KINGWOOD — A cadet from Parkersburg in the West Virginia National Guard’s Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy north program received the Most Improved Cadet Award at the Dec. 17 graduation of Class 65/2-2025.

Elijah Wright was among 65 graduates of the program. Graduation was held at Camp Dawson in Preston County.

Wright is the son of Paula Wright and Jeremiah Hamilton of Parkersburg.

Ten awards were presented at commencement where Tim Cotter, event director for MX Sports and GNCC Racing, was the keynote speaker.

“The life skill sets these young men and women have learned here the last 22 weeks have equipped them to thrive and will guide them the rest of their lives,” he said. “I have no doubt they are going to be leaders and change the face of their communities.