A local teen from the Lewis and Clark Young Marines in Ridgefield, Washington, has been recognized as the top graduate of the 2025 Advanced Leadership School held by the national Young Marines program at Camp Rilea in Warrenton, Oregon.
Charlotte Bisila, 15, of Washougal, Washington, earned the title of Honor Graduate at the school, which ran from June 14 to 26 and brought together select youth from across the country. Bisila was chosen for her leadership, problem-solving, discipline and ability to mentor others.
“The skills I learned at the school will help me in my career, school and life in general,” Bisila said in a news release.
She is a rising junior at Washougal High School and plans to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. Her goal is to become a Marine Corps aviator.
“Being named one of the top graduates from the Senior Leadership School, our highest level of training for Young Marines is a major milestone in the lives of these Young Marines,” William P. Davis, retired colonel from the United States Marine Corps and national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines, said in a news release. “Due to the physical and academic rigors of the coursework, completion of ALS is a major accomplishment for each of these young people. YM/Sgt Bisila and the others will gain unequaled new skills they will utilize as they return to their communities and units. Graduates of the academy report back to us that the skills learned here are invaluable in their future endeavors.”
The Advanced Leadership School is the highest level of leadership training within the Young Marines organization, a national youth program that develops leadership, teamwork and discipline in boys and girls from age 8 through high school graduation.
