(Graphic Illustration - West Virginia - MetroCreativeConnection)

KINGWOOD — Four cadets from Wood County were part of the 62nd class to complete the West Virginia National Guard’s Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy program in June.

* Cadet Maddox Corbin Efaw, brother of Madalynn Lipscomb of Parkersburg, was in Platoon 2. Efaw was recognized for receiving the Mentorship, Level One PT(2), PT Most Improved as well as obtaining the six Individual Values Recognition Ribbons.

* Cadet Noah Wayde McCoy, son of Rusty McCoy and Tina Shears of Parkersburg, was in Platoon 3. McCoy was recognized for receiving the Cadre Distinction Award, Instructor’s List, Level One PT(3), Mentorship, Honor’s List, Deputy Director’s Distinction Award, Good Conduct Award and Health Award, as well as obtaining six Individual Values Recognition Ribbons. During their time at the Academy, McCoy served in the following leadership positions: assistant platoon leader (4) and leadership award/assistant corps commander.

* Cadet Haley Dawn Todd, daughter of Chelse Johnson of Parkersburg, was in Platoon 4. Todd was recognized for receiving the Honor’s List, Instructor’s List(2), Mentorship, Good Conduct Award as well as obtaining the six Individual Values Recognition Ribbons.

* Cadet Gaven Lee Wilson, son of Autumn Pittman of Parkersburg, was in Platoon 4. Wilson was recognized for receiving the Mentorship, S2C Award as well as obtaining the six Individual Values Recognition Ribbons.

A total of 85 graduates from 34 counties across the State of West Virginia successfully completed the requirements for graduation.

All graduating cadets have completed the residential phase of ChalleNGe, which includes activities in eight core component areas ranging from service to community to employability skills. Cadets in this class provided 3,687.5 hours of service to community for such organizations as American Red Cross, Trout for Cheat, Camp Galilee, Girl Scouts of America and Operation Gratitude. Following graduation, these Cadets began a one-year post-residential phase of ChalleNGe that includes placement activities in education and/or employment.