The Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy will recognize the achievements of more than 100 cadets from 48 counties during a noon commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 20, at Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids. The ceremony marks the culmination of a rigorous 22-week residential program designed to help at-risk youth take control of their lives and commit to a path of responsibility and success.
The cadets, aged 16 to 18, have completed a structured, military-style program that emphasizes academic achievement, character development, physical fitness, self-discipline and leadership. The ceremony celebrates their transformation and signifies the beginning of the 12-month post-residential mentoring phase, during which cadets work with assigned mentors to achieve personal, academic and career goals.
The ceremony will feature remarks from Wisconsin National Guard officials, program leaders, and select cadets, and be proceeded by an 11:15 a.m. demonstration by the Wisconsin Challenge Academy drill team. Media representatives are invited to attend and will have opportunities to speak with graduates and staff following the ceremony.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025
Time: Noon – 2 p.m. (drill team begins at 11:15 a.m.)
Location: Lincoln High School 1801 16th St. South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
About the Wisconsin Challenge Academy: Operated by the Wisconsin National Guard in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, the challenge academy is a tuition-free program for Wisconsin youth who are struggling to succeed in traditional high school settings. Since its inception, the academy has helped thousands of cadets chart a course toward graduation, employment and community engagement.
No responses yet