VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. –
Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy graduated 30 cadets from Class 62 June 14, 2025, at Green Run High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Col. Jeff Wagstaff, Senior Army Advisor to the Virginia Army National Guard, retired Col. Everton Nevers, the Virginia Department of Military Affairs Chief of Staff, Jen Lanz, director of Commonwealth ChalleNGe, and Jerome Ferrette, the Commonwealth ChalleNGe deputy director, congratulated each of the graduates on completing the five-and-a-half month long residential portion of the program.
“As I stand here today, I am filled with a sense of pride and admiration for each one of you,” Wagstaff told the cadets. “You have embarked on a remarkable journey full of challenges and triumphs and today you stand ready to take the next step into your future.”
“This is not the end of the cadets’ journey,” Lanz said. “It’s a launching point. We ask you to carry what you learned here and demonstrate it in the world. Be the leader in your family, in your school in your workplace. Do not forget that you’ve already accomplished something very extraordinary.”
Lanz explained the cadets earned a lot more than just a certificate.
“They earned confidence, self-respect and a purpose,” she explained. “You’ve shown us that growth is not just possible, it’s very powerful.”
“Today we gather here to celebrate a significant milestone in your lives,” Wagstaff said. “A moment where hard work, resilience and determination converged to bring about new beginnings. Each of you have walked a unique journey and today as you stand on the threshold of the next chapter, I want to take a moment to recognize some of the vital supporters who have made this moment possible.”
They both also thanked families and friends for their support of the cadets.
“Thank you again to our supporters and also the families that have been a huge support system to these cadets while they’ve been away from home,” Lanz said. “We could not do it without that partnership.”
“Your unwavering support has fueled their resilience,” Wagstaff explained. “Today as they graduate, know that your love and belief in them have played a pivotal role in their achievements.”
“Today we’re honored to reintroduce you to your cadet,” Lanz told the families. “Not just as the person they were but the leader they’ve become - as someone who knows how to face challenges, take responsibility and strive for something greater.
“Congratulations graduates,” she said. “We’re very proud of you and we believe in your future.”
U.S. Fleet Forces Band Brass Quintet provided music for the ceremony.
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.
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.