On Dec. 17, Libby’s Selena Shriner graduated from the Montana Youth Challenge Academy.

Shriner, along with 82 other cadets, graduated during the formal ceremony from the two-phase academic based program located in Dillon.

The Academy’s focus is to assist youth, ages 16-18, by helping them to develop the academic and life skills necessary to be successful.

During the 22 week residential phase, academy participants focus on eight core components which include physical fitness, academic excellence, leadership-followership, responsible citizenship, service to community, life-coping skills, job skills and health and hygiene.

Following graduation from the residential phase, students enter a 12-month post-residential phase in which they maintain on-going contact with a volunteer mentor in their community who provides additional support.

During the commencement ceremony, speakers included Montana Senator Debby Barrett, Brigadier General Jeff Ireland, Chief of Staff, Montana National Guard, Dr. John Cech, Deputy Commissioner of Higher Education and Dr. Beth Weatherby, Chancellor, University of Montana-Western.