Senior Spotlight: MMA Cadet Cooper Johnston Honored for Excellence at Hart Career Center Awards

On April 25, 2025, Missouri Military Academy (MMA) Cadet Cooper Johnston ’25 earned five top honors at the Hart Career Center (HCC) awards assembly. He received the NOCTI Workforce Competency Certificate, was named a full member of the American Welding Society, was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society and was presented both a Hart Career Center Certificate of Completion and the Outstanding Student Certificate of Excellence — an award given to two students per year. 

A skilled public speaker in addition to finding success in welding, Cadet Johnston often serves as the announcer at MMA events.

MMA's partnership with HCC provides cadets with hands-on experiences in various trades, helping them earn valuable certifications for high-demand technical and service industries. Many HCC courses carry both high school and college credit. Over the past two years, Johnston has split his mornings between welding and technical classes at HCC and his academic coursework at MMA.

The son of Melinda and Tony Johnston, Cadet Johnston grew up on his family’s farm in Gene Autry, Oklahoma, with his parents and his older sister, Brooklyn. When he came to the Academy in January of his freshman year for the discipline and college-prep focus, he was homesick at first but quickly adjusted to life at MMA.

“What I was getting in Oklahoma wasn’t what I needed,” Cadet Johnston said. “The discipline and structure at MMA were what I needed to succeed.”

His parents say that it wasn't easy deciding to enroll their son in boarding school, but when Cooper struggled with the local academic options, they needed to make a change. They decided as a family, with Cooper included.

"It was probably the hardest thing we've ever done in our lives — to drive away from MMA," said Tony Johnston, about dropping Cadet Johnston off for his first semester. 

Three and a half years later, they look back and know it was worth it.

"It's been a complete transformation from freshman year to now (senior year)," Tony said. "Some of it is maturity, but the structure at MMA has had such a positive impact on him."

Within Cadet Johnston's first semester, his parents saw him progress from "I don't want to be here" to having good days and enjoying the structure and taking pride in the regimen, completing Maroon Phase training (required of all new cadets) and learning the discipline, precision and teamwork required for drill (structured marching).

Most significantly, they say the structure created an educational environment where their son found success.

"At home, he could not have cared less about his education. School came last, and he was more interested in hunting and fishing," Tony said. "At MMA, when you don't do what you are supposed to do, you end up in guided study hall."

They say they have an immense sense of pride for what their son has accomplished while at MMA. 

"He has a bright future that he might not have had otherwise," said Tony, about the benefit of his son's MMA education.

President Geraci presents Johnston with a 135th anniversary commemorative coin to recognize his excellence in serving as emcee at the 2025 Maroon & Gold Gala.

Welding His Future

As a junior, Cadet Johnston began taking classes at HCC, where his fascination with welding flourished. “Welding has always interested me,” he said. “There are so many different things you can do with welding, so many different processes — from building a spaceship to building a grocery store.”

His dad said he initially hesitated to support his son's interest in HCC. Since they were paying for education at MMA, he wanted Cadet Johnston to focus his studies at MMA. When the HCC classes didn't interfere with Cadet Johnston's core education at MMA, his parents didn't try to change his mind about them. His HCC classes seamlessly fit into his day at MMA, filling electives within his schedule.

As his passion for welding grew, Cadet Johnston maintained his MMA classes, overall development within the Academy's 360° Education and his position in the corps. During his senior year, he has developed his public speaking skills, often serving as the "voice of MMA" at key events. He has also served as a cadet leader, Echo Company executive officer, a leadership role he says he never expected.

“It means a lot to be a leader,” he said. “There are a lot of benefits. You get to help other cadets succeed and see how they change.”

He thanks MMA Senior Company Leadership Advisor CPL Koscik for his mentorship. “He’s very motivating,” Cadet Johnston said. “He goes at leadership with a quiet style and listens to you.”

Johnston practices welding at HCC.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Reflecting on his MMA experience, Cadet Johnston notes his growth in confidence and leadership — and the friendships he’s formed. “I have met and become friends with people I would never have expected to,” he said.

His favorite memory? Competing at the state golf tournament last year with “an amazing team and an amazing coach," he says, expressing gratitude for MMA golf coach Anthony Yannielli. 

Coach Yannielli returns the high esteem.

"Cadet Johnston has been the most dedicated and hard-working cadet I have ever coached," he says. "He is the example I want all my golfers to be."

Johnston has been a member of the MMA golf team for four years.

His advice to younger cadets? “Be patient, and listen to your leaders,” Cadet Johnston said.

Following his May graduation, Cadet Johnston will attend Iron Eagle Welding Academy in Stockton, Missouri, to continue his training.