SALEMBURG — Cadets at North Carolina’s Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy will now be hitting the information highway with new computers and software thanks to a generous donation from the State Employees Credit Union foundation and Visa.

Dignitaries, cadets and foundation representatives were on hand earlier this week to witness the dedication of the new computer room aptly titled the State Employees Credit Union Computer Lab.

“They paid a visit to us to learn more about our program here,” said Eddie Toler, Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy director. “They wanted to know how they could help us out. They took one look at our computers, or lack of, and said they would try to network with Visa to help us purchase some computers for our computer lab.”

At the same time, officials with the State Employees Credit Union also wanted to help purchase some laptop computers for the program’s life skills classes since the Tarheel ChalleNGe program concentrates on providing the young adult cadets with the discipline and life skills necessary to be productive members of society.

“Part of our life skills class, we teach financial management,” Toler said. “The credit union sponsors the same curriculum that we use in financial management, so it worked out well.”

The State Employees Credit Union went one step further by giving cadets access to their online program on financial management.

“It makes everything much easier for the kids,” Toler said. “The instructor can teach from the projector and it makes it so much easier to have that access.”

In all, the donation was 30 laptops and 24 desktop computers with additional software to access programs.

“What we wanted to do today was acknowledge that dedication and what they have done for us,” said Toler. “When I found out that they were doing this for us, I was just elated. Everything that we are doing now relies on computers. Even with our G.E.D. studies, you have the software that you have to access, so teachers would have to schedule times for working on our computers. This donation will literally double the time they can spend on the computers. It is just wonderful.”

“This is an extremely timely and an extremely important gift to Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy,” said Major General William E. Ingram Jr., Adjutant General of the North Carolina National Guard. “There is a lot of sweat equity involved in this program, and I think it is one of the best things that we do in the National Guard. Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy is a sterling example of adding value to the citizens of North Carolina. I think each of the cadets that have been through here will tell you the exact same thing. With the new computer lab here, it gives us the tools and technology that we need to continue to give our cadets what they need. The 54 brand new computers that you have so graciously provided will be used every day.”

State Employees Credit Union foundation chairwoman Shirley Bell agreed. “It is an honor to be here today,” she stressed. “I am happy to represent the over 1.5 million members of the State Employees Credit Union at today’s event to make the completion of this computer lab ... We take great pride in our partnership with Visa to bring these computers here ... you are all making a positive impact for our state and our citizens ... thank you.”

Cadets Shawn Patterson and Da’Neon Clyburn said that are excited about the donation, even though they will not be around to enjoy them for too long.

“It is a good thing,” said Clyburn. “Although I am graduating, I am happy for the cadets who will be able to use these computers. Anything that will help out the school is great.”

“There will probably be more cadets next year,” said Patterson. “And to have these here will really be a help to them and their studies.”

For the two cadets, their experience at Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy has changed them.

“At first it was something that I didn’t think I would get through, but as it went on, the stronger I became,” said Clyburn.

“I felt the same way, but then as time wore on, it started getting easier,” said Patterson.

“It is something that is very positive for young kids who are going down the wrong paths,” Clyburn said. “It changed my life. I was always a good student, but I had no motivation in my life when I came here. It gave me focus and it has been a blessing.”

“I dropped out of school twice,” added Patterson. “I always knew I was smart, but never could unlock my potential. Coming here, I was able to do that.”

Thanks to the donations from the State Employees Credit Union foundation and Visa future cadets will be able to find theirs as well, officials said.

For more information on North Carolina’s Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy click on to www.ngycp.org.

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or send e-mail to sisports@myclintonnc.com.