How Missouri Military Academy Cadets Develop Leadership Through Community Service

Missouri Military Academy cadets develop leadership through hands-on community service by volunteering at local events, representing the Academy with professionalism, and serving others with discipline and respect. In November and December 2025, cadets supported the Lunch Buddies program and the Elks Lodge Christmas dinner and ushered performances at the Presser Performing Arts Center in Mexico, Missouri. 

Feature photo above, Cadet Enkhtenger Altangerel, a high school junior from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, participates in the Lunch Buddies program. He also supported the Elks Lodge Christmas dinner on December 5.

On Friday, December 5, 10 cadets traveled to the Elks Lodge in Mexico, Missouri, to assist with the annual Christmas dinner, a tradition the Academy has proudly supported in previous years. Throughout the evening, cadets greeted guests, assisted with the event, and represented MMA with distinction.

“I received multiple unsolicited compliments from lodge staff and dinner attendees praising the cadets for their respectful demeanor, strong work ethic and genuine willingness to serve,” says MMA Activities and Recreation Specialist Craig McMillen. He added that an MMA alumnus in attendance specifically expressed appreciation for the cadets’ conduct.

Thank you to these cadets for their support at the Elks Lodge Christmas Dinner:

• Lucas Joiner
• Jeremiah Senty
• Raymond McDonald
• Lijie Shan
• Tyler Ball
• Edward Mulcahy
• Max Stuehmer
• Manuel Obregon
• Enkhtenger Altangerel
• Munkhtsog Batjargal

Cadets brought the same professionalism and energy to the Presser Performing Arts Center, volunteering as ushers for the production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. They assisted with performances on December 6, 7 and 14, ensuring the audience enjoyed a smooth and welcoming experience. Their efforts earned praise from staff and attendees, further strengthening MMA’s partnership with the Presser Performing Arts Center.

Cadet Logan Spear, an 8th grader from Hinesburg, Vermont, stands ready to usher guests to seats at Presser Performing Arts Center.

Thank you to these cadets for their support at Presser:

• Lucas Joiner
• Wesley Ball
• Dean Mitchell-Hilsinger
• Santiago Maes
• Enkh-Ireedui Altangerel
• Ethan Levey
• River Punab-Mitchell
• Gunnar Ward
• Logan Spear
• Ryan Derstein
• Mark Corley
• Santiago Maes

Missouri Military Academy cadets also participate in ongoing mentorship through the Lunch Buddy program, regularly visiting a Mexico Public School District elementary school to eat lunch, play at recess, and build positive relationships with local students. The program pairs at-risk elementary students with community role models as part of the national Bright Futures initiative, allowing cadets to provide encouragement, consistency, and mentorship. MMA cadets meet with their lunch buddies at least once a month and often participate in recess or classroom activities, further strengthening their connection and impact.

Thank you to these cadets for volunteering in November 2025:

• Aaden Bado
• Kennedy Barchigei
• Erick Bond
• Benjamin Bryant
• Mark Corley
• Ryan Derstein
• Josiah Emminger
• Michael Emminger
• William Larson
• Santiago Lopez
• Gihana Honour Neza
• Manuel Obregon
• William Pennington
• Eric Shellabarger
• Robert Voyitenko
• Liam Woolery
• Enkh-Ireedui Altangerel
• Enkhtenger Altangerel

Cadet Manuel Obregon, a high school junior from Garcia Garza, Mexico, has lunch with local elementary students through the Lunch Buddies program.

Through these experiences, MMA cadets not only serve their community but also develop and exemplify the leadership, respect, and service values that define the Academy.