Havre-area students graduate MYCA despite program interruption

Press release

Dillon - A commencement ceremony for Class 42 of the Montana Youth Challenge Academy took place June 27 on the campus of the University of Montana Western in Dillon.

Graduates local to the Havre area included Alexis Isaacson and Nikkita FourSouls. On hand to witness the 69 youths of Class 42 receive their diplomas was keynote speaker Montana Attorney General Tim Fox, as well as Major General Matthew Quinn, adjutant general for the state of Montana.

The graduation ceremony for class 42 was held at the University of Montana Western's Vigilante Stadium in Dillon. This commencement looked different from previous ceremonies, with its outdoor location and social distancing measures in place, in order to meet recommended health guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The residential program was temporarily suspended, from March 28 through June 1, for the first time in its 21-year history, in order to reduce the risk of cadets and staff exposure to novel coronavirus 2019. However, the interruption did not deter the cadets of Challenge Class 42. The resumption saw 69 cadets return to complete their initial mission and another 30 committed to re-enrolling in Class 43, which is scheduled to begin July 21

The Montana Youth Challenge Academy, sponsored by the state of Montana and the Montana National Guard, is a preventive program for students at risk of not graduating high school. It is designed to improve life outcomes for its participants. The 22-week Residential Phase of Challenge increases opportunities through job skills training, service to the community and leadership positions.

Graduates of the Residential Phase transition into the 12-month Post-Residential Phase by achieving placement in one of the following options: high school completion, higher education, employment, military enlistment, or volunteering at least 25 hours a week. Mentors, who have been matched with cadets during the residential phase, play a critical role in ensuring their continued success.

Class 43 begins July 21. For more information about the Challenge program to include enrollment opportunities, people can contact 406-683-7534 or visit the website at htpp://www.mycacademy.org .