Parents News & Events

Congratulations to MMA cadets who earned academic distinctions for marking period 2 of the 2025–26 academic year. Delta Phi Honor Society members maintained the high GPA required for membership, while cadets who earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher for two consecutive marking periods received the Academic Fourragere.

Cadets Eric Shellabarger and Sean Mumm have received scholarships to advance their studies in AI and cybersecurity through the AI Cyber RMF & Defense program. Their awards this year now total $58,000, reflecting their success in MMA’s AJROTC Cyber Program, which prepares cadets with industry-recognized IT and cybersecurity skills.

MMA will welcome cadet families and friends from across the United States and around the world for its annual Valentine Weekend celebration, February 13-15, 2026. The weekend will offer a full slate of academic, military, and social events designed to highlight cadet growth, strengthen family engagement, and introduce prospective families to the Academy’s mission and programs.

Cadet David Woodcock is preparing for a future U.S. service academy appointment through elite Navy SEAL wrestling training, disciplined academics and leadership development at MMA. Guided by strong self-discipline and clear goals, his experience highlights MMA’s rigorous preparation model and strong service academy pipeline.

Missouri Military Academy cadets develop leadership through hands-on community service by volunteering at local events, representing the Academy with professionalism, and serving others with discipline and respect. Read about their December 2025 activities.

As we look forward to a bright new year, we reflect on the achievements and milestones of the past year. From academic distinction and competitive excellence to meaningful partnerships and historic moments, our cadets and the Academy continued to advance. Join us as we highlight the top 10 stories that defined 2025! 

Beginning in January 2026, Missouri Military Academy will implement two designated Screen-Free Days each week. Screen-Free Days are designed to strengthen cadets’ cognitive and interpersonal skills, reduce screen dependency and reinforce habits that support sustained focus and deeper learning.

MMA's National STEM Honor Society, along with teacher-nominated top students from this semester’s science classes, attended National STEM Day at Missouri University of Science and Technology on Nov. 5. During the day of immersive, hands-on activities, MMA students toured Missouri S&T’s Student Design and Experimental Learning Center.

Cadets celebrated St. Nicholas Night with a festive surprise from the Parents Committee. After polishing their shoes and leaving them out for the evening, they awoke to find them filled with chocolate Santas, candy canes, and the story of St. Nicholas, honoring a cherished holiday tradition that highlights generosity and giving.

What does it take to play the bagpipes? Cadet James Aldendifer ’28 discovered a new passion in Missouri Military Academy’s bagpipe class and has spent months practicing for his performance of “Little Drummer Boy” at the 84th Annual MMA Evensong on December 13, 2025. Read his story to learn more!

House Bill 2307, filed in the Missouri House of Representatives, proposes formally recognizing Missouri Military Academy as the state’s official military academy. The measure reflects MMA’s statewide educational impact, long-standing service partnerships and historic ties to Missouri’s military-school tradition.

The Colonels' wrestling team placed 2nd out of 18 schools at the Esmond Ford Tournament in St. Louis on December 6, 2025, scoring 164 points. Cadets Kerns and Grace were champions in their brackets, with Kerns earning his 100th win. 

Missouri Military Academy was honored to host NMMI Dean of Academics Col. Orlando Griego for faculty and staff professional development, AI-driven academic insights and time with our JROTC cyber cadets.

Missouri Military Academy honored cadet-athletes at the 2025 Fall Sports Assembly, recognizing achievements in cross-country, football, soccer, and swimming & diving. Highlights included multiple state-level competitors, record-breaking swim performances, and top team honors across all sports. 

Missouri Military Academy proudly celebrates senior Cadet Deonte Kerns, whose 100th career wrestling win and first-place finish at the Esmond Ford Memorial Tournament exemplify dedication, discipline and excellence.

MMA celebrates and remembers alumnus and Hall of Famer Pooley Hubert, whose legendary leadership of the 1925 Alabama national championship team continues to exemplify the tradition of excellence at Missouri Military Academy.

Missouri Military Academy’s Colonels rifle team turned in a strong performance at the Pardini Air Nationals qualifier on Nov. 21, 2025, at St. Louis University High School, earning a #11 national ranking out of 58 teams.

Missouri Military Academy’s middle school wrestling team delivered a strong showing at the Nov. 17 meet hosted at Mexico High School, competing against wrestlers from Mexico, Hannibal, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Troy. Several cadets earned multiple wins and pins.

Missouri Military Academy (MMA) cadets will be featured in a special holiday choir performance airing on local NBC affiliate KOMU-TV.

Missouri Military Academy Deputy Commandant Maj James G. Poettker ’08 was recognized during the 27th Annual U.S. Exercise Tiger Foundation “Adopt A Warrior” Program in Columbia, Missouri, where the MMA Color Guard presented the colors. 

Missouri Military Academy (MMA) celebrated its storied legacy and longstanding tradition of developing young leaders during its annual Founders’ Day observance on Friday, November 21, 2025.

Missouri Military Academy middle school cadets Justin Sattler, Christopher Phelan and Kie Portuallo-Lopez have been named local winners of the VFW Patriot’s Pen essay contest and will advance to district, state and potentially national competition. 

MMA cadets participated in district choir performances on October 29, rehearsing and singing with students from across the region. MMA choir director Ted Brauker praised their dedication and noted that reaching districts is a meaningful accomplishment.

The Missouri Military Academy Colonels basketball team enters the winter season with high expectations. Head coach Gil Hooker has set clear benchmarks for his squad: 15 victories, a district win and a season that would stand as the best the school has ever produced.

