the process.
Director David McPhetres says the transformation of this class of cadets has been dramatic. Many come in unsure of what to expect.
“You get to see that bright look on their face from the kid that came in a little bit scared, to that kid that’s excited and proud of what they just accomplished,” he says.
AMYA instructor and keynote speaker Leonard Bundridge said in his speech to graduates, “the real challenge starts now.”
Challenge accepted for Cadet Don Anderson.
He is proud to have completed the program and says he will take the confidence he gained at AMYA back home to Minnesota, and beyond.
“It took a lot of courage and commitment.” He adds, “and discipline.”
Anderson’s dream is to one day join the Marine Corps.
That’s the goal of AMYA; To give students hope for the future and provide them with the skills they need to succeed.
“My hope is that they’re able to step into the roles that we feel now to be able to take care of Alaska as it goes forward.” McPhetres says, “They carry those forward into the future and then spread those and share those with other people in their lives because they become positive influencers when they leave.”
AMYA’s next cycle of cadets arrive on Jan. 15, 2025. Tuition for the 22-week program is free.
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