Missouri Military Academy Celebrates Class of 2025 at 41st Annual Senior Banquet

Missouri Military Academy (MMA) honored the graduating Class of 2025 during its 41st annual Senior Banquet, held in the Centennial Gymtorium on Friday, May 16, at 6 p.m. The evening featured reflections on the cadets’ time at MMA, formal recognition of their achievements and a ceremonious farewell as they prepare to join the Academy’s alumni ranks. Featured image: MMA Alumni Association Vice President Jarrod Magee '97 presents Cadet Alexander McBride '25 with a gift from the Alumni Association, a 2025 commemorative challenge coin and their Alumni Association membership card, which entitles each senior to two years of Alumni Association dues, free of charge.

Overview of the Missouri Military Academy 2025 Senior Banquet. 

The evening opened with welcoming remarks from Chris Schafer ’89, MMA faculty member, alumnus and the event emcee. Senior Army Instructor Major Wayne Welander, USA (Ret), and MMA Alumni Association Vice President Jarrod Magee ’97 introduced each senior cadet, acknowledged final commissions and presented alumni gifts.

Cadet Tsog Dulguun being introduced at the 2025 Senior Banquet. 

Cadet Adam Swenson ’25 gave the invocation, followed by toasts offered by Cadets Mason Brooks ’25 and Seydina Issa Diop ’25.

Cadet Adam Swenson delivering the Class Chronicle. 

Guests enjoyed a senior video produced by Cadet Emilio Gomez ’25 and witnessed the presentation of the senior gift by Cadet Malachi Imrie ’25. The Class Chronicle was presented by Cadets Dallas Grantz ’25 and Adam Swenson ’25.

Magee delivered the Alumni Association address, giving cadets words of encouragement. 

“The time I spent at Missouri Military Academy created and built bonds that can never be broken,” he said. “Cherish it!! The Alumni Association uses words like ‘brotherhood’ and ‘team’ because we are all here to help everyone succeed, and after tomorrow, that will include all of you gentlemen.”

Jared Magee '97 delivering the 2025 Alumni Association address. 

Magee continued with a personal interpretation of the word “grit”:

“I hear the general use one word at times, ‘Grit’—it's generally up to you in that moment to translate if we are talking about a person, place or thing. But I spent the last week or so thinking about that word... grit.
My best translation is perseverance—it’s something I know oh so well.
Looking back...
Never give up
Never stop trying
And no matter what...
Absolutely, never quit!”

Class of 2025 Senior Awards

MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret), and MAJ Welander presented cadets with military JROTC and senior awards

• The American Legion Award for Scholastic Excellence: Cadet Kruze Hagan 
  • Awarded to a senior who is in the top 10% of his class in academic subjects, has the second highest GPA, is in the top 25% of JROTC subjects and has also been an active participant in student activities and demonstrated leadership.
• Master Sergeant Billy Crawford Memorial Award: Cadet Alexander Pro
  • Named for MSG Crawford, who was killed in Vietnam and known for his bravery, this award is given to a senior cadet who has demonstrated bravery, leadership and military courtesy.
• Noncommissioned Officers Association Award for JROTC: Cadet Batbileg Bataa
  • Given to an outstanding Noncommissioned Officer in the corps, this award recognizes the cadet who demonstrates the best military bearing, appearance, deportment and leadership.
• Association of United States Army (AUSA) Leadership and Academic Achievement Award: Cadet Miles Matthews
  • Recognizes the senior cadet officer who has scored highest on this year’s ACT or SAT.
• Reserve Officers Association (ROA) Award: Cadet Michael Pfeifer
  • Presented annually to an outstanding fourth-year cadet for military and academic achievement. This award recognizes leadership qualities, a positive attitude and high personal and ethical standards. The recipient typically ranks in the top 10% of their class.

Cadet Michael Pfeifer III receiving the JROTC Reserve Officers Association (ROA) Award from MAJ Welander and President Geraci.

• William S. Lowe Award: Cadet Jonathan Valesa
  • Awarded to the senior showing the greatest all-around development over his tenure as a cadet.
• LT COL Veon McConnell Korean Trophy: Cadet Mu Ye
  • Given to a cadet officer who performs his duty with diligence.
• Class of 1984 Plaque – Unheralded Leader Award: Cadet Kruze Hagan
  • Given to a senior cadet who is not an officer but is respected by his classmates and considered an instrumental part of pulling the class together.
• Richard Cooper, Class of 1982 Plaque: Cadet Dallas Grantz
  • Awarded to the senior with the longest unbroken tenure as a cadet. Named in honor of Richard Cooper, an eight-year cadet.
• 2025 Alumni Award – “Most Likely to Succeed”: Cadet Mason Brooks, Battalion Commander
  • Selected by the graduating class, this award goes to the cadet deemed most likely to succeed.

Cadets Dallas Grantz ’25, Irmuun Ganbat ’25, and Alvaro González Farré '25 leading the singing of "Old MMA."

The evening concluded with the cadets leading the singing of “Old MMA,” followed by final words from Schafer ’89.

Paul Petit '85 standing with Cadet Mbaye Diagne '25 to sing "Old MMA."

“I have had the honor and privilege to watch your sons grow into the men of character that they are today,” Schafer said. “I would like to thank the families for allowing the MMA family to be a part of your son’s journey – it was our honor. I am honored and humbled in the trust you gave to us. Thank you.”

Chris Schafer '89 delivering his closing remarks at the 2025 Senior Banquet. 

View more photos of the 2025 Senior Banquet on MMA's Flickr.