VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. –
Forty-four cadets graduated from Class 61 of the Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy Dec. 21, 2024, at Green Run High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Brig. Gen. Rusty McGuire, Assistant Adjutant General for Army Strategic Initiatives, retired Col. Everton Nevers, the Virginia Department of Military Affairs Chief of Staff, and United States Marine Corps Capt. Jergen “Cam” Campbell, a CCYA graduate and guest speaker for the ceremony, joined Jen Lanz, director of Commonwealth ChalleNGe, in congratulating each of the graduates.
“I’m a product of this awesome program,” explained Campbell, a graduate of Class 16. “I want to say thank you to my platoon cadre for being patient with me, for being gracious with me. I didn’t think I’d graduate Challenge.”
Campbell has served in the Marine Corps for more than 20 years.
“So before you leave today, take a moment to say thank you to the cadre who have taken care of you, who have encouraged you, who have challenged you every single day,” Campbell told the graduates of Class 61. “Continue to seek challenges. Healthy challenges that are going to help you grow and find out who you are. This is not the end of your journey. Don’t let it be the end of your journey. Do not be complacent. Because complacency kills. So you have to maintain momentum.
“None of us have actually made it,” he explained. “I’m still trying to figure this thing called life out. As are your parents, as are your big brothers and sisters. You have to remain coachable and you have to remain open minded. I’m begging you to keep building your resiliency.”
McGuire recounted his childhood as a self-described “miscreant” and shared how the military shaped his life.
“I dropped out of high school because I thought I knew it all,” he explained. “I’d like to say I had this great wisdom of joining the military.”
After visiting recruiters from every active-duty branch and getting turned away, he was pointed toward the Army National Guard.
“I didn’t even know what that was,” McGuire recalled. “But wow did it change the trajectory of my life. I learned discipline, success and it shot me off and became addictive. I suspect Commonwealth ChallenGe is the same thing I went through. It caused in me, and I hope it causes in you, relentless success.”
Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy is the Virginia component of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program and is based at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach. ChalleNGe is a 17-and-a-half-month program that is structured in a military-style environment designed to promote academics, attention to detail, time management, and leadership, while promoting self-esteem, confidence and pride.
During the ceremony, Lanz recognized Mark E. Chicoine for his service as director of CCYA. Chicoine, the fourth director of CCYA, retired in March 2024.
“Director Emeritus Chicoine shook the hand of over 2,000 graduates and impacted their future by his leadership on the ground and Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy," Lanz said. “Today I would like to recognize Mr. Mark E. Chicoine for his 11 years of service to ChalleNGe and the Department of Military Affairs.”
Lanz then thanked the CCYA staff who are vital to the success of the program.
“Our teachers, cadre, counselors, admissions, career advisors, medical staff, logistics team, support personnel and our dining facility have all stepped up, going above and beyond to fill in the gaps to make sure every cadet had what they needed, despite the challenges we face to maintain a safe and supportive environment for our cadets,” she said.
Lanz also thanked the support association for their generous funding of several projects, trips and various needs that arrive throughout the year at ChalleNGe.
“Their contributions are vital to the success of our program,” she said.
Finally, Lanz addressed the parents and family members in the audience.
"Thank you for trusting the Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy with your child,” she said. “It is an honor to return your child to you and your life. We are honored to be a part of their journey and support their growth in a safe and nurturing environment.”
The Troutville-based 29th Infantry Division Band provided music for the event.
ChalleNGe is divided into three phases. The first phase is the Acclimation Period. This period is the first two weeks of the residential phase and consists of physical, leadership and mental challenges designed to test the candidates’ potential for success in the second phase of the program.
The second phase is a 20-week residential period that consists of academics, either high school credit recovery or GED test preparation, post-residential goal development, physical fitness, both individual and group counseling, life skills and team building.
The residential phase consists of academics and structured training that includes daily rigorous physical fitness exercises. A variety of extra-curricular clubs and sports are available.
TAC Officers (Teach Advise Counsel), also known as Cadre, are responsible for the cadets’ execution of the daily routine, physical fitness, personal hygiene, health and welfare, teaching ethical behavior and military science, and working together as a team. Physical training, drill and ceremonies, and barracks inspections are also integral parts of this training in teaching cooperation, tolerance of others, and teamwork.
Faculty members are responsible for academic training and instruction, which is supplemented by various off site field trips. Past field trips have included museums, the Virginia Aquarium, the state capitol, Washington D.C., and live theater performances.
The third phase of ChalleNGe is a two-year post-residential phase. This two-year advisory period is completed when the cadet returns home and has access to the guidance and assistance Challenge Career Advisors.
For more information about the Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy call (757) 491-5932 or visit
vachallenge.org.