Cadets Compete in 2026 W. Wallace Fry, Jr. Public Speaking Contest

Missouri Military Academy (MMA) hosted the 94th annual W. Wallace Fry, Jr. Public Speaking Contest on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Presser Performing Arts Center in Mexico, Missouri.

Each year, MMA cadets participate in this longstanding tradition by delivering original speeches that showcase the argumentative techniques learned in their English Language Arts classes. The contest highlights the Academy’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership and character development.

Established in 1932 by Judge W. Wallace Fry, MMA Class of 1903, the contest features the W. Wallace Fry, Jr. Cup for Excellence in Speaking, awarded to the cadet whose speech best exemplifies exceptional delivery, content and depth of thought.

This year’s contestants included the following cadets:

High School Speakers

• Ian Arredondo, Class of 2026, Fair Oaks, Texas
• Emilio Perez, Class of 2026, Martinez de la Torre, Mexico
• Michael Reboucas, Class of 2027, Sandra Regina, Barreiras, Brazil
• Gunnar Ward, Class of 2027, Union, Missouri

Middle School Speakers

• Archer Gober, Class of 2030, Columbia, Missouri
• Viraj Malik, Class of 2031, Columbia, Missouri
• Justin Sattler, Class of 2030, Lakewood, Colorado

Cadet Archer Gober, Class of 2030, from Columbia, Missouri, was awarded the Joy McGeorge Middle School Oratory Award, recognizing outstanding charisma and oratory skill. Below, Cadet Gober is pictured with President Geraci.

Cadet Gunnar Ward, Class of 2027, from Union, Missouri, received the Winston Churchill Memorial Award, presented to the cadet who speaks most persuasively on behalf of a just cause. Below, Cadet Ward is pictured with President Geraci.

Cadet Michael Reboucas, Class of 2027, from Barreiras, Brazil, earned the W. Wallace Fry, Jr. Cup for Excellence in Speaking. Below, Cadet Reboucas is pictured with President Geraci.

The contest was emceed by Cadet Brexton Castillo, Class of 2028, of Avon, Minnesota. Judges included Ms. Glessie Chavez, onboarding and enablement manager; Mr. Steve Hagan, a retired certified financial planner; and Mr. Scott Fischer, a retired engineer.

MMA extends its appreciation to the Academy Band and Choir, Mr. Stephen Maziarz (piano), Cadet Lian Haddad (piano) and Cadet Christopher Song (clarinet) for intermission entertainment.

The annual contest remains a hallmark of the Academy’s tradition, reinforcing the importance of confident communication, critical thinking and leadership development.

See more photos on Flickr.