Collin MacKenzie Parker has been appointed to Class 1-15 of the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy. Cadet Parker, son of Aleasa Parker and Dustin Hawkins of Alderson, is one of 154 Cadets attending a 22-week residential course designed to help youth improve their leadership and employability skills while working towards earning the completion certificate from the NGYCP and/or a high school diploma for qualifying students. Qualifications for a high school diploma include: successful completion of the NGYCP Career and Technical Pathway, pass the high school equivalency exam and obtain a Level 4 on WorkKeys.
The Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy, which is sponsored by the West Virginia National Guard, was established at Camp Dawson in September 1993. In addition to its unique educational programs, the ChalleNGe Academy provides a quasi-military environment in which Cadets learn self-discipline, respect and team building techniques.
A First Leave Ceremony was held Friday, Feb. 13, at the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy in Kingwood. The Celebration marked the end of the First Phase of the ChalleNGe Program. Future activities for the Corps of Cadets include ASVAB testing, Service To Community Projects, and a trip to our State’s Capital.
Applications for the next class, which begins in July, are now being taken. For more information, please contact the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy toll-free at 1-800-529-7700.