Matthew Eidson recently earned Gold Phase, Commonwealth Challenge’s highest honor, and will graduate from the program on June 21.

After dropping out of high school, former L.C. Bird student Matthew Eidson knew that there were few opportunities for someone without a high school diploma. However, looking to pull his life together, Eidson enrolled in the Commonwealth Challenge program and will graduate this weekend as a Gold Phase cadet.

“To reach Gold Phase is the highest honor for cadets as they awarded special liberties and held to a higher standard of conduct. For students tagged as ‘at-risk,’ it’s a great accomplishment for them, especially with graduation on the horizon,” says Diana Naidoo, member of The Hodges Partnership, a public relations firm that helps to raise awareness of the program.

Based in Virginia Beach, the Commonwealth Challenge is a statewide 17-month educational program for at-risk teens ages 16-18. Blending a military lifestyle with academics, the program prepares the cadets for their GED and for future employment, military, or higher education opportunities. Of the 13 cadets from the Richmond area currently enrolled in the program, Eidson was one of only four to achieve Gold Phase status.

“I was pretty excited when I found out that I had received the Gold Phase,” says Eidson. “Just completing this program means a lot to me because of all the hard work that I have had to do to get through.”

Starting the program as a Green Phase, cadets can earn Silver Phase after six weeks and Gold Phase after 16 weeks. To obtain a Gold Phase, cadets must fulfill a number of stringent criteria, including completion of Silver Phase, constant adherence to military uniform guidelines, adherence to Challenge rules, encouragement of others to adhere to Challenge rules, lack of delayed passes and Class C violations, model military courtesy, and attainment of leadership positions and demonstration of leadership responsibilities.

“You have to do everything right in the eyes of the cadre and be one of the best of the best,” says Colonel Tom Early, Director of the Commonwealth Challenge. “Gold Phase cadets get extra time on the phone and in the shower, get to listen to CDs, talk in the Mess Hall, and use the vending machines. It doesn’t sound like much, but it is a big deal for the kids in the program.”

While Eidson is proud to be a Gold Phase cadet, successfully completing the program has meant more than any honor or award could.

“I used to have a problem with authority, but I’ve learned a lot of discipline, integrity, and respect in the program,” says Eidson. “It was upsetting knowing that I was supposed to be graduating the other day with people from my high school, but I have met a lot of new people here. I hope that I have made some lifelong friendships with people who have been down the same road as me and have pulled themselves together.”

Graduation for the Commonwealth Challenge is set for June 21. After graduation, Eidson will ship out for the Army on July 9 and has enlisted for four years in active duty as a topographical analyst.

nderatto@villagepublishing.com | 751-0421

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