U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Eric Bosco, Delaware Army National Guard, ceremoniously receives his lieutenant shoulder boards during the Delaware Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., N...

Officer Candidate Jamente Cooper listens to opening remarks at the Delaware Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. Cooper and nine other candidates graduated fr...

Officer Candidate Eric Bosco listens to opening remarks during the Delaware Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. Bosco and nine other candidates graduated fro...

Officer Candidate Yelena Babinski listens to opening remarks at the Delaware Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. Babinski and nine other candidates graduated...

Officer Candidate Teresa Krakowiak listens to opening remarks at the Delaware Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. Krakowiak and nine other candidates graduat...

Officer Candidate Ryan Hastings listens to opening remarks during the Delaware Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. Hastings and nine other candidates graduat...

Officer Candidates Christopher Watkins (left) and Ryan Hastings present an award to U.S. Army Maj. Jaime Wolhar (center) during the Delaware Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, ...

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Fred Cost, commander of the Delaware Army National Guard's 193rd Regiment (Regional Training Institute), presents a physical fitness award to Officer Candidate Yelena Babinski during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation...

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Fred Cost, commander of the Delaware Army National Guard's 193rd Regiment (Regional Training Institute), presents a certificate of achievement in physical fitness to Officer Candidate Yelena Babinski during the DEARNG's Officer Can...

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Fred Cost, commander of the Delaware Army National Guard's 193rd Regiment (Regional Training Institute), presents a certificate of achievement in physical fitness to Officer Candidate Teresa Krakowiak during the DEARNG's Officer Ca...

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Fred Cost, commander of the Delaware Army National Guard's 193rd Regiment (Regional Training Institute), presents an academic excellence award to Officer Candidate Eric Bosco during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation ...

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. James Begley, director of joint staff for the Delaware Army National Guard, presents a leadership award to Officer Candidate Christopher Watkins during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Trainin...

U.S. Air Force Col. Dennis Hunsicker, director of staff for the Delaware Air National Guard, presents a leadership award to Officer Candidate Teresa Krakowiak during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site,...

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala, adjutant general of the Delaware National Guard, presents a leadership award to Officer Candidate Eric Bosco during the Delaware Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training...

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala, adjutant general of the Delaware National Guard, presents a Model 1903 officer sabre to Officer Candidate Eric Bosco during the Delaware Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach ...

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. James Begley, director of joint staff for the Delaware Army National Guard, presents a graduation certificate to Officer Candidate David Mears during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training ...

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. James Begley, director of joint staff for the Delaware Army National Guard, presents a graduation certificate to Officer Candidate Allen Thompson during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Traini...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Yelena Babinski, Delaware Army National Guard, ceremoniously receives her lieutenant shoulder boards during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. Babi...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Yelena Babinski, Delaware Army National Guard, ceremoniously receives her lieutenant shoulder boards during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. Babi...

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. James Begley, director of joint staff for the Delaware Army National Guard, presents a graduation certificate to Officer Candidate Eric Bosco during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training S...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Eric Bosco, Delaware Army National Guard, ceremoniously receives his lieutenant shoulder boards during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. (U.S. Arm...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Eric Bosco, Delaware Army National Guard, appears with his family after he ceremoniously received his lieutenant shoulder boards during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Bea...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Eric Bosco, Delaware Army National Guard, appears after receiving his first salute from Staff Sgt. Angela Foust during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2,...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Jamente Cooper, Delaware Army National Guard, ceremoniously receives his lieutenant shoulder boards during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. (U.S....

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Jamente Cooper, Delaware Army National Guard, appears with his family after ceremoniously receiving his lieutenant shoulder boards during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany B...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Ryan Hastings, Delaware Army National Guard, appears moments before receiving his lieutenant shoulder boards during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 20...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Ryan Hastings, Delaware Army National Guard, ceremoniously receives his lieutenant shoulder boards during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. (U.S. ...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Ryan Hastings, Delaware Army National Guard, appears with his wife after receiving his lieutenant shoulder boards during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. ...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Ryan Hastings (right), Delaware Army National Guard, receives his first salute during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. (U.S. Army National Guard ...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Teresa Krakowiak, Delaware Army National Guard, ceremoniously receives her lieutenant shoulder boards during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. (U....

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Teresa Krakowiak, Delaware Army National Guard, ceremoniously receives her lieutenant shoulder boards during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. (U....

