Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy graduates recognized & encouraged at commencement
From left, Miss Shoshone-Bannock Myke Moore, Native Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy graduates Juanita Rodriguez, O’riah Akee and Keyorie Ball at their recognition ceremony at the Tribal Council Chambers in Fort Hall on June 22.
By JOSEPH WADSWORTH
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Local Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy (IDYCA) Native Graduates Class were recognized June 22 at the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Business Center Council Chambers.
Cadet graduates include Juanita Rodriguez, Keyorie Ball and O’riah Akee. Kennion Martin is also a graduate but wasn’t present, so he was represented by his grandmother Laurie Kniffin.
Dave Archuleta served as emcee and welcomed the graduates, their families and guests. Archuleta said that no judge in the state of Idaho can order any kid into the academy it is the youth that must accept the challenge.
Native IDYCA graduate Kennion Martin pictured with his family; Martin was absent and was represented by his grandmother Laurie Kniffin (second from right).
Fort Hall Business Council Chairwoman Donna Thompson said she had the privilege and honor of attending the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy graduation, “it was great, and you guys made me tear up watching you walk through hearing your accomplishments so good job to each and every one of you.”
Vice Chairman Nathan Small, “It is always good to congratulate the graduates in what they have accomplished and it’s a good experience, young people get some discipline.”
A helicopter carrying IDYCA service members lands on the Fort Hall Reservation at the Tribal Business Center.
Sergeant at Arms Russell Haskett said the graduates in the program have chosen a harder and have completed it and in his eyes that is the greatest accomplishment.
FHBC member Michael Tindore said, “Congratulations to the cadets this takes a lot of courage and resilience and initiative on your part and congratulations to your families proud of all of you.”
Council member Lee Juan Tendoy congratulated the graduates and that it was an honor, “blessing to all of you.”
Brigadier General Shannon D. Smith said, “Graduates you have my respect because you have gone through something difficult and with previous words said you have completed something challenging.” His prayers go out to the graduate Kennion Martin and his family.
“You have done something truly remarkable, the path to graduation is not easy, the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy is designed to test your limits to push you physically, mentally, emotionally, beyond what you previously thought possible accomplishing something difficult fundamentally changes you, it strips away drought and replaces it with resilience.”
Medicine Thunder sang an honor song, along with FHBC member Lee Juan Tendoy.
From left, Tyson Shay, Aiden St. Clair and FHBC member Lee Juan Tendoy sing an honor song.
Greg Billups, Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy Recruiter/Admissions Coordinator, said on behalf of the IDYCA, he congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments and wished them the best for the future. He is proud to say there has been kids that accepted the challenge from every county in the State of Idaho. He wants the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy to be recognized as a resource for every family across the state of Idaho. “We want young people to return to their own community better suited with the tools to be confident to be successful anywhere.”
The graduates received certificates, gift bags from the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and a medal plus a backpack from the Idaho National Guard.
Cake was served by the graduates.
Staff Sergeant Rodriguez said one thing she had was support at the academy from her peers and staff. “Living with 32 girls was not easy but they helped me when I was down, what I learned was to not take things for granted and communication.”
Honor Guard Staff Sergeant Akee says his inspiration was from a Tech Sergeant’s quote, “Never look behind you there’s nothing in front of you besides the task on hand.”
Staff Sergeant Ball what impacted her at the academy was her Sergeant said “you didn’t come this far to come this far” which helped her get by in the days at the academy.
