The Montana Youth Challenge Academy graduated 103 cadets during its 53rd commencement ceremony Dec. 20 at Straugh Gymnasium on the University of Montana Western campus. 

Cadets completed the program’s 22-week residential phase, earning diplomas, certificates and scholarship opportunities to support continued education and career goals.

Local graduates include Elijah Houle of Ronan, Haylee Roose of Eureka, Josephine Olszewski of Kalispell, Landen Lanier of Bigfork, Shaun Martinez of Bigfork and Taylor Jones of Trego. 

The class of 53 cadets contributed 6,119 hours of community service across Montana. Since 1999, the academy has graduated 4,395 cadets, providing more than 232,500 hours of service statewide, representing an estimated $2.4 million in economic value to the state. 

Brig. Gen. Trenton Gibson, adjutant general for the state of Montana, delivered the keynote address.  

The Montana Youth Challenge Academy is a community-based youth education program, sponsored by the Montana National Guard, that provides education, structure and mentorship designed to reduce high school dropout rates and support continued education and productive citizenship.  

The next class begins Jan. 20, 2026. 

For more information about the Montana Youth Challenge Academy, visit mycacademy.org or call 406-960-4424.