Thunderbird Youth Academy is proud to announce the Cadet First Sergeant for Cycle 32, Cadet Stephanie Blackfox. Cadet Blackfox is 17 years old and from Pryor, Ok. Cadet Blackfox is of Cherokee descent and spent a large portion of her early childhood in Oaks, Ok.

Cadet Blackfox chose to attend Thunderbird Youth Academy because she felt she was headed down the wrong path and was beginning to let her family down. She didn’t like going to school, and didn’t like living at home anymore. She was looking for a way out because she realized how much she needed a fresh start. She had been receiving mail from the National Guard and thought that’s what she wanted to do. A friend who had graduated from Thunderbird referred her to the program telling her it’s a good place to start. She decided to give it a try.

And try she has. While at TYA Cadet Blackfox has earned the position of squad leader, platoon leader, learner of the week, and Cadet First Sergeant which is a big responsibility. The First Sgt. is in charge of the whole company and reports back to the Shift Supervisor.

According to Blackfox being at TYA has been one of the best experiences yet! She loves the routine and being busy. She also likes the fact that “we are learning to help ourselves, each other, and the community.” She also feels that getting stronger physically as well as mentally has helped her attain the positions she has had at TYA. Blackfox has the attitude that the program is what YOU make of it. The program gives one the tools necessary to make the positive changes in life.

It should be noted that Cadet Blackfox is the first female Cadet First Sergeant in several cycles and her goal is to become Cadet Sergeant Major.

This story also ran in the Native American Times - Blackfox Article