For Rodrigo Padilla, returning to MMA is a chance to give back to the place that helped shape who he is today. An MMA alumnus from the Class of 2015, Padilla now serves as an international student relations specialist, helping young men from around the world navigate their journey to the same Academy that helped define his own path.

For the fifth year in a row, Niche.com ranks Missouri Military Academy among the 2025 Best Private Schools in America, reflecting the Academy's strategic focus and cadets' achievements. Learn about the 136th Missouri Military Academy Corps of Cadets' notable successes during the 2024-25 academic year.

For Danielle DeTienne, teaching isn’t just a profession — it’s a lifelong passion grounded in curiosity, creativity and care. Now in her third year at Missouri Military Academy, the English instructor brings not only academic expertise to the classroom but also a deep commitment to helping cadets grow into thoughtful, independent individuals.

MMA has announced the addition of Lawrence W.K. Casselle and Andres Hoffmann to the Academy's Board of Trustees. Casselle, an Army veteran and longtime member of the U.S. foreign service, is a 1993 graduate of the Academy. Hoffmann, who graduated in 1989, is an attorney, financial adviser and notary official in México City.

Missouri Military Academy served as the host site for the annual Missouri Junior Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) from May 30 through June 3, welcoming nearly 400 U.S. Army JROTC cadets from 26 high schools across Missouri.

Two graduates from the Missouri Military Academy’s Class of 2025 — Mason Brooks (Henrietta, Texas) and Aidan Maristany-Diaz (Jupiter, Florida) — have been awarded 3-year Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)scholarships, which will support their college education and prepare them for service as military officers.

Missouri Military Academy celebrated the promotion of its eighth-grade cadets to high school during the annual Final Assembly held on Friday, May 16, 2025.

The 136th Missouri Military Academy Corps of Cadets, under the leadership of Cadet Battalion Commander Mason Brooks ’25, successfully completed the 2025 Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Program of Accreditation (JPA) inspection on May 2.

Missouri Military Academy honored cadets and recognized faculty and staff at the Final All-Academy Assembly on May 16, 2025, in Centennial Gymtorium.

Missouri Military Academy honored the graduating Class of 2025 during its 41st annual Senior Banquet, held in the Centennial Gymtorium on Friday, May 16. The evening featured reflections on the cadets’ time at MMA, formal recognition of their achievements and a ceremonious farewell as they prepare to join the Academy’s alumni ranks.

Congratulations to our MMA cadets recognized for excellence in science, technology, engineering, and math — our 2024-25 National STEM Honor Society members.

We are saddened by the passing of U.S. Senator Christopher Bond on May 13, 2025. A proud native of Mexico, Missouri, Senator Bond remained deeply connected to his hometown and was a steadfast supporter of Missouri Military Academy — the state’s only remaining military academy.

The 136th MMA Corps of Cadets gathered to celebrate commencement on Saturday, May 17, 2025. This year’s graduating class of 49 seniors has earned more than $15 million in college scholarships and achieved a 100% college acceptance rate.

Congratulations to our cadets recognized for Delta Phi and Academic Fourragere honors in the 4th marking period of 2024-25. Your hard work is paying off!

Missouri Military Academy is proud to announce that Cadet Ryan Miles ’25, of Dallas, Texas, has been accepted into the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School.

On April 25, 2025, Cadet Cooper Johnston ’25 earned five top honors at the Hart Career Center awards assembly, including the Outstanding Student Certificate of Excellence — an award given to only one student each year.

Missouri Military Academy congratulates its newly designated cadet leaders, whose leadership will play a vital role in guiding the corps of cadets and upholding the standards, discipline, and brotherhood of the Academy in the year ahead.

For the fourth consecutive season, cadets from MMA's cyber program delivered an outstanding performance in the Army JROTC Cyber Capture the Flag competition. 

As MMA prepares to conclude its academic year on Saturday, May 17, 2025, a time-honored tradition will mark the transition of cadet leadership within the corps. During Final Formation and Au Revoir, the “Davison Saber” is ceremoniously transferred to the incoming cadet battalion commander — a symbolic gesture representing the continuity of leadership, legacy and MMA brotherhood.

MMA Class of 1971 graduate Jeff Brummet credits the self-discipline he developed at MMA for driving his success as a top-ranked financial advisor and world-champion mounted shooter, culminating in his 2025 induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Missouri Military Academy honored the creativity, dedication, and achievement of its cadets in music, drama, and visual arts during the 3rd annual Spring Fine Arts Awards ceremony on April 28, 2025.

On April 10, 2025, MMA robotics and engineering cadets showcased their projects at Missouri S&T’s Innovative Solutions Showcase, gaining hands-on experience and valuable feedback in a competitive STEM setting.

On April 23, 2025, Missouri Military Academy announced new cadet leadership and promotions. Anuar Hidalgo and Braxton Phasey were named Squad Leaders, and cadets were promoted from Private Second Class to Captain, recognizing their dedication and leadership within the 136th Corps of Cadets.

Cadet Jesus Beltran Gonzalez earned the title of state champion in the 400-meter run at the Missouri state middle school track and field championships, held Saturday, April 26, 2025. Beltran, an 8th grader from St. Michael, Minnesota, secured first place with a time of 55.01 seconds, setting a new state middle school record for the event.

Missouri Military Academy will welcome George F. Davison, Class of 1968, as the 2025 Commencement speaker. A decorated alumnus and former trustee, Davison will address the graduating class during the Academy’s 136th Commencement on May 17.