Alumni return to celebrate Youth Academy

Dozens of graduates of the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy came back on March 30 to celebrate their successes and tell stories to current cadets.

Altogether, there were 52 alumni spanning from cycles 14-2 to 24-2.

“During the panels, the alumni shared their experiences after the Academy highlighting their struggles, accomplishments, what to expect and how much they missed the support and structure they had while here,” said Andrew Burt, the case manager supervisor, who helped organize the event.

Cadets and alumni both participated in numerous games, including “Sergeant Says” – a take on the popular “Simon Says” game, as well as a hula-hoop passthrough game and participated in drill exercises. Alumni then conducted panels where current cadets could ask questions about life after the Academy and why staying in touch with case managers is so key to their future successes.

It also served as a way for alumni to reconnect with previous cadre and staff and show their appreciation.

Burt was a long-time cadre before transitioning to case manager and knew many of the alumni attending.

“The alumni may not have shown it while they were here, but they truly appreciate everything the staff did for them during their cycle,” Burt added in an email to staff. “Many openly said they would gladly put the uniform back on and reattend the academy. The impact you have had on these young men and women is not only appreciated but is missed by them, and I cannot thank you enough for all the hard work you put into them each cycle.”

Burt says he hopes the event can happen again in the future.