Alaska Military Youth Academy Graduates Largest Class Ever

Saturday, 168 cadets graduated from the Academy, making it the largest class to receive diplomas from the special program for at-risk Alaska youth.

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By Corey Allen-Young
Bio By Kirsten Swann

Story Created: Sep 1, 2011 at 10:26 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Sep 1, 2011 at 10:34 AM AKDT

Even though it started 22 weeks ago, cadets at the Alaska Military Youth Academy say their journey is only just beginning.

Saturday, 168 cadets graduated from the Academy, making it the largest class to receive diplomas from the special program for at-risk Alaska youth.
 
“I was partying, drinking, skipping school,” said Myles Baumgartner, describing his life before entering the Academy in April.
 
Now, cadets said they look at things a little differently.
 
“I feel like I learned a lot to keep myself motivated and determined to do the right thing,” said Manefa Banks . “Now that I'm going off to college, it’s like I know I have to do the right thing to be successful.”
 
Some of them call it a wake up call to greatness.
 
Besides academic instruction, the Academy includes career-based courses and intense physical training.
 
Zachary Law describes 3 a.m drills, “push-ups and sit-ups while we have five minutes to put our stuff away.” 
 
But he said it was just what he needed.
 
“I wasn't doing real good in school,” Law said.
 
Now, as the cadets and their classmates walk across the stage and into a new life, they said there’s no turning back.

“That’s the only thing I say,” Law said. “If you start something, finish it.”

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Tacy freeman said on Tuesday, Oct 23 at 5:38 AM

it was rough at first but then it go easier. I am proud to say that the 4 platoon ravens is the number 1 platoon and hopfully it stays that way "RAVENS YOU KNOW"

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Timothy Jefferies said on Monday, Sep 26 at 8:00 AM

If I could, I would do it all over again. The drills, putting my whole locker together. Getting smoked for not "Standing online" Properly. Everything, Formation and 15mins. To eat, hahaha. Most of all, my platoon. 2nd Platoon, Big BEARS! Haha, Time to straighten up and fly straight.

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b.KINARD said on Tuesday, Sep 20 at 8:30 AM

Haa , yeah what a journey it was , but majority have changed alot for the better , and i know i have... graduation isn't the end but a new beining.

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andria long said on Monday, Sep 19 at 1:19 PM

the 22 weeks went by so slow, but now that that time is over, you can just relize that it was just the beginning of our life journey. not every person that went to the academy will chose to do better, but it doesnt mean they didnt learn anything. i miss the TLs back on base harpin on us and everything. i miss the people i met there too. all i know is that i changed because i know i can do better than i did before. i never had the amount of determination and push that i had back at the academy. RAVENS! YOU KNOW!!

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Mike J. said on Sunday, Sep 4 at 11:32 PM

They should all be very proud!

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JAMES WEBB said on Friday, Sep 2 at 10:46 AM

THAT IS RIGHT WE ARE THE BIGGEST CLASS AND SECOND PLATOON IS THE BEST BIG BEARS YALL AMYA ALL THE WAY

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