Bergstrom attends Thunderbird Challenge graduation ceremony

OKLAHOMA CITY–   Thunderbird Challenge of Pryor graduated its 52nd class with 109 young men and women on Saturday, with State Senator Micheal Bergstrom attending the event. 

            Thunderbird Challenge, formerly Thunderbird Academy, is one of 10 nationally recognized programs established in 1993.  Oklahoma’s program, offered through the National Guard and the Oklahoma Military Department, has currently graduated over 3,000 of Oklahoma’s youth. 

“Thunderbird Challenge is a great program for helping young men and women get their lives on track for success,” said Bergstrom, R-Adair. “As a former instructor at Thunderbird prior to my career at Bluejacket Public Schools, it’s always inspiring for me to see these young people graduate with bright futures full of possibilities.”

The program’s objective is to intervene in the lives of Oklahoma’s high school youth and encourage a positive change in those who struggle to graduate within traditional high school requirements.  Pryor Mayor Larry Lees provided the keynote address and Class President Cadet Olvera delivered the message on behalf of the graduating class.

“I want to congratulate everyone involved in this innovative and inspiring program,” said Bergstrom.  “As always, it was also a pleasure to see Colonel (Retired) Carl Franks, Director John Altebaumer and Pryor Mayor Larry Lees.”

Senator Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, (center) joins several other Thunderbird Challenge leaders for the program’s 52nd graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 15 in Pryor.  Pictured from left to right are:  Director of Youth Programs, Colonel (Retired) Carl Franks; Director of the Thunderbird Challenge Program, John Altebaumer; State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom; Executive Director of the Oklahoma Military Department, Colonel Thomas Mancino; and Pryor Mayor Larry Lees.