The Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy has announced that Class 1-25 is the 64th class to complete the West Virginia National Guard Program.
Commencement exercises were held June 13 at Camp Dawson in Kingwood. A total of 84 graduates from 27 counties across the state of West Virginia successfully completed the requirements for graduation.
Cadet Alexzander Smiley, son of Charles and Abigail Smiley of Upper Tract, was in Platoon 5. He was recognized for receiving the Level One PT(2), S2C Award, as well as obtaining the six individual values recognition ribbons
All graduating cadets have completed the residential phase of ChalleNGe, which includes activities in eight core component areas ranging from service to community to employability skills. Cadets in this class provided 3789 hours of service to community for such organizations as Trout for Cheat, American Red Cross, Operation Gratitude, Empty Bowls, and Cheat River Festival. Following graduation, the cadets will begin a two-year post-residential phase of ChalleNGe that includes placement activities in education and/or employment.
