The MMA Eagle, Fall 2013 edition

news.missourimilitaryacademy.org | February 2014

Eligible cadets to receive automatic college acceptance

THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME Andrew Field ’15 and Adam Schmitz ’15 were named Duke of York Fellows at the Missouri Military Academy community meeting before the entire Corps, faculty and staff in the gymtorium on December 12.

The boys received word of their selection November 19 but were not formally recognized until the meeting.

McGeorge congratulated Schmitz and Field, presenting them with certificates onstage. He said the students

What would you do with the opportunity of a lifetime?

Here’s what Duke of York Fellow junior Adam Schmitz said.

Why did you apply for the fellowship? I’ve always tried to take advantage of the opportunities that are put in front of me.

What do you hope to get out of this experience? A better understanding of a different culture and a great college resume.

How did you feel when you were chosen? Why do you think you were chosen? It was a relief to know that I didn’t have to wonder any more. I believe that I was chosen in order to display the skills that I have acquired at MMA. Have you ever traveled outside of the United States before?

Where are you most excited to do once you reach England?

I was actually in London and Paris this summer. On the train from London, I passed through the town that I will be attending school in. I am most excited to be close to mainland Europe and hopefully be able to see much of it.

performed admirably throughout a rigorous interview process and have thus earned a “very unusual” opportunity to travel to countries including England, France and Belgium.

“It’s going to be the experience of a lifetime,” McGeorge said.

Missouri Military Academy hosted two representatives of The Duke of York’s Royal Military School in Dover, England, from September 14 to 16.

Administrators welcomed DOYRMS Executive Principal Chris Russell and Assistant Principal Steven Saunderson, who arrived in Mexico, Missouri, on Saturday ­— just in time to watch new MMA recruits participate in the Crucible.

“The two visitors were extremely enthusiastic to view the recruits undertaking the Crucible,” Director of Cadet Life WO2 Richard “Rik” Thornton said. “They made very complimentary comments on the unique experience our cadets were receiving.”

On Sunday, cadets conducted a celebratory parade during which

Russell and Saunderson received a commemorative plaque with two crossed sabers from Academic Dean LTC Frank Giuseffi, Executive Officer LTC Jim Medley, Thornton and President Charles McGeorge.

“We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship between our two schools,” Russell said, “one that enriches both our students, faculty/staffs and, in the end, our countries.”

Administrators from both academies then signed an official “Sister School” agreement, formally accepting the terms of a mutually beneficial student-in-residence study abroad program.

“Having DOYRMS as our sister school ‘across the pond’ will be massively beneficial,” Thornton said.

“Not only is there huge potential for exchange students to visit for academic matters, but to also benefit from other experiences such as leadership, sports and … The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.”

BOTTOM: MMA administrators Executive Officer LTC Jim Medley, Academic Dean LTC Frank Giuseffi, Director of Cadet Life Richard “Rik” Thornton and President Charles McGeorge sign an official sister school agreement with DOYRMS Executive Principal Chris Russell and Assistant Principal Steven Saunderson on September 15. (Photo by Christine Smith.)

TOP: McGeorge congratulates juniors Andrew Field and Adam Schmitz onstage December 12. Field and Schmitz were named Duke of York Fellows in the gymtorium at the MMA community meeting before the entire Corps, faculty and staff. (Photo by Cheryl Morris.)

In accordance with a guaranteed admissions agreement finalized in June 2013, eligible members of Missouri Military Academy graduating classes will be offered automatic acceptance into Norwich University.

Cadets must meet minimum academic standards and receive a positive written recommendation from President Charles McGeorge, Commandant of Cadets LTC Greg Seibert and Academic Dean LTC Frank Giuseffi. Applicants will demonstrate their merit as a “scholar, athlete and leader” by participating in extracurricular activities, lettering in one or more sports as a junior or senior, earning a 2.75 GPA or higher, scoring a 950 or higher on the SAT and completing the Leadership I course.

McGeorge and Norwich University President Richard W. Schneider collaborated on the agreement, which went into effect in late May. The agreement will be reviewed for renewal by parties from MMA and NU every two years.

The university of 2,300 students offers both a civilian student body and a military corps of cadets.

Norwich University was established in Northfield, Vermont, in 1819 as the first private military college in the United States. It is also recognized as the birthplace of the ROTC. The school consists of five colleges: Liberal Arts, Professional Schools, Science & Mathematics, National Services, and Graduate and Continuing Studies. They offer 30 bachelor’s degrees, nine master’s degrees, two certificates, a bachelor’s degree completion program, a teacher licensure program, and four ROTC programs.

“We were interested in developing a relationship with Norwich primarily to offer our cadets a wonderful opportunity in their college options,” Giuseffi said. “We believe that Norwich University’s outstanding academic reputation will serve our cadets’ academic needs very well.”

“We believe that Norwich University’s outstanding academic reputation will serve our cadets’ academic needs very well.”

ACADEMIC DEAN LTC FRANK GIUSEFFI

page 2 | The Eagle

First-time donor Simon Barrera ’15 and returning donors Donald Canard ’15 and Nick O’Neil give blood November 1. (Photos by Conner O’Neal ’20.)

MMA hosted a blood drive in the Centennial Gymtorium on November 1 as part of the American Red Cross High School Leadership Program. The Missouri Military Academy community was challenged to donate at least 30 units of blood to earn a scholarship for a senior student. Members of the general public were invited to walk in or sign up for an appointment online. Student donors were eligible to receive the Red Cross Red Cord after making the gift of life.

“I want to thank all that helped with the blood drive,” Director of Health Services LaWanah Gillette said. “We were a few units short of making the quota to get a scholarship, but I am sure the blood will help many people.”

Though the Colonels were a mere three units shy of earning a scholarship, the blood drive was in no way a failure.

“This is for a good cause,” CPT Joseph Head said. “This was my

Joy McGeorge and Nellie Thornton hosted an etiquette dinner in the mess hall September 5, during which cadets practiced proper introductions.

Thornton began with a joke — then posed a question to cadets: Was that an appropriate way to begin the lesson?

Was your reaction appropriate? How can you tell? “[It] may seem silly, as you all probably know how to say hello,” Thornton said. “But there are different circumstances in which you will ... need to make a good first impression.”

second year in a row to donate and I, more than likely, will donate [next year] as well.”

“I love giving back to the community, because without our support someone may not be there to support us if we are ever in need,” first-time donor Adam Schmitz ’15 said. “I was nervous after multiple people told me they had passed out during the process, but after the needle went into my skin it was OK. I felt a small pop when she put the needle in but after that you could not tell that anything was happening, besides the blood bag filling up. I would absolutely consider donating blood again.”

“My mother has been donating blood for years because she is blood type O negative, which is a universal donor. ... I share the same blood type and they really could use my blood,” Chadwick Cardott ’14 said. “I was very nervous about giving blood for the first time. I couldn’t believe the amount of blood that came out of me! I felt literally and figuratively drained. I was very light-headed for

about fifteen minutes after I gave blood. I was told that I did well for donating for the first time, and it will be easier in the future.”

Curious about the blood donation process? Here's a firsthand look at the experience from Simon Barrera '15 and Operations Officer CPT Chad Herron.

Have you given blood before?

Barrera: I’ve never donated blood before. It was a pleasure to donate it, especially knowing it is for a good cause. Herron: I’ve given blood three other times in my life.

Were you nervous?

Barrera: I think I was more nervous after looking at the pint of blood!

Herron: I wasn’t nervous. Needles don’t bother me that much.

What did it feel like?

Barrera: Everything happened very quick, considering that I was there for an hour. I was very comfortable [and] calm during the whole process.

Herron: The Red Cross staff is highly skilled so there was little pain when

Cadet volunteers from the audience practiced situations including introducing a young person to an elder, introducing a man to a woman and introducing a person of distinction.

Thornton and McGeorge advised cadets to always introduce the younger person to the older. According to proper etiquette guidelines, one must always introduce a woman to a man — but one should never extend their hand to shake with a lady until she extends hers.

Hypothetical situations posed to cadets included introducing a teenage

they inserted the needle. I commented to cadet Conner O’Neal ’20 that the most painful part about the whole experience was when they ripped the tape off at the end.

Why did you choose to participate in the blood drive?

Barrera: I chose to participate in the blood drive because it was something new. I thought that it was time to do my good deed of the month.

Herron: I think that giving blood is a quick and easy way to serve your community. I chose to give blood here at the Academy in hopes that it would help earn that scholarship.

Anything I can do to help.

Would you consider donating blood again in the future?

Barrera: I would! I enjoyed it. And, considering that it was for somebody else’s health, and somebody that might need it more than I do, I say, why not? Herron: I will continue to give blood here at the Academy. I think it is a great way for Missouri Military Academy to help the surrounding community.

female to your roommate while at Sonic and introducing Prince Edward at a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award dinner. A

Thornton and McGeorge then discussed the correct way to shake hands. One must always grip firmly and remove his gloves, unless approached “[It] may seem silly, as you all probably suddenly. Cadets must also enunciate know how to say hello. But there are clearly when giving different circumstances in which you will ... names, make eye contact and smile. need to make a good first impression.”

Students practiced introducing fictiperson of high rank, such as a superior tious acquaintances to Academic Dean officer, public official or clergy member, LTC Frank Giuseffi, who demonstrated must always be introduced first. proper handshake form.

“If [you are] introducing people who do not know one another, add a detail to help the conversation,” Thornton said.

She suggested that, if introducing a teacher to a sibling, a cadet could mention where he is from or note that his brother hopes to attend MMA next year.

When seated, a junior should always rise for an introduction. As a final tip, Thornton reminded students to always use ranks or “mister” or “misses” until instructed otherwise.

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[BOTTOM MIDDLE] The original Missouri Military Academy school crest.

[BOTTOM RIGHT] A commemorative version of the traditional school crest, which was released in July 2013 in honor of MMA’s 125th anniversary.

[TOP MIDDLE] Drum Major D’Cherion Owens ’15 wears a replica of the original Missouri Military Academy uniform dating back to the late 1800s.

[FAR LEFT] Battalion Commander Roel Rodriguez ’14 models a coatee worn by traditional cadet officers. Cadets will wear a similar outfit for special occasions and parades during the 2014-15 school year.

(Photos by Cheryl Morris.)

“We have prepared a 125th anniversary crest which embraces our distinguished past and celebrates our bright future. The anniversary crest has been significantly enhanced with rich artistic detail and a version of the U.S. Army eagle worn by our cadets at the time of our founding.”

ACADEMY PRESIDENT CHARLES MCGEORGE

Missouri Military Academy administrators released an enhanced version of the traditional school crest in July 2013 to celebrate the 125th anniversary of MMA’s founding. The Academy will officially celebrate the milestone at Homecoming 2014 from September 26 to September 28, 2014.

The crest is an enhancement of the traditional symbol, which has been modified slightly throughout the years.

Original elements including the Missouri state seal, the Academy motto “United We Stand, Divided We Fall”

and the Lamp of Knowledge have been enriched with additional, accurate detail. The fasce (a symbol of strength through unity) and the eagle appear more realistic and dignified.

The eagle, reminiscent of the one worn in the early days of the Academy, now holds a banner in its beak which reads “125 years, 1889 to 2014” and has spread its wings wide to welcome another era of progress.

“To celebrate this incredible milestone, we have prepared a 125th anniversary crest which embraces our

distinguished past and celebrates our bright future,” President Charles McGeorge said. “The anniversary crest has been significantly enhanced with rich artistic detail and a version of the U.S. Army eagle worn by our cadets at the time of our founding.”

This isn’t the first time MMA has introduced a special crest to celebrate a milestone. In 1989, the Academy released a centennial logo to commemorate MMA’s 100th birthday.

In tribute to the 125th Corps of Cadets milestone, Battalion Commander

Roel Rodriguez ’14, Battalion Sergeant Major Jacob Priester ’14 and Drum Major D’Cherion Owens ’15 are wearing the coatee worn by the first cadet officers at MMA. Next year, students will have the opportunity to join cadet leaders in honoring the Academy’s rich history. In 2014-2015, the entire Corps of Cadets will be outfitted with a replica of the original uniform of Missouri Military Academy from the late 1800s/early 1900s.

