Punab-Mitchell Family

“He knows he is on the path to his dream and is confident that it is achievable with the education available at MMA.” — Jaymie “MieMie” Mitchell, MMA grandma

Cadet River Punab-Mitchell is a freshman from Chiniak, Alaska, and he is currently enrolled in his second year at Missouri Military Academy (MMA). Read about how MMA is impacting his life below.

Punab-Mitchell walks with his MMA brothers in review to the Senior Ring Ceremony, 2022.

Why Missouri Military Academy?

According to Jaymie “MieMie” Mitchell, River’s grandmother, his small-town public school in Alaska couldn’t meet his needs or help him reach his goals — and MMA was the perfect solution.

“River had untapped potential,” she says. “He was in a small village school in Chiniak, Alaska. The teachers in Chiniak were very caring and dedicated but didn't have the resources or the ability to offer the type of education that would help River achieve his full potential.”

“[Sending River to MMA] is the best and the most impactful decision we’ve ever made,” she adds. “To see a boy walk through a door and in a few months emerge a confident young man is worth every sacrifice made …  [He] will get the education, training, healthy habits and skills needed to succeed in the world today.”

For River, however, the transition to MMA had more to do with satisfying his ambitions and adventurous nature.

“The reason I enrolled in MMA was because I wanted to be someone, I wanted to go places, I wanted to experience things that not all normal people experience,” he says. “When I was at home in the middle of nowhere, and the days started repeating, I was not doing anything but playing video games … so when my grandma told me about this school, I was all for it.”

River Punab-Mitchell smiles at his Passing Through Ceremony in 2021.

Academic Development – Doing Better and Enjoying It

Academically speaking, River has never been better. In particular, MMA's 4x4 block schedule has given him the opportunity to immerse himself in his studies and excel. 

“His grades have soared to As,” MieMie says. “The block format has been fantastic for River. He is a student that likes to think about a subject and understand it before moving on. The public school environment has students move from class subject each hour, which can disrupt the thought process of the student. Just as they are about to get a concept, the bell rings, and they have to pack up for the next subject. The block schedule gives them time to absorb and retain the information being taught.”

But it’s not just his grades that have improved; it is his overall outlook on the importance of his education and the value it has for his future.

“His academics matter to him,” MieMie says. “Before attending MMA, he never really gave his grades much thought. He is now goal driven and knows that if he applies himself, he will have many choices for college.”

River agrees and has even found enjoyment and hobbies around his academic subjects, such as history and English.

“The academics [at MMA] have opened my eyes … even in my old school, where I was not taking it seriously, I could have straight As,” he says. “[My favorite class] is history … my hobbies are writing stories of alternate history — basically taking a huge event in history and changing it to a different outcome. Like, what if Napoleon didn’t die? What if the Roman Empire never existed?”

 Punab-Mitchell is recognized for achieving his junior varsity letter with the Fusileers at the spring sports assembly in 2022

Leadership Skills – Preparing for the Future

MMA wasn’t just a great fit for River as a student. As an aspiring military officer, River has learned invaluable skills through leadership roles and military mentors at the Academy.

While at MMA, he has served as a cadet supply sergeant and squad leader and currently serves as assistant chaplain. 

“[At MMA], leadership has taught me that even if you think you’re not leadership material, when you come to this school and are thrown into this environment, you realize that you can be a leader,” River says. “Leadership skills are the most important thing that you will use in your life no matter where you are.”

“River is getting leadership opportunities that are teaching him valuable life skills,” MieMie agrees, but she insists the mentorship he has received has been just as impactful as the responsibilities he has been given.

“He learns by example — watching each of the staff leadership being helpful and encouraging shows him what successful leadership looks like,” she says. “The leadership at MMA has embraced him, coached him and pushed him to realize his potential. They continue to push him past his comfort zone, but when he succeeds, he feels accomplished. He is surrounded by people whom he admires and who have experienced firsthand the Army career he aspires to achieve.”

