MMA Cadets and Family Share Messages of Thanks

This Thanksgiving, we thank those who help our cadets grow into young men of character and purpose. 

From the care and instruction of our teachers, coaches, company leadership advisors and staff ... to our partnership with parents as we teach our young men to take command of their lives ... to our alumni whose support is vital to our cadets' success ... to our cadet leaders who are learning the positive impact they can have on others ... We are grateful for the MMA family working together to help young men reach their full potential.

We recently asked cadets and MMA family members for who they are most thankful at MMA and in their families. Read on to see what they said.

Click the links below to jump to each section:

"Who are you thankful for at MMA?" (responses from cadets and families)

"Who in your family are you particularly thankful for this year?" (responses from cadets)

“Which cadet leaders have positively affected you?” (responses from cadets)

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When asked who they were thankful for at MMA, cadets and families had this to say…

“As I reflect on who I should be thankful for at MMA for their dedication and hard work, it is very hard to do. But I would like to personally recognize Chief Landrum and Ms. Newbrough for their continued support.

Every single staff member at MMA plays an integral part in the formation of my cadet. Your patience, kindness, and steady support create an environment where he feels encouraged and valued every day. Thank you all for your commitment to shaping minds, building confidence, and making learning both meaningful and enjoyable. Your influence in the transformation of my cadet goes beyond the classroom, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.” — Rosy Carneiro, parent of Cadet Daniel Bravo

“Every single person we have interacted with at MMA has been nothing short of wonderful. From our first interaction with admissions and speaking with Michael Koontz and meeting President Geraci during our tour (both of whom ultimately helped us confirm that MMA was the best choice for us), to our regular interactions with the Echo Company CLAs—Major Wright and CPL Kosick—we have felt fully supported and at ease while our son is in their care.

During parent-teacher conferences, we were truly able to see why our son is thriving at MMA. The care each teacher puts into the classroom can easily be felt. It is easy to see how much they want each of the students to succeed. We have never felt so impressed by teachers as we have with the teachers we met that day—Stuart Mackenzie, Stephen Maziarz, Christopher Scarlet, Will Blue, Joshua Allison, Cheryl Emminger and Sheila Meny are truly world-class.

Lastly, I want to take time to recognize Eric Evertson for the constant support he offers Xander through his time in cross country and during Boy Scouts, and I want to recognize the entire clinical staff, including Tracey Forrest, for helping Xander when he needed it.

Every single day we talk about how thankful we are for MMA. Because of you all, our son is becoming the man he's always dreamed of being. We are endlessly grateful.”— Lauren Sanders, parent of Cadet Xander Sanders

“Echo CLAs—thank you for keeping our son safe and helping him along the way as he grows and learns about life. Thank you for helping him to understand that academics are a priority. And thank you for always hunting him down for us when we call.

Mrs. Kristin Adams-Vargas has also been an essential part of our son's experience with academics. Before the day he arrived, she worked on his learning plan and has been there to support him every day since. We are so grateful for her knowledge and skills and so glad she is part of MMA.

And the Ekern Health Center—they all do an amazing job taking care of the cadets, addressing routine and urgent needs every single day. They are amazing.” — Tiffanie and Kevin Johnson, parents of Cadet Alex Johnson

"CPL Koscik has guided me since my 8th-grade year to mature and develop into a productive and good leader." – Cadet Tru Jones

"CPL Koscik. He has encouraged me throughout my journey at MMA to become one of the top cadets academically here at MMA." – Cadet Xander Sanders

"Mrs. Morris: She is always positive and never stops helping." – Cadet Gihana Honour Neza

"Coach McManus and First Sergeant Blue really helped me make me a better leader and more poised more often." – Cadet Alden Grossardt

"Sergeant Brewster for helping me around the barracks and believing in me." – Cadet Gabriel Palmer

"I am very grateful to Mr. Padilla and CLA Grantz; they have supported me since I arrived here." – Cadet Emiliano Issa Roman

"Teacher of the BEST advisory, Mr. Schafer, has positively affected my life by being one of the most supportive people in my life."– Cadet Alexander Pro

"Echo CLA Captain Lutes because he is nice to me." – Cadet Holden Goosey

"Mr. Evertson. He has helped me get through some tough times in school. Like one time I had a hard day, and he let me chill for like 10 minutes. He helps me on other stuff. Thank you, Mr. Evertson."  – Cadet Grant Pendley

"Mr. Schafer, because he is there for not just me but every single cadet." – Cadet Logan Lockhart

"Major McClarey has allowed me to look forward to a class that is lighthearted and uplifting, allowing me to be more motivated throughout the day." – Cadet Jeremiah Senty

"CLA Major Grantz taught me a lot of good things. Especially how being nice (say thank you when you make an announcement, help other cadets when they need your help, etc.) helps others more than you think mentally." – Cadet Amarbayasgalan Enkhbaatar

"We appreciate and are so thankful for Matt Jackson’s work to document our son's MMA experience. When we are on campus or events, we can enjoy being present and the moment, not having to worry about taking photos or video to document. This time being present in the moment for our cadet is priceless, so we can enjoy just being parents and making memories without tech being in the way. This gift of time and focus on our son is wonderful." — Jacob and Dawn Shellabarger, parents of Cadet Eric Shellabarger

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"Who in your family are you particularly thankful for this year?"