Academic Dean LTC Frank Giuseffi discusses The Good American with author Alex George Missouri Military Academy Dean of Academics LTC Frank Giuseffi led a Q&A entitled “Discovering the American Identity” with international bestselling author and lawyer Alex George on October 30 in the Chapel. In his introduction, Giuseffi praised The Good American and credited first-year English Department Head Jack Hill for his assistance in the collaborative effort, which was designed to “embody literature” and “make it real” for cadets. Students in multiple English classes will read the novel later this school year.

George is an English native who relocated in 2007 to Columbia, Missouri, and experienced the challenge of immigrant assimilation first-hand. Following the age-old adage “write what you know,” George penned a novel about a young immigrant couple’s journey to America. The novel explores the lives of Frederick Meisenheimer and Jette Furste, who eventually settle in fictional town Beatrice, Missouri. The couple raises children, opens a restaurant and chases after the American Dream.

While Frederick embraces America, his wife continues to cling to Germany and longs for her homeland. This conflict arose both to “create tension” and to “tell emotional truth” even through fiction, George said. The coming-ofage story tells the tale of the couple as they fall in love and raise normal teenage American sons, who Giuseffi compared to the Missouri Military Academy students in attendance.

George based the book on both his own experience and personal letters from fellow immigrants. He also spoke of his mother, a New Zealand native who immigrated to England by boat in 1962 to teach, as additional inspiration. The characters in The Good American struggle with “wanting to fit in but never forgetting where you came from.”

Giuseffi praised George’s descriptive language as he steered the discussion.

Giuseffi read his favorite quote from the novel: “Frederick loved America … the warmth of people … the smell of the promise that hung in the air. Here, a man could re-invent himself.”

When asked why he set the novel in Missouri, George explained that he

wished to focus on a “flyover state” and explore a lesser-known small town area.

The fictional town of Beatrice exists only in George’s mind, created of bits and pieces of central Missouri small towns.

Themes of religion, racial tension and patriotism pepper the novel. An agnostic man’s son becomes a born-again Christian as naïve characters quickly learn that bigots exist all over the globe. Frederick feels he has a debt that must be paid and joins the fight during World War II despite the fact that he has a family to care for.

When asked by cadet attendees about the writing process, George spoke about making the switch from full-time lawyer to full-time writer. He wakes up at 5 a.m. every morning and sits at the computer until 7 a.m. in his home office, as his dog watches him write.

George said he has discovered a tool which essentially “turns off the Internet” and helps him stay focused.

“Some days the words pour out,” George said.

On other occasions, he must force himself to be productive and remain positive.

“Writing 150 words is better than writing zero words,” George said.

When asked for advice for aspiring authors, George said cadets must practice as they would when learning to play piano or baseball. He suggested students “can never read enough” books, which will help them develop personal voices.

George continued, giving general life advice — people who are lucky enough to live in a democracy must exercise their “extraordinary rights” to vote and speak their minds. According to George, equality, education and liberty are privileges which must be cherished and used to make a difference. Immigrants are acutely aware of this responsibility, while many others become passive and take their rights for granted.

When characters in The Good American became American citizens, some (like Frederick) beamed triumphantly. His mortified wife, however, cried and hid behind her printout of the pledge, hoping no one could see her.

This concept came full-circle as, two weeks after the book was published, George stood among a crowd of immigrants in a St. Louis courthouse and officially became a “Good American” citizen himself. A “constellation of lights” flashed as amateur photographers snapped pictures of their family members and a proud George, much like Jette, thought over and over again to himself: “don’t cry!”

LAPEL PIN: $30.00 Flat head clutch. Brass.

Die-struck with 125th anniversary crest.

COIN: $35.00 Each side highly detailed.

One side backed in red, opposite side in blue.

CUFF LINKS: $50.00 Standard swivel action.

Brass. Die-struck with 125th anniversary crest.

page 4 | The Eagle The 2013 Missouri Military Academy Homecoming celebration began with registration in Stribling Hall, which opened at 8 a.m. on Friday, September 27.

Three teams of gentlemen then teed off at noon at the Mexico Country Club. Participants puttered around the course on golf carts until 5 p.m. when members of the class of 1963 were invited to attend a reception at President Charles McGeorge’s home. Guests enjoyed drinks and snacks while flipping through old MMA yearbooks and swapping stories of their high school days.

Next, alums climbed onto one of the new MMA buses and were chauffeured to a celebration on the back porch of Stribling Hall.

Red and yellow balloons decorated tables where old friends were re-united once again, chowing down on BBQ chicken and salad while live music played in the background.

As the sun set, Homecoming attendees turned their attention to the nearby Colonels Field where cadets stood with glow sticks for the Silver Taps ceremony. As an announcer read the name of each alum that passed away during the 20122013 school year, a cadet lit a light in their honor. The letters “MMA” were revealed as the last memorial was lit. The ceremony then ended with three trumpeters playing taps in an echo round as the group sang the alma mater.

(Please see opposite page for a full list of those honored.)

SATURDAY MORNING Homecoming festivities continued bright and early on Saturday, September 28 at 8 a.m. in the Barnard Hall atrium with a formal thank-you breakfast for Missouri Military Academy donors. Director of the Middle School MAJ Edsel Baker delivered a welcome invocation and cadet Jacob Priester ’14 delivered a OneMMA-themed speech, followed by a buffet breakfast.

After attendees were finished eating, President Charles Mc-

Next the judges turned to Charlie. Charlie Company cadets chose to decorate their barracks building with a patriotic theme.

Red, white and blue banners hung from second-floor windows while American flags hung from the third floor. Students spread a banner reading “Not in our house! Go MMA!” across the front lawn, accompanied by the phrases “Tradition Never Graduates” and “Fighting Colonels.”

Cadets displayed footballthemed piñatas as residential faculty and MMA parents hosted a bake sale. A werewolf scarecrow in an MMA football uniform guarded the dormitory door.

Continuing down the path, the judges stopped to study Delta’s decorations. Delta Company welcomed alumni with a wellexecuted, color-coordinated display. Maroon and gold flower arrangements and banners decorated the front porch. A maroon carpet matched gold drapes which flowed down from the barracks balcony and draped along the front steps. Cadets wrapped the handrails in glittery gold ribbon to match tablecloths, signs and a pair of wreaths.

The committee ended with Echo. Judges admired Echo Company’s patriotic display featuring red, white and blue elements with a handmade football-themed banner. Streamers decorated the barracks walkway while the entryway’s double doors featured a unique red and gold covering.

The judges awarded the firstplace title to Bravo company cadets and chose Delta as secondplace finisher.

MID-DAY SATURDAY The 2013 Homecoming Battalion Review was held Saturday, September 28, at 10 a.m. on Colonels Field. According to cadet announcer Sandir De Silva ’16, the 125th Corps of Cadets includes representatives of 25 states and 15 foreign nations.

The review was held in honor of the MMA classes of 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1962, 1968, 1973,

George took the floor to deliver his remarks and help distribute awards. Alumni Relations/Annual Fund Managers Terry Logue ’72 and LTC Paul Gillette ’70 recognized donors who gave at the Colonels’ Club, the Honor Company and the General’s Circle levels during fiscal year 2012-13.

After breakfast, a committee of alumni wives met to scrutinize students’ Homecoming barracks displays September 28 to select the first-place winner. Judges included: Janine Vogel of A.P. Green Bed & Breakfast; Tracy Belton, mother of Alex Belton ’12; Melissa Urban, guest of Jesus Soriano ’82; and Kimber Lee Kinney, wife of Tom Reynolds ’61.

The judges began with Bravo.

A Bravo barracks banner bid bienvenidos, benvenuto, wilkommen and welcome to alumni from all corners of the globe.

Other signs read “fallen but not forgotten,” “Bravo welcomes alumni” and “we are number one.” Atop an old-fashioned MMA desk sat textbooks, notepads and a backpack — accompanied by a football helmet and cleats. Sports jerseys hung from windowsills while music boomed from speakers and lights shone from bushes.

1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2008.

A parade of alumni and staff “trooped the line” to inspect the battalion. These men included members of the MMA administration, Academy President Charles McGeorge, Alumni Association President Jesus Soriano ’82 and the members of the honor classes.

Following the review, interested alumni gathered to participate in a drilldown competition. Chris Free ’03 won the 2013 Homecoming Best Drilled Alumnus award and runner-up Jose Bours Guerra Jr. ’94 later stole the 2013 Homecoming Sweepstakes Drilldown Winner trophy. To earn his title, Free battled all alumni competitors. To earn his title, Bours beat out the 10 best-drilled current cadets and the 10 best alum drilldown competitors.

Missouri Military Academy alumni next gathered to discuss the state of the Academy at the 2013 Homecoming Convocation in the Centennial Gymtorium.

Alumni Association President Jesus Soriano ’82 welcomed attendees and introduced the Cadet Chorus, led by MAJ Mike Shoemaker and accompanied by MAJ Peggy Reynard. Boys sang “The Service Medley” and “The

page 5 | The Eagle Star-Spangled Banner.” Alumni were then invited to join in the signing of “Old MMA.” Alumni Relations/Annual Fund Manager Terry Logue ’72 took the podium to deliver a plaque to newly-inducted MMA Athletics Hall of Fame member Larry Pifer ’63. Logue said Pifer “is a long-overdue inductee into the Missouri Military Academy Athletics Hall of Fame” who earned four football letters, served as captain of the team and won the Len Japp Outstanding Lineman award during his career at MMA. Pifer also earned four letters in wrestling and captained the team as a junior and senior. He was a three time Tri-Military Champion and qualified for the state tournament three times, finishing second as a senior. Additionally, he won three letters in baseball and captained the team and batted over .300 as a senior.

A four-year member of the M-Club, Pifer served as president his senior year. He won the Red Ireland “Fighting Heart” Cup in 1962 and the Best Athlete Award in 1963.

First-year Director of Enrollment Management David Adams next spoke about the New Cadet Recruiting Program and Alumni Ambassadors Program. LTC Paul Gillette ’70 then bestowed the Paul Gillette Class of 1970 Distinguished Alumni Award to Paul Petit ’85.

The award is given to the alumnus who has shown success in life, spirit of community and support of his alma mater. According to Logue, Petit’s “energy and devotion is unsurpassed — from his work during summer camp to his contribution of time, talent and treasure to the cadets of MMA.” Petit is a member of the Colonel’s Club and recently took the reins as 2014 President of the Alumni Association.

Following the distribution of awards, Gillette briefly spoke about the Named Scholarship Program, which allows alumni

and similar competing independent schools in the area. He discussed initiatives to improve cadet life which will hopefully raise re-enrollment rates while decreasing attrition. The President pointed to improvements in the classroom including: the Great Books program; addition of the Socratic Method; Accelerated Reader Program; 10 Advanced Placement courses; math and science excellence; project-based learning; cross-curricular technology; business and international relations programs; and the new etiquette program.

He also highlighted cadet life improvements including: new leadership training program; mentor training program; new cadet Honor Manual; reinstated Honor Council; and a more selective admissions process.

First-year Director of Cadet Life Richard “Rik” Thornton next spoke about new cadet life initiatives including The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The Convocation ceremony then ended with the retiring of the colors.

On Saturday evening, Missouri Military Academy varsity football players faced off against Principia ­— and fell 16-48 on their home turf. (Please see the sports section for a football season summary.)

SUNDAY More than a dozen student members of the Railsplitters and chaperones Director of College Placement and Counseling LTC Tim Scherrer and MAJ Mike Shoemaker wowed the crowd with a WWII re-enactment at the Audrain County Historical Society’s 11th annual “Walk Back In Time” festival on September 29 at the Audrain Historical Museum Complex.

Railsplitter performers included: Antoine Bioche ’15, Maxwell Broughton ’15, Vincent Burke ’15, Colton Helvie ’16, Mason Kussman ’15, Xiao Liang ’15, Michael McDonnell ’15, Dustin McGuire ’15, Miles O’Keefe ’15, Jonathan Richardson ’15, Derek

Veterans, alumni, faculty, staff, family and friends honored during the 2013 Silver Taps ceremony: VETERANS: Those lost in the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam Conflict, and those lost in The War on Terror.

