The Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy is pleased to announce Class 1-26 as the 66th

class to complete this West Virginia National Guard Program. Commencement exercises were held on Friday, June 12, at Camp Dawson in Kingwood. A total of 85 graduates from 27 counties across the State of West Virginia successfully completed the requirements for graduation. Senator Randy E. Smith congratulated the Cadets and gave the commencement address.

The following Cadets participated from Randolph County:

Cadet Michael Wayne Cool, son of Randall and Bobbi Cool of Monterville, was in Platoon 1. Cool was recognized for receiving the Cadre Distinction Award, Good Conduct Award, Honor’s List, Overall Most Improved, and S2C Award as well as obtaining the six Individual Values Recognition Ribbons.

Cadet Ethan Jay Ridenour, son of Melody Summerfield of Beverly and Micah Ridenour of Tunnelton, was in Platoon 3. Ridenour was recognized for receiving the Honor’s List and Instructor’s List(2) as well as obtaining the six Individual Values Recognition Ribbons.

Cadet Colin Emory Weese, son of Cristy Nestor of Elkins, was in Platoon 4. Weese was recognized for receiving the PT Most Improved and 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 3914.6 hours of Service to Community for such organizations as American Red Cross, Food for Preston, Trout for Cheat, Preston County Senior Center, and Friends of Cheat. Following graduation, these Cadets will begin a two-year post-residential phase of ChalleNGe that includes placement activities in education and/or employment.

Applications are currently being accepted for Class 1-27 North that begins in January. Call toll-free at 1-800-529-7700 for more information