Letters from MCA Graduates:
"To the cadets... You don't know me and I don't know you, but I thought I would write and tell you how much of a good decision you made by going to this wonderful school and how proud I am to be able to count myself among you and to be able to say, 'Those guys are from WV.' I was in class 1-05, so if you think I don't know what I'm talking about you are sadly mistaken. Just keep in there and stay strong and don't get in trouble."
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Mr. Dobson,
I would like to thank you for turning my life around and changing my outlook on life after I graduated. I joined the army and now I am an E-5 SGT. I live in Hawaii and am doing great because of that school.
I was in a lot of trouble before I came there, and I was going down in the hole I was digging really fast and did not have a ladder that long to get myself out. But thank you again.
Sincerely,
Sgt Cody Lawson
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"I know my thanks is long delayed, but I would like to thank everyone that came together to get me through the program during class 2-05. I know I fought every step of the way, but now that I see the changes I've made and how much better I feel about myself, and even the way my parents look at me differently, I would do it all over in an instant given the opportunity.
Special thanks to Mr. Taber.
Cadet Blackford
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"...I know I should have written a lot sooner but I've been busy. I started going to Charleston Job Corps February 15th and I'm about to graduate with four certifications in network cabling. When I graduate I will be working for Verizon, hopefully. I also just wanted to tell all the staff thanks for everything while I was at the academy and for helping me change my life totally around. For the new cadets... 'I will just tell you not to run off, and don't quit the program because it will show you so many things you can achieve in life.' "
- Graduate Class 2-04
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"... I'd like to thank all of the ChalleNGe staff for turning my life around. If it wasn't for you all I'd probably be in prison or not have peace of mind. Before I went to ChalleNGe I was upside down and inside out. But now I'm on the right track... success. Thank you all!"
- Graduate Class 2-99
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"I am a graduate of class 1-99. The MCA is the one place that I could love and hate at the same time. The MCA instilled in me discipline and self-respect. The PT there got me into great physical shape. The teachers there are incredible and will go out of their way to help you learn. The Squad Leaders are just as great; stern, yet always willing to lend an ear or a helping hand. I greatly recommend this high-speed place. It will set your life back on track!"
- Graduate Class 1-99
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"I graduated from the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy in Class 2-97... December 19th, 1997 to be exact. Personally I loved being there and I spend many nights wishing that I were still there. It's outstanding!!!! I will just say that it's the one thing in my life that I will always be proud of, and no matter what I accomplish in life I can always look back and say the MCA helped me do it. If you're thinking about joining or trying to get someone else to do it my advice is GO FOR IT!!! It's the best thing that ever happened to me!!"
- Graduate Class 2-97
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"...I have a great job at Kroger Grocery store. I work part-time as a cashier, and so far I am averaging about twenty hours a week, but recently have been receiving more hours. I enjoy my employees (because) they treat me with respect. The MCA helped me grow up and become a mature young adult. I also enrolled at West Virginia State and will be majoring in Criminal Justice. I want to be a State Trooper sometime in the future. I take my ACT test in August and I feel very confident that I will score high."
- Graduate Class 2-96
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"Thanks for inquiring about my recent acceptance to Marshall University. I couldn't have done it without the help and support provided by you and the staff of the Academy over the five months that I spent as a Cadet. If you need any assistance with any of the upcoming orientations for new Cadets, feel free to contact me anytime."
-Graduate Class 2-95
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Great Guidance: "... I want you and your staff to know that I am one of many who thank you for making it possible for some young people to turn their lives around and be good citizens in our society because of the great guidance received at the Academy. You should be very proud of your accomplishments."-Teacher/Mentor
Regretful Dropout: "I know when I left the gates of Dawson last week, it was the biggest mistake of my life. I wish I was back there right now with my boys in 3rd platoon. You all saved me, but I didn't fulfill my dreams. Thank you for the time, and I wish I was there right now. The staff was great! I miss the cadets and staff alot. Just know that I think about the academy all the time and regret leaving."
-December 1999
In Your Debt: "... Because of your dedication to the simple idea that discipline and self-respect are the foundations of personal achievement, my son can again look to his future with confident expectation. Our entire family is in your debt..."
-Attorney At Law
Unquestionably Correct: "...what a wonderful program the MCA must be, these many school drop-outs were being nurtured. As I viewed the class and considered (the cadet) seated at my left, I thought: what a worthwhile use of our taxes. At a time when I find so many government programs and spending contrary to my conservative thinking, here is at least one use of our taxes that is unquestionably correct."
-Octogenarian WW II Vet, 1998