Read what cadets had to say …

"My dad, he keeps on pushing me even through tough times." — Cadet Trey Rudolph, senior

"My parents and grandparents, for being there to support me and the soccer team." — Cadet Eric Shellabarger, sophomore

"My dad, for convincing me to continue his legacy in this school." — Cadet Emiliano Martinez, sophomore

"My brothers and my mom, because they have been there for every step of the way." — Cadet Tegan Compton, freshman

"I am especially thankful for my mom this year. She always takes care of me and supports me no matter what. Her love and encouragement give me strength to keep going, even when things get tough. Thank you, Mom, for everything you do—you mean the world to me!" — Cadet Lijie Shan, junior

"My sister. She helped me every time I needed help. She is the best teacher, friend, and supporter." — Cadet Amarbayasgalan Enkhbaatar, sophomore

"My dad, because he was there for the passing-through ceremony. I appreciated him being there to congratulate me on moving through that stage in my life here." — Cadet Jeremiah Senty, junior

"My mother and father, because they have always been with me, no matter what." — Cadet Ancelmo Yanez, freshman

"My mother, she has given up so much to help me, and I could never repay her." — Cadet Lukas Joiner, junior

"My stepdad, for all the knowledge he’s provided me with." — Cadet Logan Lockhart, senior

"My little brother, mom, and dad, because over the days of being nervous or having difficult times, they helped me." — Cadet Xavier Bay, 8th grade

"My mom and dad helped me a lot and always told me to keep going. Thanks, Mom and Dad." — Cadet Grant Pendley, 7th grade

"My grandma, because she has been there for me since I was a baby." — Cadet Holden Goosey, freshman

"I couldn't be more thankful to the best person in my life, my grandma. She has lifted me up and given me the opportunities of a lifetime. Her love and compassion are incomparable to anyone else." — Cadet Alexander Pro, senior

"My parents and God, for sending me here." — Cadet Tru Jones, sophomore

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“Which cadet leaders have positively affected you?”

Read what cadets had to say …

"Cadet Punab-Mitchell. Coming to MMA as a middle schooler last year was not what I planned at all. But he still helped me appreciate what I was given when I came to MMA."

"Miles Matthews has positively affected me. He is always there to help me and guide me when I don’t know what to do. His encouragement and support inspire me to keep improving. I’m truly thankful for his leadership and friendship!"

"Cadet Imrie helped me in the right direction. When I was in New Boy Company, he taught me how to keep my room clean, shine my shoes and belt, and other things. I still thank him for everything he has done for me."

"First Sergeant Matthews: He is always positive and helps without hesitation. Platoon Sergeant Eaton: He is a good leader who does his best and helps you if you need it. Squad Leader Sanchez: He is a good leader who will help you if needed."

"Cadet Swenson is a kindhearted and down-to-earth leader who is proactive and always there for his cadets."

"Cadet CO Hagan, because every time I think I want to do something dumb, I look at him and I don't want to do it anymore."

"Cadets Pro, Kerns, and Gonzalez, because they have always supported me, not just as leaders but as friends."

"Gavin Roberts because he taught me how to be a disciplined young man."

"Jonathan Valesa: I don't know what magic God did to give me that brother, but whatever He did, it worked in ways I could never imagine."

"Martin. He has helped me a lot—really a lot. He has been there during hard times and when I struggled in school. He is a kind person, and I am very thankful for him."

"Though he has graduated, my company commander, Kellan Mugisha, has been a major influence in my leadership journey now that I am a company commander."

"Cadet Wolf, even though he isn’t a leader, has been by my side no matter what. If I’m going through something or having a bad day, he always makes sure to help me the best he can."

"Sergeant Davis, Sergeant Johnson, Company Commander Swenson, Executive Officer Punab-Mitchell, and Corporal Krull, for their poise and willingness to help others and teach."

"Sgt. Valesa. He has helped me with my leadership skills and has been a person invested in my entire platoon's journey here."

"Cadet Imrie, who has helped me during my worst times here at MMA, has guided me to develop the skills I need as a cadet. These skills have helped me mentor and lead others."

"First Sergeant Bui, Cadet Pro, and Cadet Hagan assisted me in quitting the feeling of complacency, which uplifted my standards for college applications and my current high school courses."

Learn more about cadet leadership at MMA.