Cadet Dylan Gainan graduates from the Montana Youth Challenge Academy

DILLON — Cadet Dylan Gainan of Pablo has graduated from the Montana Youth Challenge Academy.

The Commencement Ceremony for Class 27, Montana Youth Challenge Academy was held on Saturday, December 15, 2012 in the Straugh Gymnasium on the campus of the University of Montana-Western in Dillon. The guest speaker at the ceremony was Major General Matthew Quinn, The Adjutant General, Montana National Guard. The keynote speaker was Mr. Leo McCarthy, founder of Mariah’s Challenge Foundation.

The Montana Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) is a 17 - month, two-phase, academic-based program located in Dillon, on the campus of the University of Montana-Western. The Academy focus is assist youth ages 16 - 18 by helping them to develop the academic and physical skills and abilities necessary to be successful.

During the twenty-two week residential phase, Cadets focus on eight Core Components which include Physical Fitness, Academic Excellence, Leadership - Followership, Responsible Citizenship, Service to Community, Life-Coping Skills, Job Skills and Health and Hygiene.

Following graduating from the Residential Phase, students enter the 12-month Post Residential Phase in which they maintain contact with a volunteer Mentor in their community. The next session for Montana Youth Challenge Academy begins on January 15, 2013.