Two Sturgeon Bay teenagers will mark their transformation from at-risk youth to graduates of the Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy. 17-year-old Ryan Witak and 17-year-old Mikayla Schaefer will graduate December 15th along with 86 other cadets from all over the state. The 22-week academy uses a structured, military-style setting to help cadets improve their academic abilities, build self-confidence and discipline. Witak and Schaefer say those traits were lacking in their lives.
Witak and Schaefer say the challenge academy is helping them plan for brighter futures.
Cadets earn three-credits for college. They also work with hometown mentors to help keep moving toward a better future.
