Viewpoints

A few weeks ago, my friend and I made Platoon Guide and Assistant Platoon Guide at Texas ChalleNGE Academy. We had been squad leaders previously, and while we thought we would earn the position, we were still nervous at the same time. When we heard our names called, it was hard not to show too much excitement.

There are many reasons why some people are reluctant to get help for their mental health or addiction issues.

*The following letter to the editor is a sentiment reflected by several letters to the editor*

Seventy-four is the number. Yesterday it was seventy-five. And this is my day as some of the other cadets and I just wait and wait and count while we do our everyday routine at Texas ChalleNGe Academy.

Recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that six of the 10 fastest-growing counties in the United States from 2022 to 2023 were in Texas. According to the Texas Tribune, Kaufman County, just east of Dallas, led the list with a 7.6% increase in new residents that brought its population to more than 185,000. Census data shows that Rockwall and Liberty counties closed out the top three, with growth rates of 6.5% and 5.7%, respectively.

At Texas ChalleNGe Academy, one of our eight core components is leadership/followership. Each week, cadets from each platoon are selected to be squad leader, a position that is held for a week. This person is responsible for one of the squads in his or her platoon.

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

The following letter to the editor is a sentiment expressed in several letters addressed to the Citizen

My name is Chad Robertson. Currently I’m a Texas ChalleNGe Academy cadet, and I would like to share my perspective of TCA with the outside. TCA isn’t what people think. The kids here aren’t “bad” and certainly aren’t “criminals” as some have portrayed.

I am seventeen years old and originally from Puerto Rico, but I moved to Texas at a young age. I have two loving parents who always push me to do my best, an older sister who is going to graduate from nursing school, and a girlfriend who gives me nothing but support in all the things I do. I couldn’t be more proud. You may be wondering why I came here.

Eagle Lake Remembers

Early voting in the March 5 primary election ends Friday with a host of candidates on the ballot in both parties, including president, U.S. Senate, all 38 Texas U.S. representatives, all 150 Texas House representatives, and down to local races for district attorney, sheriff and other positions.

Eagle Lake Remembers

Texas ChalleNGe Academy is the nationally funded school program in southern Texas that is run by the National Guard with school provided by Rice CISD. The program enables at-risk youth, like me, to start over and have a fresh start.