FACULTY AND STAFF: Russell Jacobs, an instructor and baseball coach in the 1950s; Aurie McClellan, the first female faculty member at Missouri Military Academy.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Violet Arbogast, wife of Alan Arbogast,

Class of 1950; Nathan James Atkins, son of Rocky Atkins, Class of 1975; Julio Favre Carranza, father of Julio Favre, Class of 1992, and Carlos Favre, Class of 1997; Wendoll Gregory, father of Kevin Gregory, Class of 1973; Kathryn Mae Morgan Parlante, mother of Jim Parlante, Class of 1973; Ruby Wilmoth Savereide, wife of Robert Savereide, Class of 1939; Bill Smith, father of Andrew Smith, Class of 2011; Bob Stephenson, former owner of the

Hoxsey Hotel and Stephenson Best Western Hotel; Linda Stone, wife of Warren Stone, Class of 1958.

ALUMNI: John G. Campbell, Class of 1938; Emil B. Feutz, Class of 1941; Martin P. Pembroke, a cadet from 1939-42; Edgar P. Everhard, Class of 1942; Bill Ogg, Class of 1942; Speros Boudoures, Class of 1943; Themis C. Pailas, Class of 1944; Donald W. Jaicks, Class of 1945; Gaylon Kent, Class of 1945; George R. Stoker,

Class of 1945; Tom Hungate, Class of 1949; Ed Harbur, Class of 1950; Larry Jones, Class of 1950; William Raspberry, Class of 1951; Charles E. Pickett, Class of 1953; David Countie, Class of 1956: Bradford McClellan, Class of 1955; James M. Learakos, Class of 1956; Merrill R. Bilyea, Class of 1956; Thomas K. Bohley, Class of 1957; Gary L. Rogers, Class of 1958; Carl F. Stindel, Class of 1958; Thomas Bledsoe, Class of 1961; Gaylon Jackson, Class

of 1961; Richard Gildehaus, Class of 1962; Gary Rupert Graham, Class of 1963; Thomas G. Fletcher, Class of 1965; Frederick (Rick) Guth, Class of 1965; Melvin Watkins, a junior school cadet in 1966-67; Randy Etzkorn, Class of 1970; Mike Dallwitz, Class of 1972; Michael H. Knoll, Class of 1974; Manuel O. Rechy, Class of 1982; Sergio F. Lujan, Class of 2005; Juan Pablo Celada, a cadet from 2010-11.

and friends to help a deserving young man attend MMA. The scholarship is awarded to qualifying students each year that the donor contributes. A minimum pledge of $1,000 a year for three years is required to begin a new scholarship. Gillette then turned the floor over to MMA President Charles McGeorge, who delivered the annual “State of the Academy” address.

McGeorge presented and compared figures from MMA

Ryan ’15, Austin Teague ’14 and Corry Tega ’16.

Scherrer said the event was “the most successful Walk Back in Time to date” despite rain.

Soon after, the 125th Corps of Cadets performed a full battalion review in honor of local veterans, who were invited to troop the line.

ONE: Julio Romero ’15 runs the ball during MMA’s Homecoming game against Principia on September 28. TWO: A cadet hangs a Homecoming banner outside Echo Company barracks September 27. THREE: Alums compete in the drilldown September 28.

FOUR: Tuguldur Zolboo ’15, Bayar-Erdene Oldokhbayar ’17 and Ariyandev Sandui ’15 enjoy dinner at the Ultimate Tailgate Party on September 28. FIVE: Jacob Priester ’14 gives a speech at the Donor Appreciation Breakfast on September 28. SIX: Colonel’s Club member and Alumni Association President Paul Petit ’85 receives the Paul Gillette Class of 1970 Distinguished Alumni Award from MMA President Charles McGeorge.

(Photos by: Jonathan Richardson ’15; Rodrigo Padilla ’15; Kyle Mertens ’16; and Erin Chambers.)

page 6 | The Eagle

[TOP] New boys “pass through” and shake hands with a line of administrators as parents snap photos on the front lawn on October 12.

[LEFT] William Moore ’18 and his mother Linda Angel pose at the picnic lunch in the Field House on October 12.

[RIGHT] Bo Tang ’16 works on his Reading Fair project in the library on October 7.

(Photos by: Nolan Borgsmiller ’15; Jonathan Kirkland ’16; and Christine Smith.)

2013 READING FAIR WINNERS (HIGH SCHOOL) FIRST PLACE The Odyssey Marco Garfias ’16 SECOND PLACE Percy Jackson The Lightning Thief Qi Li ’15 THIRD PLACE: Lebron’s Dream Team Telmen Bat-Ulzii ’15 AND Kampung Boy Lihan Zhang ’16

2013 READING FAIR WINNERS (MIDDLE SCHOOL) FIRST PLACE The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins Lucas Moore ’18 Donald Williams ’18 Andres Gonzalez ’18 SECOND PLACE Diary of a Wimpy Kid Daniel Amezcua ’18 THIRD PLACE: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod Zaide Johnson ’19 Michael Penniman ’19 AND The Hunger Games Rodrigo Blanco ’18 Cesar Lozano ’19 Santiago Ramirez ’19

Middle school, ESL students display handiwork with Reading Fair projects The library was strewn with markers, crayons, tape and scissors throughout the week preceding Fall Family Weekend as cadets prepared for the middle school and ESL Department’s Reading Fair.

Student projects were displayed in the middle school hallway from October 11 to October 14. Cadets rated books; shared personal opinions; wrote plot summaries including terms such as rising action and climax; and included basic information including authors and main characters.

Posters discussed young adult literature and nonfiction. Several displays were interactive and included QR codes which led interested viewers to videos of cadets speaking about their projects.

“Think of this like a science fair, except it’s about books,” ESL Department Head and Instructor LT Annette Meinheit said. “This is also a contest. First, second and third places will be awarded for middle school and high school.”

Mothers, brothers, grandparents, aunts and everyone in-between converged on campus October 11 for the start of Fall Family Weekend.

“The highlight of this past weekend was being able to see my parents,” Simon Barrera ’15 said. “The

Saturday, March 8, 2014 Starlight Room Chase Park Plaza Hotel St. Louis, Missouri

moment I saw my parents standing in the atrium, I felt relieved.”

Family members met with faculty during parent-teacher conferences Friday. JROTC Instructor 1SG Alan Hakes said the best part of the weekend was “seeing the parents.”

“My favorite part was parent teacher conferences,” Hakes said, “talking to all the parents and receiving their input.”

Instructors brought parents up-to-date on their cadet’s academic performance and highlighted areas for improvement.

“Conferences were very positive,” Dean of Academics LTC Frank Giuseffi said. “It is always a time for the primary educator, the parent, to touch base with their son’s teachers.

In so doing, we find ways to advance the cadet’s educational experience.”

Parents were then invited to attend a Parents Committee meeting.

“Linda Angel led the group by discussing upcoming events, ways to help the school and their fundraiser — the Thinking of You boxes,” Parents Committee Liaison Cassandra Brooks said.

To end the evening, the football team faced off against Father Tolton on their home turf. (See the sports section for a season summary.)

New boys join Corps in Passing Through; Seniors recognized at first-ever Ring Dance Following a pancake breakfast fundraiser for the senior class project on Saturday morning, new recruits prepared to participate in the Passing Through ceremony on front campus.

Sandir de Silva ’16 read Special Order No. 16 to the crowd — the order awarded the Army JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction Gold Star to all new recruits for meeting all basic knowledge and performance requirements.

The band played “It’s a Grand Old Flag” as new recruits formed up and marched down the front drive. As each new cadet’s name, hometown and home country was read, he marched forward to take his turn in the spotlight and officially became a member of the 125th Corps of Cadets.

Proud parents snapped photos as boys shook hands with administrators including President Charles McGeorge, Executive Officer LTC Jim Medley, Academic Dean LTC Frank Giuseffi, SGM Henry Suddarth, Commandant of Cadets Gregory Seibert, Director of Cadet Life WO2 Rik Thornton, Director of the Middle School MAJ Edsel Baker and Battalion Commander Roel Rodriguez ’14.

Cadets then marched to Colonels Field for the Fall Family Weekend Review, which included the presentation of the senior rings. Fathers and grandfathers joined the reviewing

party and “trooped the line” along with administrators.

Family members next met in the gymtorium for a Parent Convocation.

McGeorge presented the State of the School address, in which he discussed accountability, responsibility, high expectations and cosmopolitanism.

Director of College Placement LTC Tim Scherrer gave a presentation concerning the ACT and SAT exams, the common application, and the traits of students who go to top colleges.

Parent Pamela Marshall of Memphis, Tenn., then spoke about her son senior Brennan Darnall’s positive transformation during his time as a cadet at MMA. Cadets rejoined their families following the Convocation for a picnic luncheon in the Field House. Following a short break, the soccer squad battled Christian Brothers College High School on Colonels Field. (See the sports section for a season summary.)

Cadets changed into their dress uniforms for the first-annual formal Senior Ring Dinner and Dance. Attendees entered the gymtorium via a red carpet walk through a larger-thanlife senior ring.

The weekend concluded with Sunday’s Vespers ceremony. Students bid adieu to their parents and prepared for another busy week of classes.

Join us for dinner, drinks, entertainment by MMA musicians and live and silent auctions.

This is an exciting, energetic evening to raise funds to benefit the greatest needs of the Academy, attended by parents, cadets, faculty, alumni and friends.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT ONLINE AT MISSOURIMILITARYACADEMY.ORG

page 7 | The Eagle

1930s: Jack Bushyhead ’39, who holds the 440-yard dash record, lives in Danvers, MA, and can be reached at cherokeechief3@verizon.net.

1940s: Ross Fernstrum ’47, the BC in 1946-47, lives in Sun City West, AZ, and can be reached at jferns5342@aol.com.

Merrill Powell ’47 lives in Mesa, AZ, and can be contacted at mernger@msn.com.

Malcolm Crawford, who attended MMA in the late 1940s, lives in Brooklyn Park, MN, and can be reached at drmdc@comcast.net.

John Mosby ’49 lives in Cuba, MO, and can be emailed at jmosbyjr@centurylink.net.

Paul Trotter '49 lives in Donna, TX, and can be contacted at pauljtrotter@gmail.com.

1950s: Forrest Greene ’51 lives in Houston, TX, and receives email at questadals@sbcglobal.net.

Carl Ade ’52 lives in South Padre Island and can be reached at carl.ade@aol.com.

Robert Clinton ’54 has lived in England for over 30 years. He plans to attend his 60th reunion in 2014. He can be reached at rhclinton@tranquility.net.

Modesto Gutierrez ’54 lives in Florida and can be reached at dante1935@aol.com.

Dave Whitney ’54 lives in Florida and can be reached at whitcomm@aol.com.

Joseph Meinert '55 lives in River Ridge, LA, and can be emailed at joseph@themeinerts.com.

Harry Simonsen '55 retired in 2001, lives in Marion, IA, and can be contacted at harrylsimonsen270@gmail.com.

Dr. Thomas Bonnicksen who attended MMA from 1953-56, can be reached in Florida at tomdol@earthlink.net.

Ben Rossi ’57 and his wife Victoria live in Orlando, FL, and his email is brossi27@gmail.com.

Jim Knigge '58 lives in San Pedro, CA. He can be emailed at cornfed1129@cox.net.

Francisco Sierra ’58 recently traveled around the world and can be reached at commandercondor@yahoo.com.

Jon Winger ’58 lives in Ottumwa, IA, and can be contacted at wingerabin@aol.com.

1960s: Ron Baran '60 lives in Skokie, IL, and can be emailed at ronaldb407@aol.com.

Watson Dyer '60 lives in Maitland, FL, and can be reached at wdyer@cfl.rr.com.

John Mann, who attended MMA in 1960-61, and his wife Nancy visited campus recently en route back home to Colorado. He can be reached at jm.mann@ymail.com.

Neal Rohrke, who attended MMA in the early 1960s, can be reached at nrohrke@gmail.com.

Bob Brickley, who attended MMA in the 1960s, now resides in Louisville, KY, and can be contacted at brickley@triangletalent.com.

Steve Cartmell, who attended MMA in the early 60s, lives in Albuquerque and can be reached at scartmell99@comcast.net.

