MMA Scouts Complete 140+ Merit Badges, Advance in Rank

Feature photo above, members of MMA Troop 1889 pose for a photo on the steps of Stribling Hall, following the 26 April 2023 promotions and designations ceremony. 

Missouri Military Academy (MMA) recently recognized the 2022-23 accomplishments of the Academy’s Scout Troop 1889 during the 26 April 2023 promotions and designations ceremony.

Since August 2022, 31 members of the troop successfully earned promotions and satisfactorily completed the requirements for over 140 merit badges. The Scouts have participated in a variety of activities which included canoeing, camping, cooking, first aid, hiking, swimming, and a visit to a nuclear reactor. 

“We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of our Troup 1889 this year. It's rewarding to see our Scouts develop into capable leaders with specialized skills, gained through Scouting experience,” said MMA Scout Master Rob Silbaugh. “Our MMA cadets enjoy an enhanced Scouting experienced as they learn new skills that advance and complement the knowledge that they are acquiring at MMA.”

The following MMA cadets achieved Tenderfoot status:

• Cadets Nicolas Anaya from Monterrey, N.L., México
• Adrian Cavazos from Monterrey, N.L., México
• Colten Fred from Indianapolis, Indiana
• Damien Garritson from Rolla, Missouri
• Gihana Nziza from Kigali, Rwanda
• Alvaro Gonzalez Farre from Atizapan, México
• Trae Griffiths from Champaign, Illinois
• Etienne Guishard from Jonesboro, Georgia
• Riley Hanley from Mexico, Missouri
• Malachi Imrie from Wildwood, Missouri
• Lukas Joiner from Sullivan, Missouri
• Tru Jones from Raymore, Missouri
• Jayden Lewis from Mexico, Missouri
• Logan Lockhart from Liberty Hill, Texas
• Bryce McIlwain from Monument, Colorado
• Garrett McKinney from Kansas City, Missouri
• Robert Peck from Indianapolis, Indiana
• Jacob Pehle from Lake Saint Louis, Missouri
• Paramvir Reen from Yuba City, California
• Henry Scribner from Springfield, Missouri
• Spencer Semeliss from Roland, Arkansas
• Brandon Semeliss from Roland, Arkansas
• Adam Swenson from Youngstown, New York
• Bradley Thumbi from Overland Park, Kansas
• John Trippe from from Cleveland, Tennessee
• Zijie Zhou from Shenzhen, China.

In addition, the following cadets also advanced in rank:

• Cadet Joshua Miller from Claremore, Oklahoma achieved Second Class status;
• Cadet Kamil Sanchez from México City, México achieved First Class;
• Cadet Jet Rodewald from Brentwood, Tennessee, achieved Star and Order of the Arrow;
• Cadet Mason Brooks from Henrietta, Texas achieved Life status.

Membership in MMA’s Scout troop is open to all MMA cadets. The troop is named in honor of the year MMA was founded. Progress within Scouts may also have a positive impact on a cadet’s rank advancement within the corps. The commandant’s office is notified of merit badges earned and Scout advancement, and MMA staff support cadets in their pursuit of MMA leadership positions and aspirations for Eagle Scout.

For more than 100 years, both Missouri Military Academy (MMA) and Boy Scouts of America (BSA) have been helping young men reach their full potential through a curriculum of academic and leadership skills and by imparting values of duty, honor and selfless service. The MMA Troop 1889 offers fun and challenging experiences that enhance character development and leadership skills.

MMA Vice President of Institutional Advancement Rob Silbaugh is the Troop 1889 Scoutmaster. For more information about MMA’s Troop 1889, please contact Silbaugh at Robert.Silbaugh@MissouriMilitaryAcademy.com.