Local Residents Complete ChaleNGe Academy Course

The Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy has announced Class 2-24 as the 63rd class to complete this West Virginia National Guard Program. Commencement exercises were held Friday, December 13th at Camp Dawson in Kingwood. A total of 90 graduates from 34 counties across the State of West Virginia successfully completed the requirements for graduation including three from Braxton County. CSM James D. Jones congratulated the Cadets and gave the commencement address and special remarks were given by the Hon. Ronald T. Keohane.
The following Cadets participated from Braxton County:
Cadet Aiden Bryce Nottingham, son of Diana Nottingham of Duck, was in Platoon 4. Cadet Nottingham was recognized for receiving the Instructor’s List(2), Academic Award for Most Improved Cadet, Level One PT(2), Honor’s List as well as obtaining the six Individual Values Recognition Ribbons. During their time at the Academy, Cadet Nottingham served in the following leadership positions: Asst Plt Leader(3), Plt Leader.
Cadet Donald Edwin Mitchell, son of Edwin and April Mitchell of Sutton, was in Platoon 3. Cadet Mitchell was recognized for receiving the Cadre Distinction Award, Deputy Director’s Distinction Award, Instructor’s List, Good Conduct Award as well as obtaining the six Individual Values Recognition Ribbons.
Cadet Lakyn Brooke Nottingham, daughter of Diana Nottingham of Duck, was in Platoon 4. Cadet Nottingham was recognized for receiving the Academic Award for Most Improved Cadet, Instructor’s List(2), S2C Award(2), Commandant’s Cup, Highest Academic Points, Honor’s List(2), as well as obtaining the six Individual Values Recognition Ribbons. During their time at the Academy, Cadet Nottingham served in the following leadership positions: Asst Plt Leader, Plt Leader(4).
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 4227.7 hours of Service to Community for such organizations as Trout for Cheat, Alzheimer’s Association Walk, Berlington Apple Butter Festival and Operation Christmas Child. 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 2-25 North that begins in July. Call toll-free at 1-800-529-7700 for more information.