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Top '75 for 75 Challenge' Cadet Performers Recognized
The most successful cadet participants in Civil Air Patrol’s recent 75 for 75 Challenge have been announced, with the top-performing cadet generating more than $7,000 in donations for his Texas Wing squadron.
The challenge, linked to Cadet Programs’ 75th anniversary last year, provided a structured, cadet-based national fundraising campaign with a goal of providing additional financial resources to CAP units. The campaign offered an opportunity for each cadet to become a stakeholder in the future of the cadet program by reaching out to their community for support and raising at least $75.
Nationally, cadets and senior members raised $84,000 over four months, from Nov. 1-Feb. 28. The initiative was not only a fundraising opportunity, but also a teaching tool in public speaking and responsibility.
Cadets competed for prizes based on performance levels. Prizes included challenge coins, uniforms and scholarships.
The $7,049 raised by Cadet Maj. Andrew Fuller led not only CAP’s Southwest Region but the entire organization. 
Fuller, a member of the Midway Composite Squadron, found the challenge even more rewarding than he’d hoped, and not just because his pace-setting performance garnered him a $2,000 scholarship.
“Recently, my 75 for 75 Challenge fundraising efforts took me to my local Lions Club,” Fuller recalled. “I spoke to the group and explained what CAP is, and I told them how the volunteers in Civil Air Patrol had impacted and changed my life. This experience opened doors to many smaller businesses that also wanted to hear my message.
“At my next talk, at the local Rotary Club, my life was changed forever. I have always dreamed of traveling and experiencing other cultures. After my presentation, I met a French exchange student and her host family, who shared with me their experiences with the student exchange program.
“I am now connected with a community of people that support me in my dream of being an exchange student,” he said. “I have been inspired to learn two more languages and then graduate early from high school.
“I am confident that the 75 for 75 Challenge will continue to positively impact cadets’ lives across the nation. I am proud to be a part of it!”
Educational scholarships of $750 will go to the other CAP regions’ top cadets:
Great Lakes Region
Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Jude Hemann
Scott Composite Squadron
Illiinois Wing
Middle East Region
Cadet 1st Lt. William Fronkier
Newport-News Composite Squadron
Virginia Wing
North Central Region
Cadet Airman 1st Class Gregory Anderson
Siouxland Composite Squadron
Nebraska Wing
Northeast Region
Cadet 2nd Lt. Ashley Conigliaro
Suffolk Cadet Squadron 10
New York Wing
Pacific Region
Cadet Airman 1st Class Melissa Jo Kuijpers
Fresno Composite Squadron 112
California Wing
Rocky Mountain Region
Cadet Capt. Alexis Clements
Highlander Composite Squadron
Colorado Wing
Southeast Region
Cadet Senior Airman Brock Eugene Thompson III
Naples Cadet Squadron
Florida Wing