Congratulations Montana!!! We currently have 1,280 graduates of the Montana Youth ChalleNGe Program!!!

I have gathered some letters and emails below that are from MYCP graduates and/or their families to share with you.  This way you can "hear" their own words. 

~April 11, 2008~
Bulletin Board Post from Class 9 Graduate

Hey Youth Challenge,
What's going on I never hear anything about anyone in Class 9. But just an update on me I'm in the army I joined up in 2006. I've been at Fort Bliss, TX since then. I'm getting married in a couple of weeks to a great guy I met down here. I'm also in college right now doing online courses to get my degree I want to be a CPA. I know the only reason I am where I am now though is because of MYCP and I thank everyone there for that. Thanks ChalleNGe and I hope to hear some updates on class 09....
 
Kyrie
AKA Cadet Jones

~April 1, 2008~
Class 4 Graduate

I could not sleep so I thought I would look up the old program and I found a familiar face.  What do you know Mr. Reid Lund is top dog.  Congratulations!  You remember me, class 4, Cadet Conroy?  How could you forget?  I cant believe the success of the program.  I am completely shocked.  Over 1200 graduates, not bad.  I also saw a few other names I was familiar with.  Some day I would like to bring my family to Dillon for a visit during a class.  Maybe I could meet some of the new cadets and show my wife the life we had there, first hand.   I run a pretty packed race now.  I operate my own construction business, I am the proud father of 3, and I'm still living in North Dakota. 
 
 By the way I don't think I ever told you, But thanks for everything you did for me.   You all helped  save my life and opened my eyes to  look for the straight and narrow way.   Life has not been easy, after a few bumpy roads,  steep hills, and floody terrain and I have figured out where I'm at, who I am, and where I am going.  I don't know if you get a lot of attention from cadets your self, but I thought you should know, I appreciate every thing you did for me and Thank you for helping me learn how to smile...........
 
Have a good day! I hope all goes smoothly. 
 
TTFN  ( TA TA FOR NOW!)

~April 24, 2007~
Email from Class 2 Graduate (seven years later...)

My name is Patricia Gauthier and I graduated from MYCP in July of 2000.  I can not express the effect MYCP has had on my life from the very day I left.  Only one day after graduation, I shipped off for boot camp for the United States Army.  Many of the cadets, staff, along with myself couldn't believe it, and didn't think I would be able to handle it.  Four years later, I finished my time with the United States Army and did more in those four years than I ever imagined I could, or would.  I did all four years in Germany, and traveled to all kinds of places, Greece, Holland, and Italy, just to name a few. Not a day goes by that I don't think about my first and last days with MYCP.  The growth in all of us still amazes me to this day, I keep in touch with a few people who graduated with me and they all agree that MYCP really was the turning point in our lives.  I gave the graduation speech that year for our class, and I still keep a copy to this day and read it from time to time.  Never before I went to Youth ChalleNGe would you have convinced me that I would have stood up in front of all those people and gave a graduation speech.  It is funny how God's plan is so different for all of us.  I never went to a prom, or any school events, but I wouldn't change any of it!
            Now I live in Richmond, Virginia and am a mother of two wonderful boys and have a wonderful career.  I can't imagine where I would be now if I hadn't made the decision to go to Dillon that year.  I am planning to visit my father soon back in Columbus, Montana and hope that I can come through and see how much things have changed and grown since I left. I can't thank you enough for what you are doing for these young adults.  My heart goes out to every single person who made the decision to come to MYCP, and hope that they keep with them in their future lives, whatever that may bring them, what they learned with you all.  My thoughts and prayers are with you daily.  God Bless!!
 
