Senior Ring Dance - October 18, 2025

By Santiago Lopez Arano ‘27

The Senior Ring Dance is a Missouri Military Academy tradition that signifies an important step in a Cadet's journey. It is held during Fall Family Weekend.  The dinner and dance will celebrate the Senior Class of 2026.  This year's Senior Ring Dinner and Dance occurs on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 5:30 pm until 10:00 pm in the Gymnasium. 

The evening includes dinner and a dance. The event provides an opportunity for cadets, their families, faculty, and staff to come together and to recognize the achievements of the Senior Class of 2026. The dance follows the formal Senior Ring Ceremony held earlier in the day. During a review in the morning, seniors will be presented with their rings by family members and others, acknowledging their dedication and hard work.  

The Senior Ring Dance is considered an essential part of the Academy's traditions and emphasizes the commitment to community as well as the acknowledgment of cadets’ accomplishments. This event allows seniors to share moments with their loved ones as they prepare for their final year in the corps of cadets. 

What to Expect at This Year's Ring Dance 

The Senior Ring Dance marks the conclusion of Fall Family Weekend, following the Senior Ring Ceremony and Review. Attendees can expect a formal dinner, speeches and remarks, a ceremonial Grand March which highlights a longstanding tradition. The event is designed to reflect MMA’s values of discipline, brotherhood, and honor. 

Ms. Kayla Ransdell was asked to describe her experiences from past Ring Dances.  “As the Event Coordinator for the Academy, my job focuses on logistics. I ensure that every cadet and their guests are properly seated for the ceremony, every table looks perfect, and the timeline flows smoothly. The real reward in this role comes from special moments that I get to witness alone. 

“I watch a senior, a young man I’ve seen grow from a nervous new student into a confident leader, pause as his mother places the heavy gold ring on his finger. I see a proud tear roll down a father’s cheek as he shakes his son’s hand. This handshake is now between two men, not just a boy and his dad. From my spot at the back of the stage, I see many of these powerful moments happen all at once. Each senior stands a little taller, not just because of their crisp uniform, but from the confidence that comes from earning their place. 

“The best moment for me comes after the last car leaves and the lights go down. The gym becomes quiet again, filled with the faint smell of flowers and echoes of celebration. I often find a stray napkin or a forgotten program. As my team starts to turn the grand ballroom back into a gym, I take a moment to reflect. The chaos is gone, replaced by a deep sense of satisfaction. We didn't just coordinate an event; we created memories that the cadets and their families will cherish for a lifetime. Then, we get ready to do it all again next year.” 

This article was written for the Journalism and Media Production class, fall 2025, taught by George Davison ’68. Cadet Santiago Lopez is from Cuajimalpa, Mexico.