MMA Cadets Put Leadership into Action at Missouri Boys State

Three Missouri Military Academy cadets took their leadership skills beyond campus this summer, representing MMA at the 2026 session of Missouri Boys State.

Eric Shellabarger ’27, Gunnar Ward ’27 and David Woodcock ’27 participated in the immersive civic leadership program, where students gain firsthand experience in government, public service, leadership and citizenship. Throughout the program, participants form their own cities, counties and state government; run for office; operate businesses; debate legislation; and take on responsibilities that challenge them to lead and work alongside their peers.

For the MMA cadets who attended, Boys State offered another arena in which to practice skills central to the Academy experience: taking initiative, accepting responsibility, communicating effectively and leading with character.

Eric Shellabarger ’27 Earns Samsung State Scholarship

Eric Shellabarger ’27 attended the Law Enforcement and Public Safety School and was a member of Carver City and the Nationalist Party.

Shellabarger distinguished himself during the program as a Samsung State Scholarship winner, adding a significant honor to his Boys State experience.

His achievement comes as Shellabarger begins the 2026–27 academic year in one of the highest-ranking positions in the Missouri Military Academy Corps of Cadets. He was selected to serve as battalion executive officer, helping lead the 138th MMA Corps of Cadets.

At MMA, cadets develop leadership through daily practice within the corps of cadets and the Academy’s leadership programs. Cadets earn increasing levels of responsibility as they demonstrate discipline, integrity and reliability — experience that prepares them to step confidently into opportunities such as Boys State.

Gunnar Ward ’27 Takes on Government Leadership

Gunnar Ward ’27 attended the Legislative and Executive Policy School, representing Duggan City and the Federalist Party.

Ward pursued multiple opportunities to participate in the governmental process. He served as a delegate to the County Committee for Ward II, beverage commissioner and a member of the House of Representatives. As a representative, he also sponsored legislation, giving him firsthand experience with the process of developing and advancing policy.

Ward appeared on the ballot for both the Missouri Boys State House of Representatives and State Treasurer.

His leadership continued beyond government. Ward also gained experience as a business owner within the Boys State community.

Back at MMA, Ward is putting those leadership skills to work as Band Company commander for the 2026–27 school year. His Boys State experience reflects the kind of practical leadership development emphasized throughout MMA’s 360° Education, which integrates academic excellence, character development, leadership training, physical development and life skills.

David Woodcock ’27 Explores Government and Entrepreneurship

David Woodcock ’27 represented Weyer City and the Federalist Party while attending the Legislative and Executive Policy School.

Woodcock pursued a seat in the Missouri Boys State House of Representatives and also took part in the program’s economic experience as a business owner, challenging him to apply initiative, decision-making and personal responsibility in a new environment.

The experience added to an already leadership-focused summer for Woodcock. Before attending Boys State, he was among the MMA cadets who participated in the 2026 Missouri JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge, a five-day program hosted at MMA that tested cadets through hands-on leadership, teamwork and problem-solving exercises.

Woodcock now serves as Charlie Company executive officer in the 138th MMA Corps of Cadets.

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Preparing Cadets to Lead Beyond MMA

Boys State gives young men an opportunity to experience the responsibilities of citizenship and leadership rather than simply study them. That emphasis closely complements MMA’s approach to developing young men of character.

Within the corps of cadets, MMA cadets learn that leadership begins with personal responsibility and progresses toward responsibility for others. They set goals, make decisions, communicate with peers, solve problems and are held accountable for their actions. Opportunities such as Missouri Boys State allow cadets to take those habits into a different setting, test themselves among other student leaders and return with new perspectives they can apply at MMA and beyond.

For Shellabarger, Ward and Woodcock, the summer of 2026 provided another opportunity to demonstrate what leadership looks like in action.

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Applications Open for Missouri Boys State 2027

Missouri Boys State is now accepting applications for its 2027 program.

Students interested in government, leadership, public service, law, business or simply challenging themselves through a unique summer experience are encouraged to apply.

Know a student who would thrive at Missouri Boys State? Encourage him to apply for the 2027 program at  www.moboysstate.org.