Randell Carver ’64 is pleased to announce that Shelley Herman married him on December 21, 2012, and the world didn't end. His wife is an Emmynominated TV writer. Carver is an award-winning TV and film actor of 47 years. Carver, who can be reached at randall@randallcarver.com, is a newlylicensed Calif. realtor. He and Shelley live in Valley Village with their big dog Dudley.

James Green ’64 is currently a professor at Georgia Southern and can be contacted at jeg.home@yahoo.com.

Bob Crider '65 is a veteran who lives in Kansas City and can be emailed at bcrider@vfw.org.

Hank Maupin '65 makes his home in Katy, TX, and is reachable at chscsm@aol.com.

William D. Price, who attended MMA from 1964-66, lives in Aurora, CO, and can be emailed at billprice1@gmail.com.

Dana Dabney ’69 gained two grandchildren this past year and is now the proud grandfather of five. His goal is to finish the final third of the 7.5 gauge railroad in his backyard after eight years. He also plans to travel the U.S. once again in his motorhome. He looks forward to this spring’s Maroon and Gold and can be reached at danadabney@comcast.net.

Charles Scheidt ’61 is now living in Jacksonville, FL, and can be reached at charlesscheidt@aol.com.

Robert G. Wilson ’65 lives in Pembroke Pines, FL, and can be reached at rgwv@rgwv.com.

Thomas Shaw, who attended MMA in 1965, lives in Sheldahl, IA, and can be contacted at tommy@huxcomm.net.

Dan Passick ’66 is training manager at Baker Concrete in Cincinnati, and he has five children and nine grandchildren. He can be reached at danpassick@yahoo.com.

David H. Brown, a 1963 junior school graduate, visited campus recently.

He lives in Springfield, IL, and can be emailed at dhb6@aol.com.

Jeff Peakes, who attended MMA from 1966-68, is living in Kansas City. He has three grown children, recently retired and can be contacted at jeffp1013@aol.com.

Joe Goble '69 is a retired music educator. He lives in Macomb, IL, and can be reached at jgoble69@macomb.com.

Licinio Vivas '69 resides in Miami, FL, and can be contacted at leevivas@hotmail.com.

Rusty Williamson ’69 lives in Amarillo, TX. Contact him at rustyw51@gmail. com to hear about his 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

1970s: Dale Allen ’71 lives in Leawood, KS, and is reachable at dallen7021@gmail.com.

Jack Hannemann ’71 and his wife have retired and have moved to Cape Cod. He can be emailed at fhstl@yahoo.com.

Greg Temple '71 is a dentist who lives in West Plains, MO, and can be emailed at drt@townsqr.com.

John Josendale ’72 resides in St. Joseph, MO, and can be contacted at johnjosendale@wirecoworldgroup.com.

James Kufdakis ’72 lives in Tulsa, OK, and is practicing medicine with the Cherokee Indian Tribe in Vinita, OK. He can be contacted at jkufdaki@sbcglobal.net.

Bill Meskill '72 lives in Bella Vista, AR, and can be emailed at bmeskill2@cox.net.

Mario Rodriguez ’72 has two children (daughter Andrea, 23, and son Mark, 5).

He lives in Hialeah Gardens, FL, and can be reached at mayitorodriguez@yahoo.com.

Frank Rosser ’72 now resides in Dahlonega, GA, and can be reached at frank.54rosser@gmail.com.

Randele Adamson ’73 (Randall Meyer) is owner of Nativepride Transportation in Ohio. He raises and breeds wolf dogs and can be reached at nativepride55@hotmail.com.

Brian Meyerhardt ’73 lives in Springfield, MO, and can be emailed at bameyerhardt@att.net.

Brent Stone '73 retired as Chief Physical Operations Engineer with the State of Illinois in 2009. He has three grandchildren and is president of Oak Leaf Country Club in Girard, IL. Stone is a consultant in facility management and operations, and can be reached at chiefsooner@sbcglobal.net.

Tim Adams ’75 has been working as the Compliance Actuary for Blue Cross of Idaho for the past year. He and his wife live in Meridian and his email is timothyxadams@yahoo.com. He recently had a second article published in a nationwide actuarial publication.

Tom Mullen ’74 lives in Chandler, AZ, and can be contacted at twmullen@gmail.com.

Gerald Lavery '75 is in his second year driving a bus at Walt Disney World (Florida). He is a two-year cancer survivor and is doing well. He can be reached at geraldlavery@yahoo.com.

Jeff Crain '76 is proud to announce the launch of ArmedForcesPrayers. com. Go online and send a member of the armed forces or a veteran a personalized prayer booklet. Your message is handwritten inside the cover and will be mailed anywhere in the world. He can be reached at jeffcrain@prodigy.net.

Paul Gant ’76 has been married to Carmen for 31 years and is the father of Lindsey, Rebecca and Michelle (but, no sons for MMA). He lives in the Cincinnati area and can be reached at pgant@cinci.rr.com, when he is not golfing or flying his Beech Baron 58.

Tod Minnigerode '76 lives in House Springs, MO, and can be emailed at todminn@yahoo.com.

Ralph Beltran '77 is a real estate broker in Scottsdale, AZ, and can be contacted at erbeltran2@gmail.com.

Ron Block ’77 lives in St. Louis and is working in marketing and sales for Prepcasts.com. He can be contacted at ronblock251@yahoo.com.

Hector L Porte, '77 lives in Mexico and can be contacted at hporte59@gmail.com.

Mark Zacheis '77 is proud that his son Michael has been accepted into West Point Military Academy. Three other sons have served and one is presently an Army helicopter mechanic. On October 24th, 2012, Mark became a first-time grandfather. He can be reached at mark. zacheis@VA.gov.

James Vaughn '78 lives in The Woodlands, TX, is a construction inspector and can be emailed at jamesmma78@yahoo.com.

Walter David Scott, who attended MMA from 1976-78, is the founder of Tetrad Corporation in Omaha, NE, and can be emailed at dscott@tetradcorp.com.

Biff Bonfoey ’79 lives in Fenton, MO, and can be reached at biff824@sbcglobal.net.

John P. Burton ’79 lives in PinetopLakeside, AZ. He can be reached atjpburtongroup@hotmail.com.

Don W. Scott ’79 has moved to Athens, GA, to teach at Georgia Health Sciences University and the University of Georgia. He is the director of Clinical Skills and practices geriatric medicine.

Don can be reached at donscott@uga.edu.

Mario Abedrop, who attended MMA from 1978-1981, is in Mexico City and can be emailed at mario@qfoliar.com.mx.

1980s: Dr. John Gustafson ’80 is the biology department head at Oklahoma State University, and can be reached at john.gustafson@okstate.edu.

Marco Garfias, who attended MMA from 1980-82, lives in Mexico and can be emailed at marcogarfias@outlook.com.

Javier Campuzano ’82 is a bronze sculptor, lives in Longview, TX, and can be reached at campuzano1@mac.com.

Richard Cooper ’82 says that his life is boring, but he does not want to change channels. He can be reached at spankyc358@gmail.com.

Todd Creviston ’82 lives in North Barrington, IL, and can be contacted at tscreviston@sbcglobal.net.

Clay Darnell '82 lives in Hillsdale, IL. He recently got married and can be reached at clayandcolleen69@yahoo.com.

Kevin Biedenstein, who attended junior school in the 80s, is married with two sons and lives in Haslet, TX. He can be reached at amybiedenstein@gmail.com.

Gerald Hafner, who attended MMA from 1981-83, is serving in the U.S. Army and can be contacted at gerald.hafner@us.army.mil.

William Hankes ’83 is Director of Bing Public Relations at Microsoft. He and his wife, Lisa, have two children and live in Mercer Island, WA. Bill can be contacted at bhankes1@yahoo.com.

LTC Gustav Waterhouse ’84 is stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. He is looking forward to exploring Europe with his wife and kids and can be reached at gustav.waterhouse@us.army.mil.

Paul Herndon '85 lives in Sagle, ID, with his wife and two children. He is a CPA and a dairy farmer, and he can be emailed at paul@herndoncpa.com.

Paul Petit '85 is Adjutant of the 3rd Battalion — 1st Regiment of the Texas State Guard and was recently promoted to E5. He received the State Guard Association of the U. S. Commendation Medal and will soon complete the TXSG's Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course at Camp Mabry in Austin. Paul currently serves as President of MMA's Alumni Association and Summer Camp Executive Officer. He can be reached at paulpetit@vallypark.com.

Jorge Zuniga ’85 is married and lives in Mexico. He can be reached at charolitoz3@hotmail.com.

Christopher Bower, who attended MMA in 1985-86, lives in Lacey, WA, and his email is christopher@bower.org.

Doug Priestley ’86 lives in St. Louis, has been married for 24 years, has three children, and can be reached at dpriestley123@gmail.com.

Matthew Rollings ’86 lives in St. Louis and is reachable at magrro530@msn.com.

John Tredway '87 is retired from the U. S. Navy and is living in Japan. He is working as a contractor for the U.

S. Navy Ship Repair Facility (SRF) in Yokosuka. He can be reached at fastboats69@yahoo.com.

Jason Falbo Gwinn ’88 lives in Blue Springs, MO, and can be contacted at jason@hyalogic.com.

Don Mieger '88 has been living in MS and working for Diamond Offshore Drilling for the past eight years. He can be contacted at dmieger@charter.net.

Frank Timmons ’88 resides in Columbus, GA, and is reachable at fwtimmons@knology.net.

Andres Hoffmann '89 is a corporate lawyer, married, the father of three, a law professor in Mexico, and can be reached at ahp_mx@yahoo.com.

Scott Southwick '89, who is expecting his first child with wife Lori, can be reached at scottdsouthwick@gmail.com.

1990s: Oscar Durazo ’90 lives in Mexico City and can be contacted at oscardurazo@outlook.com.

Kenneth Lemmond '90 lives in Corpus Christi, TX. He is married, the father of three, and has worked in sales in the auto and home building industries. He can be contacted at jcestes985@aol.com.

Jay Allen ’91 is a resident of Hot Springs Village, AR, and can be contacted at allen_j_m@yahoo.com.

Gregg Center ’91 lives in Chicago and organizes a dinner club for alums.

Contact him at gcenter13@gmail.com if you are hungry.

Brian Gallagher ’91 and his family moved from Southern California to Washington in 2010. He and his wife have been married for six years and have two children: Alyssa, 5, and Liam, 3. Brian is the Western U. S. Regional Sales Manager for KWH Pipe.

He can be reached at brian.m.gallagher@hotmail.com.

Tomas Miledi ’91 lives in Mexico and can be contacted at tomasmiledi@hotmail.com.

Chandler Moore ’91 is a resident of Chandler, AZ, and responds to email at boomsaki@yahoo.com.

Ricardo Uriegas ’91 lives in Mission, TX, and his email is rickuriegas@gmail.com.

Jose Urioste-Palomeque '91 lives in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, and can be emailed at jeuriostep@hotmail.com.

Ernesto R. Becerril '93 resides in Maricopa, AZ, and is reachable at ernestobecerril@gmail.com.

L.W. Kwakou Casselle ’93 was recently promoted to Supervisory Special Agent within the United States Diplomatic Security Service. Kwakou is currently the Regional Security Officer for Belize.

He and his wife Tameka and their children Beni and Alyssa are enjoying a tour in Central America. He can be reached at sonofbeni@hotmail.com.

Doug Lower '93 lives in Snoqualmie, WA, and can be reached at doug.lower@gmail.com.

Jorge G. Martinez ’93 now lives in McAllen, TX, and can be reached at jgmartinez75@ymail.com.

William Rawlings '93, who attended the Academy from 1988-90, lives in Columbia, MO. He can be contacted at scottyblue7@yahoo.com.

Genaro Solis '93 lives in San Antonio, TX. He is married and the father of a four-month old son. He recently completed an MFA in Communication Design and Branding, and can be reached at genarosolis@gmail.com.

Marco Scherer ’94 is General Manager at the Hotel Monaco in Chicago and may be contacted at marco.scherer@hotelmonaco.com.

James Schweckert '94 lives in Renton, WA, and can be contacted at jschweickert@mac.com.

William C. Dean '95 served in the Marine Corps, now lives in St Louis and is a General Manager for Stanley Steemer. He can be reached at deanus76@yahoo.com.

Ernesto Esquer, who attended MMA in 1995-96, lives in Obregon, Senora, Mexico, and can be reached at ernesto_esquer@hotmail.com.