Trish Gauthier
A proud graduate of MYCP

~April 20, 2006~
Email from Class 13 Graduate

I wanted to take a second to thank ChalleNGe for helping me fix my life. Before ChalleNGe I was falling fast and didn't know I was falling. ChalleNGe caught me right before I hit the ground and gave me guidence, strength, and wisdom to go back into the world a better person. I am now a teacher at a Christian school and live with my mentor in Bozeman! Thank you to the staff at ChalleNGe for caring about us and showing us another way! I miss my girls in first platoon and wish I could go back!    -Franklin

~ February 5, 2006~
Letter from Class 7 Mom with military photo enclosed

Just recently, Danny has decided to go from Army Reserve to full time Army.  He is currently in training and will ship to Iraq soon.  He wanted to be sure to get this to you before he left the country. I want to take this time to thank you and the Montana Youth ChalleNGe Program, for changing Danny's life.  He was always a good kid; just did not have the self-discipline or direction he needed.  Thanks to the ChalleNGe Program, he is one of the most focused and disciplined individuals I know! 

As a final note, because of Danny's success story at ChalleNGe, a co-worker has just enrolled his son into the program.  He has been down there for about three weeks I believe.  He too is a good kid.  If you happen to see him, please tell him we are all thinking of him. 

Sincerely,
Kathi Costa

~Letter sent to the Editor from Class 13 Parents~

There have been articles in our local paper, as well as other papers, that in a "politically correct" way portray this Youth Academy as being only for "troubled" or "wild" youths that are labeled as "drop-outs" and that this program is a "Military" way for them to get an education.  Understandably the skeptics will see a way to view the full side of the coin.  We have seen, first hand, the polished side.  We have a youth in this program right now that has always been very intelligent and respectful of others, but is not taught "cookie cutting", "bead stringing", or "basket weaving" in order to get a diploma.  I'm proud to say that he is studying REAL life coping skills such as English, Social Studies, Algebra, Physical Conditioning, History, and also, Accountability and Responsibility to his peers and community.

This program is run by the Montana National Guard.  Every "Cadet" that is to be enrolled in this program must have the desire to be a participant!  The MYCP (Montana Youth ChalleNGe Program), does not try to "enlist" these youths, instead they teach our youths the fundamentals of achieving their goals in life, whatever they might be. 

Tough program?  Yes!  Our youth may or may not get through to graduate, but will have tried, and at the same time will have experienced and achieved something that many youths will not attempt!  We believe that he will graduate in full along with the many goals that he has accomplished.  That will be a great achievement for him!  We thank the staff, administrators, and officers that are involved!!  We will still be proud of our youth for what he accomplishes!  None the less, this program DESERVES the communities support and respect for what it strives to accomplish.  It is extremely hard work for both staff and cadets, but is all done for our youths that we have to depend on in the future.  Thus, WE ARE PROUD TO BE AMERICAN ALL THE WAY, EVERYDAY!! 

To the Montana Youth ChalleNGe Program:  You have ALL of our respect!!  A big THANK YOU, and a HUGE "HOOAH" from all of the Meyer Family!!

Respectfully!  Thomas and Jeanne Meyer and family.

(Cadet Meyer did graduate with Class 13 and we are proud he joined the ChalleNGe Family) 

~ May 9, 2005 ~
Dear ChalleNGe Faculty:

Two years ago when our troubled young boy decided that he needed you, we left him in Helena in your care.  During the five months you had him he set goals.  His short-term goal was to get back into high school.  His long-term goal was to graduate from high school.

Well, the time is here!

He is graduating with his GED, high school diploma and he has been on the honor roll.  He is enrolled at Wyoming Tech to start college this fall.

He could not have done it without the program and the wonderful people who run it.  You have imprinted high values in his heart and mind.  Thank you for molding our young boy into a man.

Sincerely,

The Proud Parents of Brodie Boreson (Class 7 )
Scott and Myrtle

Email from Class 6 Graduate:
~ June 5, 2005 ~

Miss Kluesner how are you doing? It's the old class 6 first sergeant Colter Chadwick. I've been itch'n to see how the program has been doing. I searched for the website and it looks good. Right now I'm currently stationed in South Korea working on Apache Attack Helicopters. Learning the language all right and the food, shall we say "OUTSTANDING" lol. I was recently on leave and I came home and visited my family and friends. My brother and I talked about how much we really liked ChalleNGe. I quote, "I would stay there for the rest of my life now that I think about it." Of course I'm referring to Jesse Chadwick, my brother a graduate from Class 2. Give my regards to the current class and I'll do my best to be a ChalleNGe testimony of positive turnout. I love you all at ChalleNGe and take care of yourselves and the Cadets.

