Dakota Krissie of Columbia Falls has discovered his potential as a leader through the Montana Youth Challenge Academy in Dillon.

“I never thought I had leadership parts in me at all,” Krissie said. “I got there and I found out at the end I can be a good leader. And I was.”

Montana Youth Challenge Academy is a National Guard-sponsored 17-month program for youth ages 16 to 18 who are at risk of failing academically or dropping out of high school.

Before he attended the academy Krissie said he was failing high school. He had trouble staying awake in class, didn’t want to do homework and just didn’t see any relevance in attending school because he already had a job. He enrolled in the academy at his father’s behest.

After five and a half months, the 17-year-old graduated from the academy on Dec. 20 and hopes to enroll at Flathead Valley Community College next semester.

During his time at the academy Krissie lived on campus at the University of Montana Western, with a highly structured and monitored routine that focused on academic excellence, leadership, citizenship, job skills, physical fitness, community service, life coping skills and health and hygiene. 

Krissie met the first 10 days — known as the “acclimation phase” — with some resistance.

“I don’t think anyone liked that basically you’re put in the armory for 10 days; it’s like boot camp,” he said.

Montana Youth Challenge Academy Admissions Counselor Clay Cantrell said during the acclimation phase participants learn basic rules, regulations, expectations, and they complete tests for placement in classes.

Cantrell clarified that the academy follows a military model, but is not a formal boot camp.

“We’re not training soldiers; we’re training students,” Cantrell said. “We provide the basic structure, self-discipline and accountability. They line up in formations. They march to and from class. They have to hold their bedrooms to standard, make their bed a certain way.”

Through the academy, Krissie was able to take the high school equivalency test HiSET (formerly GED) and a couple of college courses. Academy students also may participate in a high school credit recovery program through the academy.

As part of graduation requirements students must assume two leadership positions. Krissie eventually took up a permanent leadership position in his platoon during the last five weeks. To get a permanent leadership position, students must take a written test and get recommendations from other staff. They are essentially competing with other cadets.

“It’s really hard to get it; you have to be top dog essentially,” Cantrell said.

Krissie learned not only that he could be a leader, but also that his squad’s performance was a reflection on him. He said some instances called for him to give instructions only, yet he learned there are times when a leader has to work alongside and help his squad. He said that is the difference between a boss and a leader.

“I had to help my squad. We had to clean our floors in the dorm room and I helped them every day,” he said.

Krissie also was chosen to participate in the color guard and presented the colors for home football games at the university and at the Governor’s Office.

Now that Krissie has returned home to a less regimented schedule, he has been paired with a mentor who will provide guidance for the next 12 months as part of the program. Krissie said he hopes to enroll at FVCC.

“Now is the time to move out in the world again. Mentoring is crucial to keep track of them and make sure they are still thriving,” Cantrell said, adding that cadets will need to adjust to not being under a close watch. “The mentor knows what he’s gone through and will help him continue to make strides and accomplish those stepping stones in life.”

Krissie said he formed close friendships with others and these are the bonds that last a lifetime.

“These are the people that are in a sense your brothers and sisters for five and half months that are going to help you get through things, make sure you succeed and thrive,” Cantrell said.

The academy is free to participants. Montana Youth Challenge Academy is funded 75 percent by the federal government and 25 percent through the state.

To date, Krissie is one of 2,298 cadets who have graduated from the academy, which was established in 1999.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.