Brennan Dwyer ’97, who attended MMA from 1993-95, lives in Montrose, CA, and can be reached at brennandwyer@msn.com.

Joseph Layman '97 is a policeman in Atlanta and a member of the Army Reserves. He flew the MMA flag during his last deployment to Iraq. Now he can be contacted at drillcop@gmail.com.

Steven McDavid '97 is currently serving as the senior medical sergeant on a Special Forces Operational Detachment deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He is stationed with 7th Special Forces Group

(Airborne) at Eglin Air Force Base, FL, and can be reached at scam97@hotmail.com.

Justin Thompson ’97 lives in Fort Collins, CO, and can be contacted at thompsn2@usa.net.

Michael Bingham ’98 and his girlfriend, Jenny, visited campus before they left for an around-the world trip. He can be reached at mikebingham77@yahoo.com.

John ’98 and Kylee Laurenzi have moved to Frisco, TX, and can be reached at kyleeandmark@gmail.com.

Shane Pettigrew '98 lives in Villa Grove, IL, and can be reached at ohword28@yahoo.com.

Nick Graves, who attended MMA in the late 1990s, looks back on how good MMA was for him. He lives in Charleston, IL, and can be contacted at papag504@gmail.com.

2000s: Eduardo Castellanos Coello '00 lives in Mexico and can be reached at lalocaste@icloud.com.

Salvador Silveyra De la Garza '00 is a resident of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, and can be contacted at salvadoru123@hotmail.com.

Jared Leefers ’00 lives in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and his email is jaredleefers@gmail.com.

CPT Luke Gosnell ’01 is currently assigned to the U. S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence at Ft. Huachuca as a training developer and instructor. He can be contacted at luke_gosnell@yahoo.com.

Francisco Lozano ’01 lives in Monterrey and can be contacted at franciscoautos@hotmail.com.

Vitorio Jove Menchaca '01 has opened Hotel Kupuri near Puerto Vallarta in a small town called Sayulita. He can be reached at v_jove@hotmail.com.

Drew Parsons ’02 lives in Independence, MO, and can be contacted at dsparsons73@yahoo.com.

Jesse Parson ’02, who served in the Marine Corps in Iraq, is CEO of JPW Freight in CA and can be reached at jparsons@jpwfreight.com.

Paul Wellman ’02 lives in Irvine, CA, and receives email at fly970@hotmail.com.

Juan Ramon Capistran Wah '03 lives in Victoria, Tamaulipas, and can be contacted at jcapistran@hotmail.com.

Gregory Weinberg ’03 now lives in Daphne, AL, and can be reached at mmacadet100@gmail.com.

Aaron Zaragoza ’03 lives in El Paso, TX, and can be reached at aaron_zaragoza@hotmail.com.

Devon Barker ’04 lives in Denver, CO, and represents Jackson National for the state of Florida. He can be reached at devonbarker1959@gmail.com.

Tony Serna ’04 and his nephew Paul visited and had lunch while passing through on a trip home from MN to TX. Tony can be reached at serna_tony@hotmail.com.

David Humphrey ’05 resides in Houston, TX, and can be reached at humphrey13b@yahoo.com.

Gaston Batalla ’08 lives in Heredia, Costa Rica, and can be contacted at gasbatalla@gmail.com.

Tom Clubb ’09 was the President of the International Club at Truman State University. He was scheduled to graduate in 2013 and can be contacted on Facebook.

Glenn Petty '09 graduated from MU in May with degrees in mathematics and secondary mathematics education. He now lives in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and can be reached at gapc59@mail.missouri.edu.

Anthony Wurl '09 recently graduated from Purdue University and was featured at Purdue.edu/fivestudents/ home-makers. He can be reached at energyforum@purdue.edu.

2010s: James Irwin ’10 has settled down after a couple of years moving around, and can be reached at james@irwinproject.com.

Derek Chatman ’11 lives in Lathrop, MO, and can be emailed at chappy_87@ymail.com.

Vega Maestre, who attended MMA in 2011-12, lives in Mexico and can be reached at pompe90@hotmail.com.

Questions or comments? Would you like to be included in future Class Notes updates? Contact Terry Logue at terry.logue@ missourimilitaryacademy.com or Paul Gillette at paul.gillette@ missourimilitaryacademy.com.

all of the steps in dealing with Royal Marines Commando such a casualty as taught in their (Ret.) WO2 Richard “Rik” Thornprevious training. After a half mile ton joined the MMA staff in April litter carry, the First Sergeant was 2013 as Director of Cadet Life. casevaced to safety and the hike Thornton was asked to develop an continued. enriching and fulfilling cadet life program, a major part of which was At their final check point the the introduction of the Duke of teams were allocated a designated Edinburgh’s Award to MMA. area to pitch their North Face extreme cold weather tents and “The Duke of Edinburgh’s then set into establishing their Award is an exciting program campsites. Teams were then gaththat equips young adults for life ered and given details of their next regardless of their background or assignment. This consisted of two circumstance, and prepares them separate activities, the first being for whatever life challenges or “Kim’s Game” which develops a opportunities present themselves,” person’s capacity to observe and he said. remember details. The name is Cadets enrolled in the DOEA derived from Rudyard Kipling’s program must work toward mas1901 novel Kim in which the hero, tering a skill and perform commuKim, plays the game during his nity service for at least one hour training as a spy. This technique every week. Activities available is used in commando and sniper to cadets include exhibition drill, training within the Royal Marines archery, fencing, rocketry, first aid, to enhance obserrobotics, film and vation skills. photography, Boy The second Scouts, bicycling, “The Duke of activity consisted fishing, NRA of a close quarter marksmanship Edinburgh’s battle (CQB) and meditation.

Award is an tactical shotgun The weekend exciting program shoot conducted of November 1,

by WO2 Rik and more recently that equips Thornton followNovember 7, young adults for ing a thorough saw the first two safety brief and life regardless of Adventurous demonstration.

Journeys undertheir background This proved very taken by both with the or circumstance.” popular Bravo and Charlie cadets, evident by Companies, who the wide grins on are working DIRECTOR their faces as they towards their walked away from OF CADET Bronze Duke the firing point. of Edinburgh’s LIFE WO2 next ate International RICHARD “RIK” theCadets evening meal, Awards. which they had to THORNTON Missouri Miliprepare and cook tary Academy in their campsite cadets are ideally locations. Meansuited for the rigors of such an while the Directing Staff (includexpedition, as many of the skills ing Thornton, LTC Jim Medley, required as a prerequisite are “old 1SG Alan Hakes, and GySgt Mark hat,” especially for MMA cadets “Gunny” Tomkins) dined on an who have had experience in campalternative menu. Cadets reported ing, critical thinking and working that the food was delicious and in small teams as part of their that there were stacks of it — there Recruit Training and Leadership were no complaints from the DS. Development. A week and a half (Thanks to Gunny!) before the first venture, event During the final safety brief by planner and award coordinator the DS before the cadets were sent Thornton conducted early mornaway to sleep for the night, the staff ing classes for Bravo Company handed out a treat in the form of and later Charlie Company. Cadets s’mores to cook by the camp fire. studied such topics as navigation Also, each group had to point out and route planning, first aid and the North Star, Polaris, before beemergency procedures, radio voice ing given the task for the evening. procedure, campsite selection, camp craft equipment and hygiene, This is where the rope comes into play. Each cadet was handed a food, nutrition, camp cooking, obpiece of paper with four common servation skills and teambuilding. knots to include a square knot, Early on the morning of November 7, Bravo Company “Dukes” double sheep bend, clove hitch, and bowline. By the morning each were issued personal equipment cadet would be expected to tie each including a rucksack, sleeping bag, knot and know what it is used for. thermal sleeping mat, hydration The following day at first system and a length of rope. Cadets light, cadets were up and cooking were dispatched to the gym for a breakfast comprising of beans and team briefing. Thornton gave a frankfurters before they collapsed comprehensive safety brief and their tents and packed their gear issued tent group team supplies for the return to campus. including cooking mess tins, Peak multi-fuel stoves, first aid kits, and On demonstrating their flashlights. Team leaders were each mastery of knot tying, teams were given a map and compass, commugiven their extraction plan. Again nications plan and a ciphertext enthey had to decode and plot their cryption & decryption code which maps before setting off on their produced a few puzzled faces. After return journey back to Mexico. a brief explanation, the encoded Once back on campus, cadets were location of the first check point expected to clean and return their was given to the leaders who had to supplies before being released back decipher the code and point out on to their barracks in late afternoon. the map the exact location to the The exercise was a complete sucDirecting Staff. Teams were then taken to the drop off point in small cess and all the cadets completed the assessment in good spirit. groups and set off on the journey; at this stage they had no idea of the There were a lot of tired campers by the end of the day. Special final destination only the location of their next check point. They also thanks to Dan Erdel for allowing the use of his Oasis Ranch for the didn’t know that the end point was campout and also to Sydenstrick10 miles away over gravel roads! er’s for loaning two all-terrain Cadets set off with enthusiasm vehicles for safety and resupply. and great drive, only to encounter Their generosity and support had their first obstacle. 1SG Alan (I great impact on the success of the Don’t Feel the Pain) Hakes was mission, for that MMA is very found lying in the road with an grateful. arterial bleed to his right forearm Article by: Director of Cadet and an obvious fracture to his Life & DofE Award Coordinator lower left leg (all simulated). The WO2 Richard "Rik" Thornton individual teams responded (Royal Marines Commando) exceptionally well and covered

TOP: Eric Juarez ’18 and Juan Ramon Flores ’15 lead a group of Charlie cadets during an Adventurous Journey on November 7.

(Photo courtesy of Executive Officer LTC Jim Medley.)

BOTTOM: Bravo Company cadets Ngonga “Julien” Mugabo ’17 and Bryce Smith ’16 decode directions on November 1.

(Photo by Joshua Bloothoofd ’15.)

New recruits tried their hands at rappelling, paintball and marksmanship in a round-robin of activities August 20. Cadets marched across a rope bridge connecting Colonels Field to back campus, separating into companies for individual activities.

Director of Activities GySGT Mark Tompkins and WO2 Thornton spoke to Delta Company recruits about safety on the sidelines at the paintball field. The duo stressed the importance of pointing one’s weapon toward the ground and wearing a mask at all times.

The paintball course, Tompkins explained, has the same dimensions as a football field.

He reminded recruits to be honest and leave the field when hit. He said students are invincible “supermen” if a ball bounces off without leaving a mark — but splatter means death.

“We are out here to have fun and maybe learn something about ourselves,” Tompkins said. “Watch each other’s backs.”

Students split into two teams — one wearing yellow jerseys, one without. They picked up their guns and slid on masks.

Cadet leaders filled recruits’ guns with paintballs and attached CO2 tanks to their weapons. New boys stepped aside and fired two practice shots each to test weapon functionality. Tompkins and Thornton helped

students aim, remove the barrel cover and turn off the safety switch.

“You lose your ammo or CO2, you’re done,” Tompkins said. “Conserve your ammo, gents.”

Thornton advised cadets to “get yourself a battle buddy” and move in formation.

After storming the field on opposing ends, cadets adopted a leapfrog strategy. One recruit provided cover fire as his teammate advanced up the field and crouched behind the next obstacle.

“Move up,” MAJ McClarey shouted. McClarey carried a megaphone and acted as referee, announcing cease fires when “dead” cadets left the field. “They can’t hit you if you’re running!”

Chadwick Cardott ’14 stood in the tower and served as a sentinel throughout the battle. He shouted advice to fellow cadets as paintballs whizzed by. A yellow ball flew past his head and shattered on the wooden tower behind him.

“That one buzzed my hair,” he said.

The yellow team proved victorious. Students shed their gear and spent the rest of the day rappelling down the tower and receiving marksmanship lessons in the Field House.

[TOP] Bravo recruits and leaders pose beside the rappelling tower after conquering their fears August 20.

[MIDDLE] A Delta Company recruit hides behind the watchtower on the paintball field; he aims and fires his weapon at an enemy.

[BOTTOM] Kane Anderson ’15 prepares a paintball gun for safe use. (Photos and article by Erin Chambers.)

[LEFT] A new recruit rappels down a tower in the back campus woods September 14 during the first-ever Crucible challenge. (Photo by Charles Norman ’18.)

