2021-22 in Review: Top 10 MMA Highlights

Academic year 2021-22 included significant achievements for the 133rd Missouri Military Academy Corps of Cadets. Below, learn about the year’s most notable highlights. After reviewing a list of recent successes, learn about MMA’s vision for the future through the strategic plan.

1. 133rd Missouri Military Academy Graduating Class Celebrates Commencement

The graduating class for the 133^rd Missouri Military Academy Corps of Cadets took part in commencement ceremonies on May 21.1993 MMA graduate and Chief of Staff for the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Lawrence "Kwakou" Casselle served as commencement speaker. The Class of 2022 has been offered more than $4.1 million in college scholarships, and they will attend schools such as Northwestern University, Syracuse University, The Citadel, University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Arkansas and more. 

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2. Middle and High School MMA Cadets Earn High Marks: 2021-22 Academic Achievements

Missouri Military Academy middle and high school cadets represented the Academy well through high academic achievements. 

• MMA Cadets Qualify for Nationals at 2022 State Future Business Leaders of American Competition
• MMA Team Wins Missouri High School Division of The Stock Market Game
• MMA Academy Band Performance Ranked Outstanding at District Music Festival
• MMA Middle School Cadets Receive 1st and 2nd Place Awards in Congressional App Challenge
• MMA Cadets Earn Academic Distinctions for 2021-2022 

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3. Missouri Military Academy Drill Team Finishes Fourth in Nation for Armed Masters Division, Drill Team Commander Achieves Rank as Nation’s Best

Mid-April, the Missouri Military Academy Fusileer Team traveled to Daytona, Florida for the National High School Drill Team Competition (NHSDTC). The team competed in the U.S. Army Drill National Championship and the All Service Drill National Championship. After facing 70 schools and roughly 1500 cadets, the MMA Fusileers finished fourth in the nation in the armed masters division. Cadet Michael Machary-Pagan earned first place in the nation for armed commander. 

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4. MMA Rifle Team Finishes 7th in 2022 Army JROTC National Championship

The MMA Colonels rifle team ranks seventh in the nation after competing at the 2022 JROTC National Championship competition in Camp Perry, Ohio. The Colonels rifle team, represented by Marco Afane, Rene Garcia Garza, Lance Newland, Blake Morais and Ethan Zinzer, competed against 2178 JROTC cadets from the United States, Europe and the Pacific. 

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5. Top 4 in State, Academy Record-Breakers, and All-American Accomplishments: 2021-22 Colonels Athletics Highlights

MMA Colonels Athletics achieved record-breaking goals during their successful 2021-2022 season. From placing fourth in the state for tennis, to winning first place at the powerlifting nationals, to cadets being named to the All-Missouri Independent Football team, MMA students represented the Academy well with their high athletic achievements. 

• MMA Tennis Team Places Fourth at State
• Colonels Track Athletes Set New MMA Records in State Championship Competition
• MMA Cadets Place First at Powerlifting Nationals, Earn All-American Honors
• Cadet Melick Breaks 42-Year-Old MMA Swimming Record
• MMA Junior Bryson Powell Earns All-State Honors at MSHSAA State Cross Country Championships
• MMA Raiders Team Places at National Competition
• MMA Soccer Players Earn District, Region Honors
• 4 MMA Cadets Named to All-Missouri Independent Football Team 

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6. Missouri Military Academy Cadets Earn 5 Trophies in National Military School Competitions

The Association of Military Colleges & Schools of the United States (AMCSUS) announced the 2021 competition winners in early March at its annual conference in Alexandria, Virginia. Missouri Military Academy cadets competed against top-ranked military schools from across the nation and brought home five trophies in competitions, including the logic bowl, high school drill team, middle school drill team and high school and middle school physical training (PT) challenges. 

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7. ISACS Accreditation Affirms Missouri Military Academy’s Focus on Mission and Delivery of High-Quality Education

The Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) Accreditation Review Committee (ARC) has determined that the Missouri Military Academy meets all requirements necessary to continue as a member in good standing with full accreditation. Following the ISACS visiting team’s Oct. 2021 visit to MMA to conduct its accreditation review, team leader Kevin Kunst praised the Academy’s dedication to its mission — empowering young men to unlock their potential. 

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8. Niche Ranks Missouri Military Academy Among 2022 Best Private Schools in America

Missouri Military Academy has ranked as a 2022 Best School in Niche.com’s annual ranking. Niche ranks schools based on dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. MMA earned an A in the 2022 ranking. The Niche grade praised MMA for its academics, clubs and activities, diversity and college preparation for its all-boys corps of cadets. 

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9. 2022 Maroon & Gold Gala Benefits Cadets with Record-Breaking Amount Raised

A record-breaking $210,000 was raised at the 2022 Maroon & Gold Gala on April 23. More than 300 parents, alumni, patrons, faculty, staff, friends and Board of Trustees members came to campus to support the Academy. The generous donations will support MMA cadet life and leadership programs, ensuring that cadets receive the transformational experience that teaches them to take command of their lives.  

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10. Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce Recognizes MMA as E. Warner Williams Excellence in Business Award Winner

Missouri Military Academy was recognized on Oct. 26 by the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce as the 2021 E. Warner Williams Excellence in Business. The Academy was chosen for this award for the hard work and leadership demonstrated by staying open throughout the COVID pandemic and for the positive economic impact it has on the Mexico community.