295 Cadets to Graduate with GED June 15 at Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, IL (06/12/2013)(readMedia)-- Listening to Lincoln's Challenge Cadets talk about their experience in the structured, quasi-military academy in Rantoul, Ill., a common theme emerges from the nearly 300 young men and women who are about to graduate June 15.

"This place saved my live," said Cadet Javier Campos, 18, from Grayslake, Ill.

"If I didn't complete this, I know I wouldn't complete anything else in life," said Cadet Erin Keegan, 17, of Downers Grove, Ill., and the salutatorian of the class graduating on June 15.

Lincoln's Challenge Academy (LCA) is an Illinois National Guard-administered launching platform for Illinois' at-risk youth that provides Cadets with essential life skills and educational requirements to be successful in today's society. Since LCA began in 1993 as a pilot program, more than 13,000 Cadets have graduated with more than 75 percent earning a GED, making it the most successful Youth Challenge program in the nation.

While both Campos and Keegan said the 22-week residential phase of LCA has given them renewed confidence and instilled improved self-discipline and work ethic, they acknowledge the program is not for everyone.

"This program doesn't work for 100 percent of people, but those few people that take everything to heart and that listen and that learn, they will go places," said Campos.

Keegan, who scored a 3,800 out of 4,000 on the GED exam, the second highest score ever for an LCA Cadet, said being successful at LCA depends on the individual.

"A few things play into it. First is personality and how the individual's personality fits with the military lifestyle. Second is your willingness to change," said Keegan.

LCA is completely voluntary and Cadets can quit the program at any time. Cadets come from different backgrounds, from 115 communities across the state, and for various reasons.

Campos said he was estranged from his mother, living on his own, and performing poorly in school when his Grayslake Central High School dean arranged a meeting with his mother in the dean's office to suggest LCA as an option to get Campos back on track.

"He sat us down to talk and I asked my mother if we could forgive each other. It didn't work out and she left," said Campos. "I sat there in shock. I broke down and felt like I had nobody. The dean said 'you need to trust me, this is something you need to do.'"

Other Cadets were good students and involved in their high school, but strained relationships with their parents led them to LCA.

"When I found out my mom made the decision to send me to Lincoln's Challenge, all I could think about was my Downers Grove South High School teachers and my friends, my cap and gown, my class ring," said Keegan. "To not get to walk across the stage and receive my diploma, to leave that behind was hard. Now, I know it was the right choice. Without LCA I couldn't have learned what I've learned-self discipline-but I still miss Downers Grove South."

If the Cadets had found life to be a challenge before LCA, the challenge that awaited them at the academy proved to be cathartic.

"It was a shock. I had seen military situations on TV and, before I got here, I thought 'I'm big stuff, this will be easy." said Campos. "I was confronted with not only physical challenges, but also emotional challenges. The Cadre tell you how it is. They've been through what we've been through. They're honest and you can relate to them."

During the residential phase Cadets get a $10 per week allowance and, like most high schools, have an array of extracurricular opportunities including yearbook, student council, intramural sports, chorus and band. After the residential phase, the 12-month post-resident phase pairs the Cadets with mentors in their communities to provide positive, continued support. On average, after graduation 49 percent of Cadets go on to get jobs, 34 percent attend college, 12 percent join the military and 5 percent pursue other opportunities.

Keegan plans to study creative writing and performing arts at North Central College in Naperville, Ill. Campos plans to enlist in the Marine Corps and specialize in military intelligence.

Both said they would recommend LCA to young people they see fit.

"Definitely," said Keegan. "I made the right choice. Staying at home I wouldn't have gained the necessary skills for the real world...self-discipline, time management, motivation for life. My habits are much better than they used to be."

Approximately 295 Cadets will graduate from the 40th Lincoln's Challenge Academy class June 15 at 11 a.m. at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield.

JACKSONVILLE, IL (06/12/2013)(readMedia)-- The following student(s) has been named to Illinois College's Spring 2013 dean's list.

Elizabeth Manary of Moline, Ill., a Moline Senior High School graduate. Manary is a senior at Illinois College

Kelsey McFarren of Fulton, Ill., a Fulton High School graduate. McFarren is a 2013 graduate of Illinois College

Dustin Secrist of Hillsdale, Ill., a Riverdale Senior High School graduate. Secrist is a 2013 graduate of Illinois College

Candidates for the dean's list must complete at least 14 semester hours and post a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. All grades must be C or better, and no more than one C grade is allowed.

Founded in 1829, Illinois College is a residential liberal arts college fostering academic excellence rooted in opportunities for experiential learning while preparing students for lifelong success.

(Des Moines) - Thirty-four business, workforce, education and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) leaders from nine Midwest states joined representatives from the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council in Des Moines yesterday to exchange best practices and collaborative opportunities regarding state and regional STEM education.

"It was inspiring to see a group of engaged and active representatives from all across the Midwest who are excited about STEM education," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Co-Chair of the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council. "We must raise the skill level in today's workforce in order to remain competitive in this knowledge-based, global economy. All of the Midwestern states are in this together - and together we can make greater progress in STEM sooner for the benefit of the thousands of Midwestern students."

In addition to intensive brainstorming, forum guests ACT, Inc., STEMconnector and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy briefed the group on STEM learner workforce data and trends.

"The collective wisdom in the room has accelerated each of our state's STEM programs," said Jeff Weld, executive director of the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council. "From here we have committed to sustaining our collective community and continuing to grow and strengthen our common interest in first-rate STEM education from toddler to tassel."

Representatives from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin joined business leaders from DuPont-Pioneer, IBM, John Deere, Rockwell Collins , Vermeer and Boston Scientific to discuss funding models, STEM schools and career academies, and other ways STEM education can be moved to the forefront  of community discussions. Establishing regional networks and engaging rural communities were also topics of discussion.

To learn about STEM in Iowa, go to www.IowaSTEM.gov.

About the Governor's STEM Advisory Council: Formed in 2011, the Council is a 40-member, public-private partnership dedicated to building a strong STEM education foundation for all Iowans.  

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (June 7, 2013) - [Name] of [City] was recognized with [Award(s)] for outstanding achievement at Mount Mercy University during Honors Convocation this spring. Over 100 students were recognized during the ceremony for excelling in academics and extra-curricular activities while demonstrating leadership and personal growth during their time at Mount Mercy.

Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mount Mercy enrolls over 1,800 students and offers 35 majors and as many minors in eight academic departments. The university also has four graduate programs.

Teri Anson of Davenport,  Kappa Xi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau National Honor Society of Nursing.

About Mount Mercy University

Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mount Mercy University is the regional Catholic, Mercy University that promises students of diverse backgrounds, ages and faiths a challenging, practical education that inspires them to discover knowledge, build community and lead courageous lives. Mount Mercy offers baccalaureate and graduate education to more than 1,800 enrolled students and uniquely blends liberal arts education with professional preparation.