Antonio ScottiBelli and Quinten Gilbertson were headed down similar paths before they enrolled in the Montana Youth Challenge Academy several months ago.

Antonio, 17, was skipping classes at Flathead High School, sneaking out of the house, “doing stupid stuff,” he recalled. Quinten, also a Flathead High student and age 17, was making equally bad choices, plus he was struggling with depression.

They and their parents knew something had to change, so last summer the two boys, along with several other area students, headed to the University of Montana-Western campus in Dillon where the Montana Youth Challenge Academy operates. Sponsored by the National Guard, the academy follows a military model that trains students in self-discipline and accountability.

Both families hoped for the best.

And when their sons emerged 22 weeks later, the leadership qualities and self-confidence they displayed were a marvel to their mothers, though it wasn’t a complete surprise.

“This program brought out what already was there,” Angela ScottiBelli said about her son. “I was really impressed.”

Billie Jo Gilbertson saw a level of self-confidence in her son that made her proud. She knew all along Quinten had the skills to succeed if he could just build up his confidence.

Quinten’s grandmother, Donna Gilbertson, said the academy seemed to put things in perspective for her grandson.

“Quinten saw others having bigger problems than him,” she said.

Ron Carroll, marketing coordinator for the academy, said Antonio and Quinten were standouts among the 74 cadets who graduated from the academy on Dec. 19.

“These two young men were respected by their classmates and the staff,” Carroll said. “It’s earned. Look for big things to come from these two young men.”

The Montana Youth Challenge Academy, the only academy of 35 similar programs in 27 states that is housed on a college campus, is a two-phase, academic-based program for youths ages 16 to 18. The goal is to help them develop the academic and physical skills and abilities necessary to be successful, Carroll said.

During the residential phase, cadets focus on eight core components — physical fitness, academic excellence, leadership-followership, citizenship, community service, life-coping skills, job skills and health/hygiene.

Following graduation, students begin a yearlong post-residential phase during which they maintain contact with volunteer mentors in their community.

Life at the academy is no cake walk. The first 11 days, or the “acclimation phase,” typically are the hardest. Students learn basic rules, regulations, expectations and complete placement tests. Contact with their families is limited.

Antonio said he had one really bad day and was on the verge of quitting, but he quickly reversed his thinking, remembering his ultimate goal. “I wanted to change,” he said.

His mother added, “He knew the pain [his behavior] was causing the family.”

Both Antonio and Quinten rose to permanent leadership positions at the academy. Quinten became a platoon leader and the company commander, the top leadership position. Antonio was elected president, became a skilled public speaker and won a T-shirt design contest during his time at the academy.

“We give them the tools, but it’s their job to build the house,” Carroll said. “The staff never gives up on these youths, even when they give up on themselves.

“When we talk about ‘at risk’ kids, they are at risk of not completing their education,” he said. “This is an alternative to traditional education.”

Quinten said the learning environment at the academy, which offered more one-on-one instruction, greatly helped him.

“The peer tutors give so much time,” he said. “They give you all the tools you need.”

Quinten was able to complete the certification to become a certified nurse’s aide while at the academy and he completed the HiSET testing for a high-school equivalency diploma. He will take classes at Flathead Valley Community College and wants to earn a degree in art. Quinten also is exploring a career as a lineman for a utility company.

Antonio will be returning to Flathead High as a senior. He wants to be a game warden one day.

The academy is funded 75 percent by the federal government and 25 percent by the state of Montana; it is offered free to participants.

The Montana Youth Challenge Academy conducts two sessions each year. The next session begins Jan. 19. For more information call the academy at 1-877-367-6927 or visit the website at www.youthchallenge.mt.gov.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.