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Jun 8, 2006

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DROPOUTS FIND GUARD CHALLENGE
By Nathan Bomey
Washington Times, DC

Blake Kane, a 17-year-old high school dropout, was grateful for the opportunity to answer questions yesterday at the Rayburn House Office Building, and to rewrite his past in the process.

He is one of about 7,000 cadets in the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, which aims to help dropouts complete their education, learn job skills and possibly join the service.

"It turned our life around," said Mr. Kane, a Houston native.

Officials of the 13-year-old program yesterday held the Congressional Quiz Bowl at the Rayburn building, where dozens of select cadets competed with one another among elected officials by answering questions on a variety of academic topics.

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