‘You’re stronger than you think’: Oregon Youth Challenge Program graduates 70th cadet class

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon National Guard's Youth Challenge Program graduated its 70th cadet class Wednesday, to the cheers of families, friends and proud teens who had been considered "at risk" and headed for trouble, but now have found a new path forward.

Students at the facility east of Bend, Oregon's only accredited statewide alternative high school, first undergo an intensive 22 weeks of military-style, regimented behavior and education, followed by a 2-year post-residential phase, where cadets return to their hometowns and focus on their goals and objectives.

Those who complete the program successfully say it profoundly changes them and puts them on the right path.

Graduate Wyatt Ehlrlich said, "At the start, I had a hard time with the yelling and stuff. But throughout the program, I just learned it's kind of their job to yell at you, you know? But I'm coming back as a mentor for the next class. I've gained 20 ribbons. I mean, I've done a lot here, and I'm really proud of myself for that."

Fellow OYCP graduate Miguel Angel-Moreno told us, "My experience going to this program was actually really well. There was a lot of things I never knew I could do here. I built a lot of positive relationships and better habits, just so I don't fall back into the person I was before."

Graduate Sinai Sweet said the lessons she's learned have been clear: "Keep their head high, chin up, chest out, and stand tall. Nothing can beat you if you don't let it, and you're stronger than you think."

"Your mindset is where it all starts, and to do that, I think coming here is the best place to strengthen your mindset, to build character," Sweet said.

Nearly all the students graduating Wednesday are going to return to high school. Some of them earned enough credits through the program to get their diplomas Wednesday. A handful of students will be enlisting in the military.