Since 2013, the Challenge Academy Explorers Post has been an active participant in the annual Sun Bowl Parade, building parade floats that have special meaning for the youth. It all started with an idea to give back to the community and experience what the community has to offer to our youth. The first float in 2013 drew on the motivation and dedication that fictional boxer Rocky Balboa displayed in not giving up and fighting to win. It was titled “Eye of the Tiger” and received an honorable mention by parade judges.
In 2014, Challenge Academy youth and counselors drew from the fact that most of the youth have to learn to be adults before their time at the expense of their childhood. The group’s entry that year was their “Angry Birds” float which received the Governor’s Award (Best Presentation of the Parade Theme).
The Challenge Academy’s 2015 “Space Shuttle” float stressed that, to reach for the stars, all you need is dedication, motivation and hope. The message to youth was that the sky is the limit and they should reach for the stars in their dreams and goals in life. “Space Shuttle” received the General’s Award (Most Outstanding Small Float).
Every float comes with its set of goals, lessons and rewards. Team advisors Lee Camack, Alfredo Saucedo, Rocio Estrada and Margaux Marquez and a set of youth work hours and hours, days to days and even months to raise the money for the float and built it from the ground up. Congratulations to the El Paso Challenge Academy staff and youth for their dedication, hard work spirit of excellence.
PHOTO: 2015 “Space Shuttle” parade float.