HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Young leaders from several states will converge on the Midstate this week.

Cadets from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey are attending the Civil Air Patrol’s Color Guard Academy at the State Capitol.

“Civil Air Patrol is so unique,” said Cadet Major Hanna Syska. “It’s known otherwise as America’s best-kept secret because there are so many things that it has to offer that too many people just don’t know about.”

As the civilian auxiliary unit of the United States Air Force, the organization’s mission is to develop young people into responsible citizens.

That includes equipping them with soft skills, such as the public speaking cadets showed off during a presentation in Harrisburg this morning.

“I chose to come to Color Guard Academy here because I wanted to spread the wealth that I learned from my commanders, and I wanted to encourage these cadets to continue growing their leadership skills, growing their excellence,” said Lieutenant Colonel Alex Hawkins.