MMA Recognizes 2026 Summer Academy Graduates

While some students spend the summer taking a break from academics, nearly 50 middle school and high school students chose to strengthen their academics at Missouri Military Academy (MMA), while developing the discipline and leadership skills that prepare them for success. During the Academy's four-week Summer Academy, they focused on their academic skills while learning the value of discipline, accountability and leadership. Their hard work was recognized during the 2026 Summer Academy Final Ceremony on Friday, July 10, where families, faculty and staff gathered to celebrate their accomplishments.

Throughout Summer Academy, campers strengthened their academic skills through middle school enrichment courses, high school credit recovery and enrichment classes while experiencing the structure, discipline and leadership opportunities that define life at Missouri Military Academy. Beyond the classroom, campers enjoyed a variety of activities, including a scavenger hunt at the Saint Louis Zoo, visits to the Saint Louis Science Center and YMCA, bowling, movie nights, athletic competitions, swimming, fishing and other team-building experiences that promoted confidence, collaboration and personal growth.

Over the course of the program, campers learned to function as one team in the classroom, the barracks and during off-campus activities. They developed leadership skills through marching, drill, daily responsibilities and leadership training while building confidence by climbing the Academy's rock wall, rappelling from the tower and overcoming new challenges. Along the way, campers gained valuable habits of diligence, self-discipline and accountability that will help them succeed both in school and in life.

Reflecting on the campers' accomplishments, Academic Dean Ranae Clement encouraged them to carry the lessons of Summer Academy into the coming school year.

"Within these four weeks, you have gained much more than credit for English, Math or Science," Clement said. "I hope you have learned successful habits and traits to take you into the next school year. Through your diligence, self-discipline and accountability, you will be successful."

Scroll down for a full recap of Summer Academy recognitions and graduates.

2026 Summer Academy Graduates:

The following campers were awarded the 2026 Summer Academy Medal in recognition of their successful completion of Missouri Military Academy's Summer Academy program.

• Malek Aref
• Sherif Aref
• Alexander Beckmann
• Jesse Clausen
• Carter Cole
• Braxton Conedy
• Ian Cure
• Raul Damian Arreola
• Verdaan Dhir
• David Easler
• Jaxon Evans
• Owen French
• Nivea Funk
• Thomas Gasco
• Conner George
• Leo Gilberg
• Dru Godfrey
• Blaize Greever
• Anna Gui
• Miguel Hochman
• Jonathan Holland
• Alyosha Hopkinson
• Alex Johnson
• Shiva Kalenjari
• Tre'Leon Kirt
• Alexander Kruse
• Adam La Huis
• Abram Lofting
• Emmett Long
• Jason Mast
• Nelson McBride
• Christian Ramos
• Matthew Saccoccia
• Brayden Saulters
• Cayden Schoneberg
• Kayden Schuble
• Leo Sherwood
• Francis Snodgrass
• John Snodgrass
• Daniel Starling
• Seeley Wagner
• Dylan Wang
• Nathaniel Weis
• Schylar Weis
• Lyrik Westmoreland
• Wrigsby Womack
• Zachary Woolnough
• David Wynn

Faculty and Staff Recognition

The ceremony also recognized the faculty and staff whose dedication and support helped make the 2026 Summer Academy a success and enriched the campers' experience throughout the program.

Recognized faculty included high school teachers Daniel DeTienne, Whitley Wilson, Sam Wells, Brittany Lugena, Ethan Everhart and Cheryl Emminger; middle school teachers Melba Lackey, Sungtae Hwang, George Davison, Ted Brauker, Brian Thode and Sheila Meny; and Activities Coordinator Eric Evertson.

Additional recognition was given to Mike Kulas (Information Technology), Pearl Newbrough (Registrar), Company Leadership Advisors Sam Lutes, Bernadette McGlasson, and Matthew Seibert for their dedicated time and guidance in the barracks. Our maintenance and facilities staff for Barnard Hall, Sandy Garfield and Doug Scott, our Sage dining staff for their exceptional meals, and last but never least, our summer academy counselors, Moustapha Seck, Ulis Gordon, Natalie Wells and Ethan Nicholas.