MMA Cadets Honored with Academic Awards for 2019-20

Congratulations to the Missouri Military Academy cadets who received the following academic awards for the 2019-20 academic year. Parents may view and download photos here.

Major George T. Piper award: Emerald Sylve, 8^th grade

Outstanding Middle School Athlete/Piper, given in memory of George T. Piper, MMA middle school faculty member, athletic director and commandant from 1943 to 1979

Syl Mansfield Memorial Award: Rodrigo Flores Pavon, 7^th grade

Given to the cadet with the highest English as a Second Language grade, best classroom behavior, low or no tours, positive participation in class and has shown improvement. Presented in memory of Sylvia Mansfield, MMA faculty member from 1999 to 2010.

Rotary Leaders of Tomorrow: Kyle Rada, 8^th grade

Presented to middle school cadets based on exceptional achievement which brings honor to the student, family, school, and community.

Derrill S. Kuhlman Award: Nathan Dempsey, 8^th grade

Awarded to an 8^th grade cadet who, in the opinion of the faculty, is the top student in the math and science areas. Col. Kuhlman worked at MMA from 1946 to 1986 as an instructor, coach, counselor, principal, and headmaster.

Hal Heymann Memorial Award: Kai Passmore, 8^th grade

Awarded to the cadet who, in the opinion of the faculty, possesses those characteristics that promote American values. In memory of Cadet Harold David Heymann died at age 12 (1939-1952) in a car accident.

Outstanding Academic Achievement:

The President’s Award for Educational Achievement recognizes students that show outstanding educational growth, improvement, commitment, or intellectual development in their academic subjects.

• William Delaplane, 8^th grade
• Kai Passmore, 8^th grade
• Nathan Dempsey, 8^th grade
• Kyle Rada, 8^th grade

Major William Bryan Essay Contest Medal: Michael Naughton, 12^th grade

Awarded for excellence in writing. In memory of Maj. William L. Bryan, English faculty member.

The Stribling Trophy for Best Single Performance by a Dramateer – HS: Bruno Pozzani, 12^th grade

Presented in memory of Charles R. Stribling III ’44. Stribling’s MMA career as a student, alumnus, teacher, administrator, president and chairman of the board spanned three quarters of a century.

Advanced Chemistry Award

• Lucas Fix, 12^th grade
• Alex Thomas, 10^th grade

Dave Whitney '51 Conservation Plaque: Ezekiel Richardson, 10^th grade

Presented to the cadet with the highest average in Environmental Science and who possesses an interest and appreciation in Conservation. Whitney was Pulitzer Prize- nominated writer and sports and conservation enthusiast.

The William F. Enright, Jr. '37 Award: Bruno Pozzani, 12^th grade

Awarded for proficiency in business and computer studies. In honor of William Enright, former Ameribanc chairman.

Thomas F. Eagleton Junior and Senior English Award: Bryce Bowen, 11^th grade

Awarded to a junior cadet for excellence in English. In memory of Thomas F. Eagleton, who served as a United States Senator from Missouri from 1968 to 1987.

Thomas F. Eagleton Junior and Senior English Award: Thomas Fix, 12^th grade

Awarded to a senior cadet for excellence in English. In memory of Thomas F. Eagleton, who served as a United States Senator from Missouri from 1968 to 1987.

Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell Plaque: Fernando Afane, 11^th grade

Presented to the cadet with the most community service hours. In honor of Joe Maxwell, a lawyer from Mexico, Missouri, who served as Missouri lieutenant governor from 2000 to 2004.

Service Above Self Award: Bruno Pozzani, 12^th grade

Babe Ruth Sportsmanship Award: Bruno Pozzani, 12^th grade

Presented to a cadet who has displayed good sportsmanship with no offense for which integrity or character was an issue.

Outstanding Academic Achievement

The President’s Award for Educational Achievement recognizes cadets that show outstanding educational growth, improvement, commitment, or intellectual development in their academic subjects.

• Ethan Blitz, 12^th grade
• Dongyang Chen, 12^th grade
• Maxwell Dawson, 12^th grade
• Willian English, 12^th grade
• Thomas Huckins, 12^th grade
• Devonte Knight, 12^th grade
• Derek Nguyen, 12^th grade
• Bruno Pozzani, 12^th grade
• Ayush Raheja, 12^th grade

Outstanding Academic Excellence:

The President’s Award for Educational Excellence recognizes the highest academic success in the classroom for seniors and 8^th graders.

• John Murphy, 12^th grade
• Michael Naughton, 12^th grade

The Senator John C. Danforth Plaque: Chia-Wei Hsu, 12^th grade

Awarded for outstanding knowledge and appreciation of Constitutional Government. In honor of Missouri U.S. Senator John C. Danforth.

Dr. Gregory "Doc" McDonald Memorial Award: Christopher Bryant, 11^th grade

Presented to a cadet who conducts himself with honor. In memory of Dr. Gregory “Doc” McDonald, MMA faculty and coach, 2007-2015.

"Voted Most Likely to Succeed": John Murphy, 12^th grade

Voted by the senior class.

Winston Churchill Memorial Award: Bruno Pozzani, 12^th grade

Awarded during the annual Wallace Fry Speech Competition. To the cadet who speaks most persuasively on behalf of a just cause.

The W. Wallace Fry Award: Michael Naughton, 12^th grade

Awarded during the annual Wallace Fry Speech Competition. To the cadet delivers the best speech on the basis of delivery, content and depth of thought. In memory of Judge W. Wallace Fry 1903, a charter trustee of the Academy, 1948-1953.