MMA Hosts 2026 Missouri JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge

Missouri Military Academy hosted the 2026 Missouri Junior Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) from May 27-31, welcoming hundreds of Army JROTC cadets from across the state — including 12 MMA cadets — for a week of leadership development, teamwork and adventure-based training.

A total of 479 participants arrived on campus May 27. Of those, 392 were high school Army JROTC cadets representing schools throughout Missouri. The remaining participants included instructors and senior ROTC cadets from Missouri State University, the University of Missouri, the University of Central Missouri and Missouri University of Science and Technology. 

Participating MMA cadets included:

• Brexton Castillo
• Kaseun Cottom
• Josiah Emminger
• Owen French
• Archer Gober
• Hayden James
• Jordan Milzark
• Sean Edward Mulcahy
• Xavier Perdigon
• Maxwell Stuehmer
• Roy Voyitenko
• David Woodcock

Selected by Missouri's U.S. Army JROTC program as the host venue, MMA provided the facilities, training areas and support for the brigade-level leadership event. Throughout the week, cadets rotated through a variety of hands-on training stations designed to develop leadership, confidence, teamwork and problem-solving skills in demanding environments.

Training events included the cadet challenge (physical fitness test), rappelling operations, obstacle and leader reaction courses, waterborne operations, first aid and litter-carry procedures, land navigation, and one-rope bridge construction. Cadets also completed drownproofing, a water-survival exercise that taught participants to conserve energy, maintain composure and remain afloat in challenging conditions while building confidence and resilience in the water. Each event challenged cadets to work together, communicate effectively and apply leadership skills under pressure.

JCLC is one of the premier leadership development programs within Army JROTC, providing cadets with immersive experiences that reinforce character, discipline and teamwork while exposing them to new challenges outside the classroom.

Founded in 1889, Missouri Military Academy has a long tradition of developing young men through academic excellence, character education and leadership training. Hosting JCLC reflects MMA's continued commitment to supporting leadership development opportunities for cadets throughout Missouri and advancing the mission of Army JROTC programs across the state.

The 2026 Missouri JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge concluded May 31 following five days of intensive training, collaboration and leadership development among the next generation of leaders.