Family Stories

“In public school, Clayton was so detached from everything. He was doing well, but he wasn’t excited about anything … [At MMA], he’s still getting really good grades, but he’s in a class of six or seven, so there is no hiding. He’s really learning to come out of his shell.”

— Heather Reich, MMA mom

Evan Batson ’24, a recent graduate of Missouri Military Academy’s 135th Corps of Cadets, has received a $153,000 ROTC scholarship. This fall, Evan will be attending Westmont College, where he will major in international studies and minor in modern language.

Connor Edwards, Missouri Military Academy (MMA) Class of 2024, says he arrived at MMA as a high school sophomore expecting the experience to be like a normal boarding school. It wasn't. Three years later, as an MMA graduate and recipient of a full-tuition college scholarship, he looks back.

“He knows he is on the path to his dream and is confident that it is achievable with the education available at MMA.”

— Jaymie “MieMie” Mitchell, MMA grandma

“MMA has unlocked his full potential and maximized his opportunities in life ... I am already very proud of my son. I am confident that he will make us all feel proud as an MMA ambassador wherever he may pursue his personal and professional life.” — Jorge-Alberto Yarte-Sada, MMA dad

"No one can fully understand what it is like to have your teenage child move away from home much earlier than ever anticipated unless one experiences it themselves. It was life changing for all of us in every regard." A year after his graduation, MMA alumni Elizabeth Royse looks back on the impact MMA has had on her son Noah. 

“His grades were a night and day improvement. He said he felt like it was easier to make friends (at MMA). His confidence has improved and he is a happier child. Landon takes initiative in his own life. If we have a conversation about a bad grade, he just takes it upon himself to get a teacher, figure out tutoring and do what he needs to do to get that grade up.” 

— Jennifer Kjohlede 

" It has definitely been a change for Robbie and for our family, but we can already see signs that he is maturing into the man we know he can become." 

– Ray Peck, MMA dad

“[With] the brotherhood up there and the way they all take care of each other, he has a home [at MMA].”

— Thomas Naughton, MMA dad

“I wish that more kids had the opportunity to experience [MMA]. I think it would make a world of difference.”

– Cheryl Castle, MMA mom

"I can’t thank everyone enough who works at MMA to help groom our boys into the men they are destined to become."

 – Michelle Kiefer, MMA mom

“The whole attitude of the school was more about academics and a scholar more than it was being a tough guy.”

–David Thibodeaux, MMA dad. 

“The teachers and the leaders there at the school recognize the potential that is in each of these young men and then puts it to the test and says, ‘Here, you’re going to hone those skills.’”

– Nicole Hughes, MMA mom

"Last night on the phone he said, 'I know I don’t tell you enough, but I am very grateful for the opportunity you have given me to be able to go to MMA.'"

— V.S.T., MMA mom