Students from the Mountaineer Challenge Academy had the privilege of performing a military drill in front of the Capitol on Friday, April 1, 2005. The Mountaineer Challenge Academy trains and mentors selected at-risk youth to become contributing members of society using eight core components that resemble military training during a 22-week residential and one year follow-up program. “This is truly a worthwhile program that helps troubled youth find new outlets to grow as individuals. Their incredible performance and respectful actions while here at the Capitol are a true reflection of this wonderful program,” said Delegate Larry A. Williams (D- Preston) Delegate Williams also is a sponsor of House Bill 3018. This bill would recognize the Mountaineer Challenge Academy as a special alternative education program. Currently, a student must dropout of school to enter into the Mountaineer Challenge Academy. Under this bill, the student would still have to leave their school; however, it would not be counted as a dropout under the “No child Left Behind Act.” “Removing this restraint will allow schools to transfer troubled students to the Mountaineer Challenge Academy without having a black mark on their record,” said Delegate Williams. Students from the Mountaineer Challenge Academy also had the opportunity to work as House and Senate pages for the day.
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