Special Events
MMA’s homecomings are alive with brotherhood and camaraderie. Each year features an event schedule that gives alumni and guests an experience of fond memories and appreciation of the strength of the Academy.
Highlights include such events as the "FOREver MMA" - the annual Alumni Association Golf Tournament at the Arthur Hills Golf Course; Homecoming Review; cadets vs. alumni drilldown competition; a Sunset Silver Taps ceremony honors MMA alumni, family, and friends who have recently passed away; Colonels athletic events; and more.
Homecoming 2024 will be held Friday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, Sept. 29.
Fall Family Weekend 2024 Schedule
An annual MMA tradition that honors cadet's paternal figures, Fall Family Weekend allows families to see what life is like at MMA and take part in some of MMA’s most treasured traditions.
At the Passing Through Ceremony, new cadets are recognized for passing all training requirements and the Crucible. Families of new cadets participate in the hat pinning ceremony, where cadets receive their coveted hat brass as a symbol of their membership in the corps of cadets. Then, the corps parades Colonels Field for the Battalion Review. Senior cadets come forward to receive their class rings from family members and faculty.
In the evening, the Senior Ring Dinner & Dance recognizes senior cadets at a formal military ball.*
A MMA tradition since 1941, Evensong celebrates the holidays through the voices of MMA cadets and faculty.
Described as a "Festival of Lessons and Carols," Evensong features live readings and musical performances by Missouri Military Academy choir members and musicians, plus the MMA Faculty Chorus. The event is free, open to the public, and annually held at Mexico United Methodist Church at 122 E. Promenade St., Mexico, Missouri.
Following the Evensong celebration, cadets and their families enjoy holiday parties in each company’s recreation room on campus.
The Valentine's Ball is a prom-like formal dance. The evening begins with a Grand March formally opening the ball. Later, a ceremony takes place to crown Valentine's Ball King & Queen.
Detailed information and costs will be posted on the MMA website. Reservations are required.
MMA’s premiere event and biggest fundraiser of the year, Maroon & Gold supports academic, athletic and scholarship programs at MMA. The mission? To improve the cadet experience and expand their opportunities, so they may reach their fullest potential.
Advanced reservations are required to attend.
Spring Family Weekend includes parent conferences with teachers and company leadership advisors, the Epple Memorial Art Show, Festival of Arts (band, bag pipe and choir performances), a military review and awards ceremony, and the Maroon & Gold Gala.
Midyear cadets who have passed all training requirements and the Crucible will also take part in the Passing Through Ceremony. Families of new cadets participate in the hat pinning ceremony, where cadets receive their coveted hat brass as a symbol of their membership in the corps of cadets.
During the weekend, families enjoy watching their cadets compete in Company Competitive Drills, receive awards, participate in Senior Banquet and more. On Saturday, cadets traditionally gather for Senior Review at Colonels Field, and senior cadets receive their diplomas at the graduation ceremony in the Centennial Gymtorium. Finally, a Final Formation is held in the front of MMA's campus as one last nod to the graduating class.
*Notes about MMA Military Balls
There are two formal military balls held on campus during the school year: the Senior Ring Dance and the Valentine Ball. Both events are for all cadets’ families, including younger children, as well as cadets and their dates. Seniors are required to attend the Senior Ring Dance.
Often the question is asked about appropriate dress for a ball, because few people have formal gowns and tuxedos in their wardrobes. Tuxedos for the gentlemen and evening gowns for the ladies are always appropriate for military balls, but business suits and dinner dresses are also appropriate. The faculty will be in dress uniform, tuxedos, suits, formal gowns and dinner dresses.