God Bless you all,
SPC Colter Chadwick (Class 6 Graduate)

Letter to Case Manager from Class 10 Graduate:
~ May 26, 2005 ~

Sheila,

Hi! How are you? I'm great. I got married on February 25th to a guy I've known since 9th grade. He's a mechanic and makes good money. I work at the largest dealership in Billings.  It's called Rimrock Auto Group. We have 6 different dealerships. My husband and I are in the process of buying a house. It has 2 full bathrooms, 3 bedrooms, an office, and a 2 car garage. It's been completely remodeled. It's absolutely beautiful! We're excited about that. I also just got a new car, and a black lab puppy named Charlie. I'm doing very well. My birthday is in a couple of weeks. I'll be 19. I never imagined I'd be where I'm at today. It's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it. I will send you guys some pictures sometime soon. I hope all is well in Dillon. Are CI Borjas, CI Osborne, and CI Peterson still there? If they are tell them I said hello and thank you. Well, I better go for now. It was nice hearing from you. Talk to you later.

Tory Blomeyer (Victoria Rochford Class 10)

Email from Class 1 Graduate:
~ September 5, 2005 ~

Well Hello, and congradulations on already being in class 13! It's scary that it's been basically 6 years, I am cadet Kasie Agee, and I get the privilege to say I was the first one to graduate in the very first class. I must say you all have it made, from that very first class, it was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I learned real quick you do what they say and you'll be okay and to this day I thank everyone at MYCP for putting up with me and my graduating class. I am sure we were tuff, as were our CIs though :) Hope everyone is doing great, I am! Hope to hear from someone soon! take care!

Always a Cadet,
Kasie Agee (Class 1 Graduate)

Email from Class 12 Graduate:
~ September 5, 2005 ~

Hey everyone from ChalleNGe. It's the ol' Cotton Eyed Joe back again to thank you guys for saving my sorry behind. Anyway, I can't wait to talk to class 14 about my experiences and what they are to expect. If anyone sees this from the MYCP CI's. Please tell CI Brumbaugh that he made a huge difference in my life and that's a debt I will never be able to pay. Anyway, thanks again for everything. This is the program that changed my life and my future. Here's to the Staff, Mentors, Director, and the Commandant. I can't say how much I thank you for teaching me some of lifes most precious things and that's (3rd platooners only from CI Brumbaugh) "where we go one....we go all." Thanks again.

 Sincerly,
Cotton Brockett (Class 12 Graduate)

 Email from Class 12 & 13 Parent:
~ September 12, 2005 ~

Family day on August 20, 2005, will be one of the most memorable times that I spent with my son, Cadet Schrader. The day was memorable, beautiful, and enjoyable.

I would like to thank the staff for preparing my children for the future. Class 12 was a great success for my other "Cadet Schrader", whom is doing very well, and will leave for boot camp on October 6, 2005 with the Army National Guard.

Youth ChalleNGe has prepared my children for their future, in ways I never thought possible.

Family Day on August 20, 2005, helped me to realize that my children were going to be okay and would have a wonderful future.  I noticed changes in my Cadet that I had never seen in him before.

Thanks again to the the staff and CI's for helping so many young adults make a difference in their lives.

April Olechnicki (Parent of Class 12 Graduate & of current Cadet from Class 13)
Hamilton, MT

 ~ Email from Class 13 Parent ~

Sincerely,
Colleen Hollowell
A very happy and proud mom! (Current Class)

 ~ Email from Class 12 Parent ~

Hi Everyone:

I again would like to thank everyone for all that you did for my child. I know at times you thought you were not getting through to him but in reality you really were. He really misses all of you. He asked to please say hello to Patty Rose, CI Braumbaugh, CI Penn, CI Hanson and to all the other staff. Kyle is doing very well and we are very proud of him. I would personally like to thank each and everyone of you for your role in Kyle's life. I thank your program everyday. Take care all of you and  I hope that everyone realizes what your program can do for young men and women.

Sincerely,
Debbie Upton (Parent of Class 12 Graduate)