[BELOW] A student jogs on the track September 14 during the Crucible. (Photo by Nolan Borgsmiller ’15.)

On September 14, the recruits of the 125th Corps of Cadets undertook the first ever Crucible, which is the capstone event of the newly devised Recruit Training System.

The day started early with a 0630 brief in the gym followed by a box breakfast before the first event started at 0700.

The Crucible consists of six rounds that must be negotiated by each recruit in order to pass. Events included the MMA PT test; a three-mile ruck march with a 25-pound ruck; a combat

water survival swim where recruits have to construct a poncho raft and demonstrate that they can keep their kit dry; an obstacle course; a paintball battle and a rappel from the top of the tower.

Following the main event, the victorious recruits were presented with a Cap Brass by their Company Commanders in a ceremony held on the front campus. Next followed a Warrior Dinner where newly-promoted privates dined on steak and cheesecake before being allowed to tour Mexico for the first time.

“The day was a huge success,” said first-year Director of Cadet Life and Royal Marines Commando (Ret.) WO2 Richard “Rik” Thornton. “The cadets enjoyed the various events. They rose to the challenge and demonstrated determination, motivation and teamwork.”

Thornton commended smiling students for displaying “cheerfulness in the face of adversity” from breakfast until “ENDEX” was called.

Thornton thanked a handful of staff members for their assistance

including Commandant of Cadets LTC Greg Seibert; Masum Kaisar and his mess hall crew, who supplied meals for the field and the Warrior Dinner; Team Leaders Marc Wilson and CPT Joseph Head; tower supervisor SGM Henry Suddarth; CWSS supervisor 1SG Randal Jacobson; paintball supervisor GySGT Mark Tompkins; CPT Annette Meinheit; 1LT Samantha Reuss and Nick O’Neil.

The second 2013-14 Crucible will be held in February for mid-year recruits.

On October 26th, cadets held their annual costume contest, barracks decoration contest, company parties and in-costume march to dinner mess.

Parents participated in the company parties and the Parents Committee provided funds for decorations and gift cards for costume contest winners.

The overall winner of the costume contest was Maxwell Broughton ’15 of Delta Company, who dressed as a Storm Trooper from Star Wars.

“I think people picked mine as the best because of the armor and the toy gun,” Broughton said.

Most Delta cadets wore Star Wars or space-themed outfits in keeping with a clever company-wide trend.

Michael Hilt ’18 earned first place by constructing an R2-D2 costume out of rain gutters, reflectors and a trash can, which was wheeled around campus

by General Grievous (Vincent Burke ’15) and a murder victim with a head wound (Marcelo Gomez ’14). Seventh grader Sky Henio stole the second spot with his spacesuit costume while Pedro Onieva ’14 earned third place by wearing a black cape and carrying chains, a bone and a severed head.

First place in Bravo went to eighth grader Gabriel De La Garza’s President Obama costume, followed by eighth grader William Moore’s soldier outfit in second place and sophomore Robert Moore in third place.

Charlie first prize went to sophomore Quentin Heasler’s inflatable Stay Puft Marshmallow Man outfit.

Conner O’Neal ’20 nabbed second place with his monochromatic jester outfit, followed by senior Benjamin Swiger’s third-place gorilla costume.

For the second year in a row, Gavin Hendee ’15 won first prize in Echo’s costume contest. He painted his face yellow and wore a tall blue wig with high heels to earn the title as Marge Simpson in 2012. This year, Hendee stole the show again with another creative costume — a camping trip gone wrong. He dressed as a marshmallow and carried an inflatable campfire, over which he roasted three Barbie dolls speared on a tree branch. Echo second place went to Trae Van Tasell ’16 who dressed as Ernie of Sesame Street. Cody Allen ’16 donned a zebra-striped bodysuit to earn third place.

In addition to the costume contest, the Halloween festivities also included a barracks decoration contest.

“The best decorated barracks is Echo,” Assistant Commandant MAJ Brian Galarza said. “They received a trophy and a Saturday sleep-in.”

Echo won first place with a mix of both cute and creepy decorations.

Carved pumpkins lined the walkway. Caution tape wound around the columns. Inflatable pumpkins, ghosts, black cats and Frankenstein monsters kept the lawn lighthearted, while severed corpses and boardedup windows hinted at the horrifying hallways inside.

Echo Company’s Chandler Bolinger ’19 dressed as a troll for Halloween.

He said Echo cadets created a haunted house inside the barracks in addition to decorations outside the dormitory.

“We did a haunted house,” he said, “because we wanted something cool that not a lot of people can do.”

Christian Paz ’15 dressed like Mexican wrestler “La Parka,” who was his favorite athlete as a child. He said Echo Company had his favorite decorations because cadets “did a really good job” on their haunted house.

Spiderweb nests hung from the ceiling. Black trash bags blocked out all light, transforming the barracks into a cursed corridor. Echo cadets served as live additions to the haunted house, jumping out from behind obstacles to frighten their classmates.

“This is my first year at MMA and I loved this idea,” Sergio Contreras ’19 said. “I [had] a lot of fun making people get scared.”

(Interviews by Rodrigo Padilla ’15, Sebastian Corona ’19, Carlos Moreno ’19 and Erin Chambers.)

[BOTTOM] The Colonels go head-to-head against Principia on September 28.

[LEFT] Adam Schmitz ’15 sprints past the opposition in MMA’s junior varsity matchup against Father Tolton on October 1.

[RIGHT] Head Coach Marc Wilson watches as cadets run a drill during practice August 14.

(Photos by: Luis Karam ’18; Tony Reed Vaughan ’15; and Cheryl Morris.)

Player of the Game Timothy “TJ” Daniels said.

“It was awesome to look up and see the ref with his hands in the air showing the touchdown signal.”

The Colonels gave up a touchdown on the last play of the first half to make the score 22-7 and put the win out of reach.

According to Coach Wilson, cadets “fought very hard, played with character and never quit.”

Quiroz was named Defensive Player of the Game for being “all over the field” and making nine tackles and two sacks. Coaches named Alexander Wilson the Overall Player of the Game for earning one interception, 10 tackles and 100 rush yards.

Steven Prinster ’15 completed a 50-yard pass to Trae Van Tasell ’16 for a touchdown. Prinster later added a 40yard run for another touchdown. Coach Wilson cited excellent performances by Joshua Pearson ’14, Corry Tega ’16, Julio Romero ’15 and Juan Ramon Flores ’15.

“Quentin Heasler ’16 … also had a thrilling 82-yard kick return showing off his speed down the left sideline,” he said.

Heasler said he believes his teammates put forth the effort necessary to win – but the team must improve on defensive tackling and offensive passing.

“It was amazing,” he said of the game. “When I got about 30 yards from the end zone, I got tunnel vision and all I could see was me scoring.”

Heasler highlighted several of his teammates, including Sean Fitzgerald ’17, Austin Rexroad ’17 and Yunil Jeon ’16 as JV players who have potential to become varsity players in the future.

Offensive Player of the Game award Alexander Wilson rushing for over Van-Far scored twice — and took a and the second-highest team grade. Wil100 yards [and] Quiroz compiling three knee twice — in the first quarter of a son said the offensive linesman “paved sacks and four tackles.” physical battle peppered with penalties the way for over 130 yards of rushing” at MMA’s home opener September 6.

Both the Indians and Colonels and “was a dominating force on the suffered holding and illegal procedure “Too many mistakes and turnovers offensive line and continually created penalties followed by an injury which squelched any scoring opportunities havoc on defense.” put Maddox on the sidelines. Students and led to too many unearned points Center Andrew Field ’15 displayed took a knee as three injured Van-Far for Van-Far,” Head Coach Marc Wilson “excellent effort and execution,” earned players also hit the bench. said. “The Colonels football team lost a a sack, performed 14 tackles, was named tough game.”

The fourth quarter began as Van-Far Defensive Player of the Game and was earned an illegal procedure penalty The Colonels won the toss to start the highest-graded MMA player. within the first five seconds, followed the game and chose to receive. MMA’s Coach Wilson also highlighted defense held Van-Far at bay for the first by an MMA illegal procedure and an running back Alexander Wilson, who quarter of the 0-26 loss, but Wilson said Indian offside call. Hugh Harris ’15, boasted six tackles and 82 yards rushPriester and Quiroz shone during the the “very formidable opponent” had “several playmakers” who were too much to handle.

An Indian player slipped through to earn a touchdown run and the first quarter ended at 0-20.

“I just wanted to commend you, your coaching staff and your team for the great sportsmanship they displayed last Thursday evening. Coming into a game against a number one seed is tough, but your team displayed heart, character and The Colonels spent the second quarter on the desire. And our players and coaches noticed it. Your team displayed good sportsmanship throughout the game and, after wrong side of the field — the game, your captain asked our captain and head coach if they could do a team prayer together. ... Your player that until Michael Maddox ’17 led the prayer thanked God for no one being seriously hurt and [asked Him] to watch over the Pintos in their upcoming delivered two runs to earn first downs and get MMA game. I just wanted to say — as an athletic director, former foot ball coach and Army Vietnam veteran — your team made on track. Thanks to two me proud to be all three. They represent your school and the military very, very well. Thank you and we salute you.” false starts and an MMA — U.S. Army (Ret.) California High School Athletic Director Bob Staton fumble, Van-Far picked up the possession and yardage necessary to score in the last 30 seconds of the quarter.

With the score at 0-26, the third quarter began. ing; and defensive end Quiroz with five final quarter with successful tackles.

COLONELS FIGHT TO THE END The crowd whistled and cheered as Junior varsity football studenttackles, three sacks and “tremendous The MMA band accompanied Michael IN COMPETITIVE THRILLER AT Jacob Priester ’14 earned a sack — one of Penniman ’19, who wowed the crowd in athletes faced off against Fulton on Sep- GRANDVIEW effort and leadership.” seven tackles overall. tember 16 and, though they eventually the bleachers with his dance moves.

COLONEL CADETS CELEBRATE The varsity team served up a comfell 18-42, cadets performed admirably.

Wilson said Priester played “one of SCORING SEASON'S FIRST Despite the loss, Coach Wilson said petitive thriller at Grandview on Sephis best games” by putting “constant At halftime, the score sat at 6-28 TOUCHDOWN cadets “played valiantly, with heart and tember 20. MMA got on the board first pressure on the quarterback.” with Fulton ahead. In the third quarter, passion.” The proud coach said players with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Missouri Military Academy scored MMA rose to 12 points but by the were “begging to not come off the field Prinster to Dillion Brown-Dawson ’14.

Alexander Wilson ’15 intercepted a their first touchdown of the season durfourth quarter, Fulton was out of reach. so that they could fight one more play.”

After an answer by Grandview, Prinster Van-Far pass to earn a first down while ing the second quarter of a road loss to struck again, this time to Daniels for a Ivan Quiroz ’14 led the defense with “The JV team put on a good show,” Winfield on September 13.

Priester was named Overall Player 40-yard touchdown. The Colonels sat at two consecutive successful blocks.

Coach Wilson said.

“It was a loss ... but of the Game for his “stalwart blocking “The team went crazy. It was awehalftime with a 14-8 lead. all 31 kids received valuable playing on the offensive line and tremendous “There were some outstanding some to score the first touchdown of time and experience.” effort and pursuit defensively.”

Gerardo performances,” Marc Wilson said, “with the season,” wide receiver and Offensive “Big G” Guerrero ’14 earned the

[BOTTOM] Mohammad “Emran” Babak ’16 surveys the field as he prepares to throw-in during MMA’s matchup against Westphalia on September 24. [TOP LEFT] Senior striker Gabriel “Gabo” Rodriguez goes head-to-head with a Smithton player October 24. [TOP RIGHT] Sophomore student-athletes Byron Amidon and Jesus Gracia face off against cross-town rivals Mexico High on September 23. (Photos by: Daniel Amezcua ’18; Francisco Fletes ’18; and Cheryl Morris.)

Missouri Military Academy’s varsity soccer team brought home its first victory of the season on September 17 with a 6-0 win against the Elsberry Indians. Five Fighting Colonels scored six goals — congrats to Team Captain Victor Marroquin ’15 who led the way with two goals, followed by one goal each by Felix Paz ’15, Christian Paz ’16, Jesus Gracia ’16 and Raul Almaguer ’15.