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Teresa Krakowiak, Delaware Army National Guard, with her uncle, Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Miller, state command sergeant major of the Delaware Army National Guard, appear together during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduati...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Gbolahan Lawal, Delaware Army National Guard, appears with his fiancee after receiving his lieutenant shoulder boards during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., N...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Gbolahan Lawal, Delaware Army National Guard, and Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Baker appear together during the Delaware Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Pierce Reilly, Delaware Army National Guard, ceremoniously receives his lieutenant shoulder boards during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. (U.S. ...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Pierce Reilly, Delaware Army National Guard, appears with his girlfriend and mother after receiving his lieutenant shoulder boards during the Delaware Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Tr...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Pierce Reilly and Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Williams, both members of the Delaware Army National Guard, appear together during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., No...

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. James Begley, director of joint staff for the Delaware Army National Guard, presents a graduation certificate to Officer Candidate Christopher Watkins during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach T...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Christopher Watkins, Delaware Army National Guard, ceremoniously receives his lieutenant shoulder boards during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. ...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Christopher Watkins, Delaware Army National Guard, appears with his family after receiving his lieutenant shoulder boards during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Christopher Watkins, Delaware Army National Guard, receives his first salute from his Marine cousin during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. (U.S....

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Christopher Watkins, Delaware Army National Guard, appears with his Marine cousin during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. (U.S. Army National Gua...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Christopher Watkins prepares to recite the oath of office during the Delaware Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. (U.S. Army National Guard...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Gbolahan Lawal, Delaware Army National Guard, recites the oath of office during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. (U.S. Army National Guard photo ...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Teresa Krakowiak, Delaware Army National Guard, recites the oath of office during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. (U.S. Army National Guard phot...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Jamente Cooper, Delaware Army National Guard, recites the oath of office during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. (U.S. Army National Guard photo ...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Yelena Babinski, Delaware Army National Guard, recites the oath of office during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. Babinski previously was a milit...

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Gbolahan Lawal, Delaware Army National Guard, ceremoniously receives his lieutenant shoulder boards during the DEARNG's Officer Candidate School graduation at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Bethany Beach, Del., Nov. 2, 2013. (U.S....

BETHANY BEACH, Del. - Ten soldiers with Class 56 of the Delaware Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School graduated from the 18-month course during a ceremony at the Bethany Beach Training Site, Nov. 2, 2013.

"Nowhere else but in the military can a young person be given the unbridled opportunities that have been bestowed on you today," Army Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala said to the officer candidates. "The management experience that you will gain is priceless. It is highly valued, not only in the military, but in the civilian sector as well."

Vavala, who serves as the adjutant general of the Delaware National Guard, also graduated from the state's officer candidate school as part of Class 14.

"Forty-three years ago, give or take a few days, I was at the same place that you are in your career," Vavala said. "I'm proof that you can go as far as your dedication, commitment, family support, and desire to excel will take you."

Vavala emphasized that the graduation was not just significant for the newly commissioned lieutenants but also showcased the DEARNG's "ability to produce 'homegrown' lieutenants right here in Delaware."

Eight soldiers were commissioned during the ceremony; two soldiers plan to accept their commissions at a later date.

Army Maj. Jaime Wolhar, former training, advising, and counseling (TAC) officer for the Bethany Beach-based school, served as the guest speaker at the ceremony.

"This is an incredible complex time to be a leader. Sequestration, furloughs, reduced funding and resources, all the while you prepare your soldiers for overseas deployments and state emergencies," Wolhar said. "Leadership skills will truly be put to the test due to these complex times. Leaders of today will need to be innovative, resourceful, highly educated and informed. Effective leaders will need to be engaged."

During his speech, Wolhar re-enforced the importance of leaders who empower their noncommissioned officers, motivate those who they lead, and have the ability to take risks.

"Trust your instincts, listen to those who you lead, but most of all listen to yourself, trust yourself," he said. "Your inner conscience will direct you to true north every time."

Since 1957, more than 500 lieutenants have been commissioned through the state's officer candidate school.

Notable graduates of the state program include Maj. Gen. Art Episcopo, former state adjutant general and civilian aide to the secretary of the Army; Gerald Brady, member of the Delaware House of Representatives; Ed Smith, Delaware's former homeland security adviser; and John Wintermantel, former superintendent and co-founder of the Delaware Military Academy.

Class 56 graduates: 2nd Lt. Yelena Babinski, Melrose Park, Pa.; 2nd Lt. Eric Bosco, D'iberville Miss.; 2nd Lt. Jamente Cooper, Dover, Del.; 2nd Lt. Ryan Hastings, Wilmington, Del.; 2nd Lt. Teresa Krakowiak, Philadelphia, Pa.; 2nd Lt. Gbolahan Lawal, Silver Spring, Md.; Spc. David Mears, Georgetown, Del.; 2nd Lt. Piece Reilly, Newark, Del.; Spc. Allen Thompson, Smyrna, Del.; 2nd Lt. Christopher Watkins, Newark, Del.