Missouri Military Academy Celebrates Legacy and Leadership on Founders’ Day

Missouri Military Academy (MMA) celebrated its storied legacy and longstanding tradition of developing young leaders during its annual Founders’ Day observance on Friday, November 21, 2025. Though the Academy’s official Founders’ Day falls on Nov. 22, the corps of cadets gathered a day early to honor 136 years of academic excellence, tradition, and transformative impact since MMA’s establishment in 1889.

Feature photo above: Cadets stand with Academy President Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret), behind the Founders’ Day cake. From left to right: Cadet Eric Shellabarger, Cadet River Punab-Mitchell, President Geraci, Cadet Henry Scribner and Cadet Kam Ho Liu.

“From our earliest days in 1889, the community’s belief in the Academy has been the foundation of our success,” said MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret). “Founders’ Day is an opportunity to celebrate how our cadets, local families, businesses and organizations all benefit from this long-standing partnership. We appreciate the steadfast support of our community as we continue to help young men take command of their lives.”

MMA’s founding story dates to the late 1800s, when Mexico, Missouri, was known as the “driving young metropolis of the Grand Prairie.” The community boasted a flourishing business district, expanding education system, and respected women’s college. Yet leaders saw a need for a boys’ academy offering a classical education strengthened by military structure and discipline. That vision materialized in 1889, when a proposal for a private military academy was presented at a public meeting. Public enthusiasm was immediate, funds were raised quickly, and the Academy officially opened in September 1890.

Today, the 288-acre Missouri Military Academy campus includes a state-of-the-art academic building, full gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, field house with an indoor track, equestrian facilities, a paintball course, outdoor challenge and obstacle courses, rappelling and climbing walls, and more. Through the continued generosity of donors and alumni, MMA regularly enhances its facilities, programs, and capabilities to ensure cadets receive a world-class educational experience.

One of the Midwest’s top college-preparatory military boarding schools, MMA serves a diverse, all-male domestic and international population of middle school and high school cadets. The Academy’s rigorous program empowers young men to reach their full potential as future college graduates, leaders, and citizens of character. MMA’s 360° Education® emphasizes academic excellence, physical development and healthy lifestyle choices, leadership and life skills, character development, and personal motivation.