Jen Lanz, director of the Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy, recognizes Mark E. Chicoine for his service as director of CCYA during the graduation ceremony for Class 61 Dec. 21, 2024, at Green Run High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Chicoine, the fourth director of CCYA, retired in March 2024. 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)