Column: Who knew SPASH was such a happy place?

By Dan Kontos

You are probably aware that on May 29, the Stevens Point Area Senior High (known as SPASH), graduated another class of students, releasing them into the world, and making room for the next crop of pupils.

After a 13+ year-long educational journey, there were plenty of smiling faces, hugs, and photographs as the commencement concluded.

What you are probably not aware of, is that there was another graduation at SPASH on June 9. That was the 48th class of the Wisconsin Challenge Academy. 

According to their website, the Challenge Academy is an alternative education program designed to reclaim the lives of at-risk youth and produce graduates with the values, skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults. But it’s more than that.

These students, who are all volunteers, subjected themselves to a process of learning to respect others, and in turn, respect themselves. In a strict quasi-military environment at Fort McCoy for six months, these adolescents, who probably would have not made it otherwise, learned that there was hope. Hope to succeed in the world. Hope for their future. Hope that they now had a second chance.

This year, the School District graciously offered to host the Challenge Academy commencement at SPASH. All 71 “cadets,” plus their academy staff, made the trip to Stevens Point for their final mission together.

In the school parking lot, friends, family, and mentors all looked on while the cadets’ drill team performed a lengthy exhibition for the assembled onlookers. Executing complex marching maneuvers and twirling their rifles, they entertained the crowd, but more importantly, showcased their newfound skills and discipline.

Then it was on to the fieldhouse for the ceremony. It was impressive to see the dignitaries who not just came to SPASH to participate, but the others who just wanted to be in attendance. Of course, there were the proud parents, grateful not just to see their children again, but to marvel at how they had changed. 

Boy, have they. After six months of regimented activities, learning, and planning, these teens transformed themselves into something new. It changed them. The way they look at life, the way they face challenges, and the way they move forward.

You immediately saw it in their faces. Stern looks of determination and seriousness, but with a twinkle in their eyes that comes with the anticipation of their impending graduation. No smiles like the graduates of the SPASH class of ‘22. Oh no. Well, not yet.

There were awards, a variety of recognition, an army band, and of course speeches of all sorts. All the time the cadets sat tall and still in their seats. One by one they finally climbed onto the stage to receive their certificate. They stood at attention, and squared their corners while they marched (not walked) to shake the hand of Major General Paul Knapp, the Wisconsin Adjutant General. As each cadet was handed their certificate folders, they paused to take a picture with him. General Knapp had to remind them each to smile. A smile that only lasted for a second or two.

At the conclusion, the stone-faced cadets stood at attention as one of the staff called them to their feet. He then proclaimed that they were “dismissed!” Suddenly the stoic cadets were released to be happy kids again. Smiles, hugs, and tears (lots of tears) were now the new normal.

The fieldhouse was thrown into chaos and friends, family, mentors, and cadets all swarmed to find each other, all while showing their appreciation to their passing teammates for the challenge they had just endured together. There were still lots of sirs and ma’ams, and of course pictures. Lots and lots of pictures.

There was one final line to stand into out-process after all that was done. But they didn’t have to march, stand at parade rest, and look straight ahead. With parents at their side, they were free to joke, grin, and be normal again. With that, they grabbed their bags and left.

But their journey isn’t over. For the next 12 months, they will be checking in with Academy staff counselors. They each also have a mentor that will keep in communication, and provide support, friendship, counsel, and reinforcement. They will help the former cadets follow or modify the post-residential action plan that they developed for themselves as they go to school or to work.

Everyone there beamed with pride, the cadets most of all. They had a tough six-month journey, but are now cleared-hot to journey on for the rest of their lives.

Great job, cadets!

So, with that, let’s meet in the opinion section to talk about all of it, boldly, honestly, and with a healthy respect for each other. Until then, God bless.

Dan Kontos is a paid columnist for the Metro Wire. He chooses his own topics and his opinions do not necessarily represent the staff of the Metro Wire. He lives with his family in Whiting. 

We are seeking a liberal columnist. Anyone with interest should email [email protected].