RANTOUL, IL (Chambana Today) – The Illinois National Guard’s Lincoln’s ChalleNGe Academy, known for helping at-risk youth turn their lives around, is grappling with the aftermath of a recent incident involving a fight between several cadets. The altercation has led to the arrest and expulsion of the involved students, raising questions about the future of the cadets involved.
Lt. Col. Brad Leighton, the Public Affairs Director for the Illinois National Guard, addressed the situation, emphasizing that the academy has a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding violence. “We take matters like these very seriously,” said Leighton. “Lincoln’s ChalleNGe Academy is built on a foundation of respect, discipline, and hard work. Fighting is simply not tolerated here, and it is not representative of the values we instill in our cadets.”
Leighton acknowledged that the incident involved a small number of cadets who made poor decisions. “This was not indicative of the entire program or the cadets we serve,” he said. “Unfortunately, a few cadets made some very bad choices, and we must deal with that accordingly. Our hope is that they recognize their mistakes, learn from this experience, and can correct their behavior moving forward.”
The Lincoln’s ChalleNGe Academy has long been a place for troubled youth to gain structure and discipline. However, enrollment at the academy is contingent on meeting strict criteria. “To even enroll here, you have to meet certain standards,” Leighton explained. “One of those standards is that you cannot have been convicted of a felony. This ensures that the cadets we work with are on a path to recovery and improvement from the very beginning.”
Despite the severity of the situation, Leighton was careful not to speculate on the future of the expelled cadets, as the legal investigation is still ongoing. “Out of respect for the legal process, I hesitate to comment on their futures,” he said. “The investigation is still unfolding, and it’s important that we allow that process to play out. However, I want to emphasize that we still wish these cadets the best and hope they find a path to success in the future.”
As the academy moves forward, Leighton remains focused on the bigger picture: helping young people change their lives for the better. “This is a place of second chances,” he said. “We’ll continue to work with those who want to make a change. We’ll also continue to hold our cadets accountable for their actions, and we remain committed to the mission of Lincoln’s ChalleNGe Academy.”