Felix Paz, Gracia, Diego Sanchez ’15 and Gabriel Rodriguez ’14 scored one assist each. Jose Estrada ’16 was named Player of the Game while Chadwick Cardott ’14 nabbed 8 saves and posted a shutout in his debut as keeper for the Colonels.

The junior varsity soccer squad defeated the Fulton Hornets by a crushing 6-1 on September 19. Mohammad “Emran” Babak ’16 netted three goals to earn a hat-trick. Justin Touchette ’16 saved 10 shots as keeper. The varsity game was postponed due to severe lightning.

EXHAUSTED COLONELS BATTLE BACK-TO-BACK The varsity soccer squad faced off against Christian Brothers High School in St. Louis on September 21. The Colonels had a chance at victory at halftime with the score at 0-2, but cadets couldn’t keep up the pressure. Cardott saved an incredible 31 goals and was named Player of the Game despite the 0-8 shutout scoreboard.

Two days later, varsity cadets took on Mexico High School at Colonels Field on September 23.

The score sat tied at 0-0 at halftime, but MMA finally fell in a 1-2 loss.

Victor Marroquin ’15 scored thanks to an assist by Team Captain Fernando Estrada ’14. Rodriguez was named Player of the Game “for unselfish play and discipline in the face of adversity.”

The next afternoon, the team traveled to Westphalia on September 24

to take on the Fatima Comets. The Colonels jumped out to an early lead of 4-2 by halftime but Fatima fought back to push the game into overtime. At the end of 1 OT the score was still 5-5. With 26 seconds to go in the second overtime, Fatima crossed the ball in front of the net and headed it in to earn the golden goal.

Cadets shone despite the 6-5 (2OT) loss. Cardott had 17 saves in the net and Gracia earned the Player of the Game title for his three-goal hat trick. Jose Estrada and Marroquin each had a goal, while assists came from Bayar-Erdene

“To everyone who supported us and helped out this season: whether you ran the scoreboard [or] concession, substituted for our classes, handled video and photos, adjusted your plans and schedules or just came out to watch, we appreciate all the extra effort that you provide.

Without your help, our season would be that much harder.”

HEAD COACH CPT ERIC REYNOLDS Oldokhbayar ’17, Almaguer, Rodriguez and Fernando Estrada.

“I felt really tired because we had 6 games between last week and the game. … We were almost dead when the second overtime hit so we were really just trying to end it as quick as we could,” an exhausted Marroquin said. “We ended up losing but we will bounce back next

time. … Since we have almost a week ‘til our next game, I think we have enough time to practice our weaknesses in order to make them our stronger points.”

After a much-appreciated rest, the varsity soccer squad took on Elsberry at home October 7 and earned a 6-1 victory. The first goal came twenty minutes into the first half from Fernando Lopez ’14 — his kick snuck in just above the keeper’s hands. Lopez earned the Player of the Game title “for outstanding defensive play and a midfield shot and goal.”

After a break for halftime, a goal

by Sanchez put the score at 2-0 with a little over 30 minutes left on the clock.

Cadets proceeded to pummel the Indians, sinking four more shots. Sanchez made another goal followed by some fast and furious footwork by the MMA forwards — Jose Estrada tapped the ball in and brought the score to 4-0. Gracia found the back of the net twice within minutes, putting MMA at 6-0.

A triple whistle by the referee signaled the end of the thrilling match-up.

Christian Paz nabbed one assist while Rodriguez walked away with three.

The Fighting Colonels faced the Hornets on the road October 8. MMA kept up the heat in the 3-0 shutout victory over the Hornets, earning two goals in the first half and meeting the back of the net once in the second half.

Rodriguez scored twice while Sanchez scored once and Christian Paz picked up an assist. Senior sweeper Fernando Estrada was named Player of the Game “for great leadership, composure and control of the game.”

MMA next battled Christian Brothers College High School on Colonels Field during Fall Family Weekend on October 12. The score sat at 0-0 at halftime during the tough match-up.

Student-athletes fought hard, but ultimately fell to CBC in a shutout 0-3 loss.

Cardott made 26 saves as goalkeeper — his performance earned the Player of the Game title from the coaching staff.

Raiders earn fourth spot at Clinton meet The Missouri Military Academy Raiders earned fourth place overall out of 12 teams on September 13 during their first competition of the season: The Clinton Annual Meet in Clinton, Mo. After a long drive on Friday, cadets arrived at Clinton High School and registered, followed by a high-carb dinner to pump up team members prior to the meet.

“We slept in the foyer of the school with other teams,” 1SG Alan Hakes said. “At 5:00 a.m. we awoke to start getting ready to compete.”

On Saturday morning the team headed to the first events — a 50meter truck tire flip and a two-mile run. Sitting at a comfortable second place in the physical training rankings, cadets rested, ate breakfast and then departed for the National Guard armory.

Students completed a 10K run in 53 minutes and 36 seconds while wearing full ACUs and carrying equipment, earning the third-fastest time in Hakes’ tenure as head coach.

“It was hard for us to complete the 10K,” Jose Bours ’14 said. “There was some rugged terrain, but the team worked hard and got the third place.”

After a short break, cadets advanced to the Raider Challenge Course. The endurance event involved moving 20 logs ten meters from their original places; crossing a handrail; crossing over a stream via rope; a low crawl; pulling a military vehicle for 50 meters; and climbing a 25-foot-long rope. All Raider Challenge mini-tests were completed while transporting a truck tire across the course. Cadets posted a time of 32 minutes and 54 seconds, earning seventh place.

“We are tired, but we are not going to give up,” Felix Paz ’15 said.

Following the Raider Challenge, the team rested for 15 minutes and

snacked on energy bars and electrolytes to refuel themselves.

Cadets next crossed a rope bridge with a first-place-worthy time of two minutes and 35 seconds – but five team penalties added extra time. MMA finished in eighth place with a time of eight minutes and 35 seconds.

Exhausted, the team next turned to an obstacle course including two-mile run through the woods while carrying two tires. Hakes said the team was “hungry to post a great time” and developed an efficient way to carry the tires. Cadets finished with a time of 15 minutes and 4 seconds, earning fourth place.

“We had an excellent time,” Jose Carrillo Noriega ’14 said. “Even tired, we are ready for the next event. We came here to win.”

By 1:45 p.m., cadets were worn out. Hakes said the team then selected two team members to compete in the “Ultimate Raider” contest.

Roel Rodriguez ’14 and Jose Bours ’14 performed admirably in the final event, which included archery, a mile run and pull-ups.

Rodriguez and Bours completed 27 pull-ups and finished the mile in four minutes and 41 seconds.

“It was not easy. Other teams were really prepared,” Rodriguez said. “But it’s not bad for the first event of the season.

After a whirlwind weekend of events, the MMA Raiders brought home multiple trophies. Cadets earned fourth place in the obstacle course, seventh place in the Raider Challenge Course, third place in the 10K, second place in PT and first place in the “Ultimate Raider” event.

“Raiders is not like any other high school sport,” Hakes said. “They learn many skills and get physically fit. A Raiders meet is an adventure.”

The Missouri Military Academy Cross Country team faced off against 18 competing schools September 14 at the Linn Invitational.

Though MMA finished 19 out of 19 teams, Head Coach MAJ Larry McClarey highlighted several outstanding cadet performances. Many untested studentathletes battled in the varsity division in the first race of the season, as five runners are required to earn a team score.

Dallas Lopez ’14 led the MMA squad in 43rd place with a time of 19:22.71 at a 6:14.3 mile pace. Jonathon Grossl ’17 finished in 81st place with a time of 21:08.42.

Gavin Hendee ’15 earned 102nd with a time of 22:25.60, closely followed by Kyle Mertens ’16 in 109th place with a 23:30.97 and Nishan Khanal ’16 in 112th with a time of 25:53.69.

“With these times as a base,” McClarey said, “we can establish new goals and start working towards them.”

Cadets competed against 17 opposing teams at the Fulton Invitational on September 21. The team finished in last place, but many student-athletes broke personal records in the 5k race.

“We saw some very tough competition,” McClarey said. “Lopez ran a very intelligent and aggressive race.”

Lopez finished in 41st place with a time of 18:53.84 – finishing first out of the five MMA runners and meeting his goal of finishing in less than 19 minutes.

“I will keep trying to break that 18 marker now,” Lopez said.

“It makes you stronger and more able to contain your energy. ... It is a good experience that teaches you to pace yourself so you are able to compete at a higher level. ...

The Fulton course was a fast but difficult course, with lots of hairpin turns and straight-aways.”

JONATHAN GROSSL ’17

page 12 | The Eagle

With the Colonels trailing 14-21 at the beginning of the fourth quarter, Priester intercepted a Grandview pass.

On their next drive, Quiroz sacked the Grandview quarterback to bring his overall sack total to 6.

The scoreboard read 6:50 left in the game. MMA began a desperate drive at its own 40-yard-line.

Tough running by Alexander Wilson and Maddox moved the ball down to the 20-yard-line. Wilson rushed for more than 100 yards during the game and scored a three-yard run with one minute and 19 seconds left on the clock.

The score sat at 20-21 with MMA tantalizingly close to the lead.

“Earlier in the drive I had decided, after conferring with our coaches, that we would indeed go for the lead instead of the tie. Running behind great blocking from Guerrero, Priester, Marcelo Gomez ’14 and Romero,” Coach Wilson said, “Alexander Wilson pounded it in.”

The two-point conversion earned the lead and brought the score to 22-21. “[The] Fighting Colonels were oh-soclose to tasting a well-earned victory,” Coach Wilson said. “But a late charge by [the] Grandview team would keep them from a loss.”

Grandview succeeded in moving the ball down the field and scored with 14 seconds left to earn the win. The Colonels then managed to move the ball past midfield but ran out of time to score.

After cadets led a group prayer for both teams and staffs, Coach Wilson said student-athletes “were commended

by Grandview’s coaches and players for their effort and respectfulness.”

“To be honest, despite the final score of 29-22, it was one of the most fun games I have ever had the privilege to be around,” Coach Wilson said. “It was everything that [is] great about high school football: intensity, passion, brotherhood, emotion and good, clean, hard-hitting football.”

Missouri Military Academy faced off against Principia on September 28 for the Homecoming game. The Colonels remained scoreless until late in the game when Prinster completed touchdown passes to both Daniels and Harris.

Cadets fought hard during the final quarter but eventually fell 16-48.

“The Colonels started very slowly and sluggish and turned the ball over three times in the first quarter, leading to short fields and a 20-0 deficit,” Coach Wilson said. “They fought valiantly the rest of the way but could never quite get caught up.”

After a disappointing 0-66 shutout road loss to Kansas City Central High

School on October 5, cadets took the field at Fall Family Weekend on October 11.

“It should be a fairly evenly matched game,” Coach Wilson said of the home matchup against Father Tolton. “The boys are excited to show off in front of 300 friends, family and alumni.”

The crowd went wild as Daniels sprinted into the end zone at the start of the second quarter to earn his fourth touchdown of the season. The score sat at 6-19 with MMA behind by a hair at halftime — Coach Wilson said students “fought hard” but by the end of the evening fell 6-59.

“We played really hard but it just didn’t come out how we wanted,” safety Vincent Burke ’15 said.

Up next on the Colonels’ schedule was a matchup with Lutheran High School on October 18.

“It was a solid first half with the Colonels down 19-6 until LHS scored with 4.4 seconds to go before halftime,” Coach Wilson said of MMA’s 6-64 loss.

Derek Ryan ’15 earned a 60-yard touchdown run off a fumble caused by a crushing hit by Guerrero. Josh Paley ’15 had several tackles for loss from the linebacker spot.

GRADUATING ATHLETES MAKE MMA COMMUNITY PROUD AT SENIOR NIGHT The Fighting Colonels faced off against St. Paul Lutheran High School on their home turf October 25. The score sat at 18-0 at the half — cadets eventually fell to their tough opponent 0-47 in a shutout loss.

According to Coach Wilson, cadets “played great against an excellent playoff team.” Romero earned a 60-yard run and Jon Johnston ’14 led the way with good pass coverage. Wilson also highlighted “amazing” efforts by Guerrero and Quiroz.

