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Friday, March 25, 2011

Pierluisi Participates in Ceremony for 173 National Guard Youth Challenge Graduates Who Are Former High School Dropouts

Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico – The Resident Commissioner, Pedro Pierluisi, today took part in the graduation ceremony for 173 students participating in the National Guard Youth Challenge program, whose mission is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of high school dropouts aged 16 to 19.

The program produces graduates with the values, skills, education and self-discipline necessary to achieve success.

“We live in challenging times in Puerto Rico. It fills me with great satisfaction to see a program that brings out the best in our youth and helps them overcome life’s obstacles. Although we are often flooded with negative news stories, I believe we should focus our attention on positive programs like Youth Challenge, which has established a record of success, has helped us glimpse the promise that the future holds, and has distinguished itself by offering time-tested solutions to real problems. The accomplishments of these cadets should serve as an example for a new generation in Puerto Rico,” said the Resident Commissioner.

Today’s graduating class consists of 173 cadets, of whom 144 are male and 29 are female. One hundred percent of the graduates are on a path to continue their education at a university or technical school.

In the 12 years that it has existed, Youth Challenge has helped more than 2,000 young Puerto Rico residents become productive citizens.

“You have shown that you can play and win, and today we are here celebrating your victory. Now you have to prove yourself on the field of life, and I will be with you as you embark on this journey. Today I challenge you, like you have challenged yourself. What you have achieved is not only for you and your family, it is also for your fellow citizens. What you have accomplished is not only for you, but rather for all of Puerto Rico,” said the Resident Commissioner.

Pierluisi urged the graduates to continue to comply with the program’s core objectives in the areas of responsible citizenship, academic excellence, leadership, health and physical fitness, life-coping skills and community service.