Celebrating St. Nicholas at MMA

Missouri Military Academy continued its cherished holiday tradition this week as cadets celebrated St. Nicholas Night with a festive surprise outside their doors. Organized by the MMA Parents Committee, cadets polished their shoes on the evening of December 10, 2025, and left them for inspection.

The next morning, they discovered their shoes filled with chocolate Santas, flavored candy canes, and a printed copy of the Legend of St. Nicholas. This annual tradition brings excitement to the barracks and reminds cadets of the spirit of generosity and giving that marks the season.

Cadet Aiden Martin

Nicholas was born in the third century in the village of Patara, in what is now southern Turkey. His wealthy parents raised him to be a devout Christian but died in an epidemic while he was still young. Following Jesus’ teaching to care for the poor, Nicholas used his inheritance to help the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and became Bishop of Myra while still a young man.

Nicholas became known throughout the region for his generosity, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and travelers. His acts of kindness inspired the tradition of St. Nicholas Night, which continues at MMA each year, where cadets receive treats and a copy of his story as a reminder of generosity and the spirit of giving.

A sincere thank you goes to the Parents Committee for preparing this year’s St. Nick Night surprise and helping keep this beloved tradition alive for our cadets.

International Enrollment Counselor Rodrigo Padilla ’15 helps share some holiday joy with cadets on St. Nick Night.