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SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIALS AND MEMBERS OF CONGRESS JOIN Event honored Governor Brad Henry, MG William H. Wade and the late John Rawling for their strong support of Youth Challenge WASHINGTON—The National Guard Youth Foundation hosted its fourth annual Challenge Champions Gala and Awards Ceremony on Feb. 24, 2009 at the J.W. Marriott Hotel to honor advocates of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, a 17-month voluntary intervention program established to provide training and education for high school dropouts interested in pursuing higher education, attaining employment or joining the military. The Youth Challenge program operates 33 programs in 27 states and Puerto Rico and has graduated over 85,185 former high school dropouts since being founded in 1993. The event, emceed by Kerri Turner of JAG and The Apprentice winner Kelly Perdew, honored the advocacy efforts of Governor Brad Henry, MG William H. Wade (The Adjutant General of California) and the late John Rawling on behalf of Youth Challenge. Dancing with the Stars champion and Country Superstar Julianne Hough and American Idol favorite Kellie Pickler performed at the event that also featured NASCAR fan favorites Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon and Indy 500 champion Dan Wheldon, as well as WWE wrestling star Mr. Kennedy. “The high school dropout crisis in this country has reached epidemic levels with 1.2 million young people dropping out each year costing the American economy over $325 billion in lost productivity and earning over the course of their lifetimes,” said Lt. Gen. John B. Conaway, USAF (Ret.), Chairman of the National Guard Youth Foundation. “The Challenge Champions Gala allows us to recognize those individuals and organizations that are committed to reversing this disturbing trend.” The event was attended by over 1,000 guests, including General Craig R. McKinley, Chief, National Guard Bureau, who said, “The National Guard is proud of the success of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. It is essential that we reduce the number of high school dropouts and Youth Challenge is part of the solution.” Also in attendance was Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu, Country singer Laura Bryna and WWE star Mr. Kennedy as well as other senior DOD officials and members of Congress. Over 100 Youth Challenge Cadets from across the country were also in attendance. Media Notes: For more information about the event or to interview a National Guard Youth Foundation spokesperson, please contact Dodie McCracken at (847) 921-1191 or at dmccracken@arcadianpartners.com. Photos from the event are available for distribution. |
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