Youth Challenge Academy Graduation By COL, Ret. Arthur Tulak, Ed.D. I had the pleasure of representing the Hawaii Commandery at the graduation and awards ceremony of the Youth Challenge Academy Class 54, at the Academy grounds of the former Naval Air Station Barbers Point on June 10, 2021. Distinguished guests in attendance included MG Ken Hara, Adjutant General of Hawaii; BG Stephen Logan, younger brother of MOFW Companion MG, Ret. Arthur Joe Logan; BG Ret. Bruce Olivera, Director of Community Programs Hawaii DoD; Sinaita’aga Atanoa, Director of the Youth Challenge Academy, and State Senator Mike Gabbard. Past graduate of Class 6, and mentor for Class 53, Hawaii Police Department Officer Star Oliver Shelton was the motivational speaker. Officer Shelton recounted her own difficult journey as a teenager who had lost her way, and through the YCA, was able to fulfill both her professional and academic dreams, of becoming a Police Officer and obtaining baccalaureate and post graduate degrees. I was very pleased to present the MOFW Silver Medal for Academic Excellence to Cadet Kea’alawaioluokanauikauanoe Sabedong, and the MOFW Bronze Medal for Leadership to Cadet Mana Hoapili Both cadets successfully completed the course of study and receiving their High School Diplomas from the Adult Schools Division, Hawaii State Department of Education. Cadet Mana Hoapili won the leadership honors for his class receiving both teh MOFW and AMVETS awards. . Cadet Hoapili also received the AMVETS award/stipend. Cadet Hoapili enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was sent to basic training in July. After completion of recruit training, Ho’opili will attend the Marine Corps’ School of Infantry where he will be earning the MOS of 03XX! You can watch the awards presentations at https://www.facebook.com/ youthchallengeoahu/videos/1205369476580136
Above —LTC Ahmad Martin, Kapolei MCJROTC Instructor with Cadet Hoapili after he received the MOFW Bronze Leadership Medal and AMVETS award.
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Photos: Top & Center —COL Tulak presents the MOFW Silver Academic Medal to Cadet Sabedong. Bottom: COL Tulak presents the MOFW Bronze Leadership Medal to Cadet Hoapili.
