Forty-four cadets graduate 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. The Troutville-based 29th Infantry Division Band provided music for the event. 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. (U.S. National Guard photo by A.J. Coyne)