The Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy is pleased to announce that Cadet Austin Elon Brooks, the son of Wanda and Steve Boothe of Lewisburg, has completed the requirements for graduation. Cadet Brooks is one of 131 graduates from 43 counties across the State of West Virginia. Class 2-14 is the 43rd class to complete this West Virginia National Guard Program. Commencement exercises were held Dec. 12, at the Craig Civic Center in Kingwood. MG James A. Hoyer congratulated the Cadets and gave the commencement address.
While attending the Academy, Cadet Brooks of Platoon 1 was recognized for receiving the Mentorship Award (twice), as well as obtaining the six Individual Values Recognition Ribbons. Cadet Brooks also participated in the Presidential Physical Fitness Program.
All graduating Cadets have completed the 22-week residential phase of ChalleNGe which includes activities in eight core component areas ranging from Service to Community to Employability Skills. In addition to classroom studies, the Cadets traveled to the State’s Capitol in Charleston. Cadets in this class provided over 8,687.6 hours of Service to Community for such organizations as American Red Cross Blood Drive, Trout for Cheat, Mountaineer Food Bank, and Kingwood, Masontown and Reedsville VFD. Following graduation, these Cadets will begin a one-year post-residential phase of ChalleNGe that includes placement activities in education and/or employment.
Applications are currently being accepted for Class 2-15 that begins in July. Call toll-free at 1-800-529-7700 for more information.