Furthermore, it is not only MMA faculty and staff who seem to inspire and motivate River, but his fellow MMA brothers and alumni have also impacted his view.

“When he attended the alumni banquet [during Homecoming], he was so impressed with the achievements of the alumni and realized that one day he will be one of those alumni,” MieMie says. “He saw his future unfolding. River said to friends and family: ‘I want to be somebody that can make a difference. MMA is going to make that possible!’”

Punab-Mitchell stands with fellow 2022-23 class officers. (Left to right) Punab-Mitchell, president; Deonte Kerns, vice president; Trae Griffiths, treasurer; Jacob Stallone, secretary; Zachary Harr, class representative. 

Character Development – Confidence, Values and Community

MMA has not only impacted River’s practical skills — academics and leadership — but it has also impacted him on a personal level. Increased confidence, clarity of values and community with his MMA brothers are only a few ways that he has begun transforming from “boy” to “man.”

“He is confident and carries himself with pride,” MieMie says. “His manners have improved, and he is very respectful. He engages in conversations with people more informed and with a developed opinion. When he walks into a room, people are impressed with his maturity and assume he is much older than he is. They are shocked when they find out he is just 14.”

His confidence has grown such that he willingly pushes himself out of his comfort zone and consciously appreciates the lessons and skills he learns when facing his fears.

“For example … being assistant chaplain has influenced me in a way that will help me for my entire life,” River says. “Going to vespers in front of the entire corps and speaking every Sunday means that every time that I get up on a stage, I am less scared.”

That said, River’s MMA brothers within the 134th corps of cadets want him to be successful and are quick to encourage and praise him as he overcomes obstacles in life.  

“Whether you’re struggling or just want to hang out, [the brotherhood] will be there for you,” River says.

“The cadets learn how to support each other and they develop mutual respect through their shared experiences,” MieMie says. “The bond becomes evident by hearing their nicknames and watching them tease each other as siblings would do. Making friendships with young men that have similar goals and dreams makes for lasting relationships. … MMA relationships are a beautiful thing to witness.”

Punab-Mitchell takes his turn on the rappel tower at MMA.

The MMA Family – Experiences Impact Cadet and Family

While MMA has been truly transformative for River — something his family is forever grateful for — it has also been life-changing for them. Being a part of the MMA community is inclusive, understanding and supportive, and sharing in the MMA experiences has become a great joy.

“Being part of the MMA family has changed my world,” MieMie says. “Each year I get to know the staff and faculty more and more, and I am so grateful for their contribution to River's future. … Our family and friends follow MMA events and watch the YouTube and Flickr accounts to see the performances and competitions. We are living vicariously through the cadets we become familiar with seeing. MMA brings our family joy, and we look forward to every opportunity to participate.

“Additionally, the new experiences are marvelous and give me something to look forward to,” she continues. “Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would experience a military ball! Going to Fusileers drill competitions has been incredible — there is nothing as inspiring as being in an auditorium full of JROTC cadets who are driven toward success! Cadets focused toward excellence and obviously ready for the challenge set before them.”

Punab-Mitchell stands with his friend and fellow cadet Gabriel Canonico at the Senior Ring Dinner & Dance, 2022. 

---

Founders' Day is November 22

In 1889, the community of Mexico, Missouri, had a vision. They wanted a local academy to offer classical education for boys, set a standard of academic excellence and provide learning with emphasis on discipline. Through their efforts and vision for the Academy’s potential, Missouri Military Academy came to be — founded on Nov. 22, 1889.

More than 130 years later, much has changed for the Academy born from that initiative, but our mission remains the same — helping young men reach their full potential.

This Founders’ Day, we honor our founding communities’ vision for MMA and celebrate the positive impact we continue to have on MMA cadets.

Please help us honor the vision of our founding Mexico community. Support our mission with a gift to positively impact cadets. Make a difference today.

Make a Gift