The Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy is pleased to announce that Cadet Collin MacKenzie Parker, the son of Aleasa Parker and Dustin Hawkins of Alderson, has completed the requirements for graduation. Cadet Parker is one of 137 graduates from 36 counties across the State of West Virginia. Class 1-15 is the 44th class to complete this West Virginia National Guard Program. Commencement exercises were held Friday, June 12, at Camp Dawson in Kingwood. MG James A. Hoyer congratulated the Cadets and gave the commencement address. While attending the Academy, Cadet Parker of Platoon 4 was recognized for receiving the Academic Most Improved, Instructor’s List (three times), Honor’s List, Mentorship Award, as well as obtaining the six Individual Values Recognition Ribbons. Cadet Parker also participated in the Presidential Physical Fitness Program. During their time at the Academy, Cadet Parker served in the following leadership positions: Assistant Corps Commander, Assistant Platoon Leader. 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 6,476.5 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 1-16 that begins in January. Call toll-free at 1-800-529-7700 for more information.