The Fighting Colonels finished out the season with a 0-69 road loss against district rival California High School.

“We lost tonight to the number one team in the district. [I am] proud of our senior players for how they represented the school,” Coach Wilson said. “It was a rough year but they carried themselves as the fine young men they are and never quit. They set great examples for the underclassmen to follow.”

A few weeks after the end of the season, Alexander Wilson was selected to play on the 11th grade U-18 team at the USA Football International Bowl on February 8. In November, BrownDawson received an invitation to play in the DownUnder Bowl in June 2014 in Australia. Senior players BrownDawson, Daniels, Guerrero and Quiroz were chosen for the All-District team.

Players work together to take down a Father Tolton player during MMA’s 6-59 loss October 11 on Colonels Field. (Photo by Charles Norman ’18.)

Head Coach CPT Eric Reynolds gives his players a pep talk October 7 during the Colonels’ 6-1 home victory against the Elsberry Indians. (Photo by Steven Prinster ’15.)

STUDENT-ATHLETES' SPORTSMANSHIP STUNS OPPONENTS The varsity team took on No.1ranked Southern Boone High School in Ashland, Missouri, in district play October 21. The Colonels fought hard against the Eagles but ended up on the losing end of a 0-8 shutout, giving up five goals during the first half and three during the second.

Cardott was selected Player of the Game for his performance.

According to Head Coach CPT Eric Reynolds, Cardott earned 18 saves in the net against a tough offense that came into the game with 119 goals in 21 games and a defense that has only conceded 14 goals.

“Chad played an outstanding game despite the score,” Reynolds said.

“Without his effort the score would have been much higher. Well done!”

Southern Boone’s Jacob Moore scored his 100th career goal during his team’s victory. Moore became the first Southern Boone player to accomplish the feat and only the 16th in the state of Missouri. Colonels players signed the game ball and presented it to Moore — cadets earned a Team Sportsmanship Award last year from the Missouri State High School Soccer Coaches Association.

At the final home game of the season, the Fighting Colonels faced off against Smithton on October 24.

MMA held the lead throughout the match up, earning three goals during

Grossl earned 102nd place with a time of 21:50. Hendee, Mertens and Khanal broke personal records. Hendee earned 104th place with 21:55; Mertens finished in 24:17 to earn 119th; and Khanal finished in 124th place in 25:41.

“We are a young team. Most of our runners have never run at a varsity level before,” McClarey said. “Each member of the team must pull their weight.”

On October 9, cadets faced off against 15 area teams on a flat course at the Orchard Farm Invitational meet. Lopez set a personal record (PR), finishing the 5K at 23rd out of 68 runners with a time of 18:38 and earning a medal.

“Most of our runners improved their times,” McClarey said, “and set PRs.” Grossl finished in 60th place in 21:22; hot on his heels was Hendee, who finished 61st with a time of 21:30 (PR).

Mertens finished 63rd in 22:20 (PR); shortly after was Khanal, who clocked in at 24:32 (PR) in 65th place.

Less than a week later, cadets faced 11 teams October 15 at the Centralia Invitational.

the first half and picking up two shots in the second.

Gracia scored MMA’s first goal and later picked up an assist.

Fernando Estrada’s goal brought the score to 2-1 with MMA ahead and 20 minutes left in the first half. Gonzalez met the back of the net once and Rodriguez’s two goals and one assist earned him the Player of the Game award. Sanchez racked up two assists while Rene Padilla ’16 and Gracia each earned one assist.

Four days later, MMA faced off against Montgomery County and triumphed in a 7-0 road victory. The Colonels netted four goals during the first half and three the second half – a total of five students scored goals on the Wildcats. Player of the Game Gracia and Gonzalez scored two goals each. Sanchez and Christian Paz both found the back of the net. Rodriguez and Fernando Estrada boasted two assists each while Sanchez, Gracia and Oldokhbayar nabbed one assist apiece. Senior goalkeeper Cardott came out of the net after six saves and scored his first career goal to bring MMA’s lead to 7-0.

After finishing out the regular season with a 5-5 record, the Colonels turned their attention to district play.

MMA FACES OFF AGAINST BOONVILLE IN DISTRICT SEMIFINAL No. 2-seeded MMA took a 70minute bus ride to Boonville on November 5 to take on the No. 3-seeded Boonville Pirates in the district

“This race is a little unusual as the course goes through a recreational park and has many obstacles and turns,” McClarey said.

Lopez won a medal, finishing first of the MMA runners in the 7th spot with a time of 19:23. Grossl finished with a time of 21:54 to earn 38th place while Hendee finished 39th with a time of 22:00.

Mertens earned 52nd place with a time of 23:17 and Khanal came in at 64th place with a time of 25:03.

MMA placed 10 out of 11 teams October 22 at the Mexico Fall Cross Country Challenge at the local A.P. Green Estate Park. Given the wet, windy and cold conditions, McClarey said cadets did well.

Lopez finished 16th with a time of 18:41, followed by Grossl in 51st with a time of 21:38 — a mere two seconds later, Hendee finished in 52nd place. Mertens placed 66th with a time of 23:24 followed

by Khanal in 70th with a time of 24:55.

“While we did not win any team competitions, most of our runners improved their times by over one and a half minutes by the end of the season,” McClarey said.

semifinal. The Fighting Colonels conceded their first goal off of a head shot from a corner kick at 25 minutes in. The Pirates’ second goal came from a long ball that dropped just below the cross bar to bring the score to 2-0 at the 38-minute mark.

The Colonels fought hard during the second half. Almaguer scored the Colonels’ lone goal in the 75th minute — his cross to the center of the box blasted by the Boonville keeper. Player of the Game Padilla racked up 20 steals and “played his best game of the season” according to Reynolds, while Cardott saved 12 shots as keeper. The Colonels pressed the Pirates the remainder of the game but fell short 1-2, ending MMA’s season.

“The Colonels played one of their best games of the season,” Reynolds said. “Well done, gentlemen.”

A few weeks after the end of the season, Reynolds received word that six Colonel players made All-District teams.

“The coaches were not allowed to vote for their own players,” he said, “so these young men were awarded the honor from the other four coaches in Class 1 District 7.”

Fernando Estrada and Gracia were named to the All-District First Team. Gracia is the sole sophomore in the state to receive this honor.

The All-District Second Team roster included cadets Gabriel Rodriguez and Marroquin. Cardott and Sanchez both earned an All-District Honorable Mention nod.

XC Team Captain Dallas Lopez ’14.

(Photos by Coetta Brashear. Interview with Jonathan Grossl ’17 by Kyle Mertens ’16.)

MMA is proud to announce that MAJ Edsel Baker has been appointed MMA’s new director of the Middle School.

“I am excited to join the administration,” Baker said. “The middle school is a valuable part of our school and I hope to grow the enrollment and establish an identity that is complementary to our overall culture.”

Baker holds a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University’s Divinity School and a Master of Science in Probability and Statistics from Northern Illinois University.

Middle School Science Instructor LTC Willis Kleinsorge was named Teacher of the Month for October. Studentjournalist Sebastian Corona '19 sat down to ask him about his trade.

Baker joined MMA in 2011 and has served as a high school mathematics and statistics teacher as well as a middle school and varsity coach. He is known for his dedication to the Academy, often going out of his way to personally assist students in need of extra help.

“We have an excellent tradition of educating and preparing young men to be leaders and gentlemen,” Baker said. “The middle school shares in this plan.”

Baker lives in Mexico with his wife Dawn and their two young children.

Do you like being a teacher? Yes, because of the interaction with kids and [seeing] how they develop into young adults.

Why did you choose to become a teacher? I was a good student in science when I was a kid and I like the subject, so I decided to be a science teacher.

If you could choose another job, what would it be? I would be a fulltime farmer because now I am half one.

What is the hardest part of teaching? The discipline factor, because you want to be friendly with the students but also you have to make sure they are learning discipline.

Why do you like MMA? Because of all the diversity. The students come [from] all over the world and I like to interact with people from other countries and states.

Sky Henio ’19 grins on the sidelines at the Mexico Middle School football game September 12. (Photo by Donald Williams ’18.)

Middle school wrestlers shook off the rust and took to the mat for the first time this season at November 21’s four-squad meet against cross-town rival Mexico and regional opponents Boonville and Hannibal. The Colonels made a good showing — most matches lasted all three periods. Top performers included Rodrigo Blanco ’18 with a pin against Mexico; Gabriel De La Garza ’18 with two pins against Boonville; and Chandler Bolinger ’19 [above] with a pin against Boonville and a point win again Mexico.

Wrestlers had a successful inter-scholastic season-ending meet December 18 at Mexico High against Mexico Middle, Lewis & Clark and Thomas Jefferson schools,. Top performing Colonels included: Fernando Garcia ‘18, Zaide Johnson ‘19 and Sergio Contreras ‘19 [above] all scoring wins by pin — Johnson earned two total by-pin wins.

Other Colonels won their bouts by points: Gabriel De La Garza ‘18, Rodrigo Blanco ‘18 and Charles Norman ‘18. Six of eight total wrestlers scored wins for MMA. (Photos by Steven Prinster '15.)

CPT John Noel's middle school World Geography students used a combination of items including food coloring, Skittles, Diet Coke, baking soda and vinegar to make their volcano erupt on the front lawn September 25.

"We were studying plate tectonics ... and how magma movement caused things like earthquakes and volcanic explosions," Noel said. “The students designed and constructed their own paper mâché

volcano to simulate the Earth's forces underneath the crust. We exploded the volcano several different times with varying degrees of force to simulate the varying degrees of pressure put on the crust by the movement of magma."

Other assignments in Noel’s classes included building pyramids out of sugar cubes and studying the life of activist Nelson Mandela. (Photo by Sebastian Corona '18.)

Student-athletes Charles Norman '18, Sky Henio '19 and Zaide Johnson '19 played on the Mexico Middle School Bulldogs football team this past season. Here are their thoughts about football.

Henio: I enjoyed it ‘cause I got to go and practice with other people and learn how to play with everyone else. You get together and get to tackle and run the ball and get a point.

We all came together to make a team and just play. We won one game. After that we were so happy. The most memorable moment for me was when I got my first quarterback takedown.

What motivates me the most is all my friends telling me I can do it.

Norman: The Bulldogs did outstanding this year. The most memorable moment, would be when our whole line supported our quarterback to complete a kick return. I enjoy football because I get to work with my teammates and hit people hard. Football is better than other sports because it is very tough. It is a whole team effort sport. And it is full-contact. My motivation is my family, past champions and knowing that I will do my best to show my team that I am very talented.

Johnson: The Bulldogs performed great this season.

The most memorable moment of my football season is when I know that I will drive my opponent down the field. I enjoy football because I love how I’m able to not only play well but am able to have fun at the same time. What motivates me to play sports is that I know it is good for my body to get the exercise. [Football] is better than other sports because it motivates you to do the best of your ability.

Purchase a summer camp experience for a young man and give a gift that will last a lifetime. By completing an online order form, you can pre-pay for a future camper’s tuition to the 2014 MMA summer programs. Missouri Military Academy will then send you a certificate in a gift box, which can be presented during the holidays, for a birthday, or anytime.

Faculty embraces Socratic Method

Instructor LT Samantha Reuss’ students serve as witnesses, jury members, attorneys and prosecutors in mock trials based on The Scarlet Letter held in the Koster Media Center on October 24 and 25. (Photos by Nicholas Sarnelli ’20; Joshua Bloothoofd ’15; Juan Pablo Payan ’15; and Simon Barrera ’15.)

Cadets in first-year instructor LT Samantha Reuss' English III classes conducted a mock trial of Hester Prynne from The Scarlet Letter on October 24 and 25.

During second, fourth and fifth periods, court was "in session" in the Koster Global Media Center. Faculty and staff members served as the "judge" while cadets acted as members of the "jury." Prior to the day of the trial, students prepared to play the part of prosecutors, defense attorneys, witnesses and defendants.

"They will be researching their roles in the trial, preparing questions for their witnesses and defendants, creating scripts and preparing," Reuss said.

"It should be a good experience and the students are putting in a great deal of work for this project."

During fourth period on October 24, “judge” CPT John Noel called the courtroom to order.

Noel swore in witnesses, asking each to “tell the truth, the whole truth

and nothing but the truth so help you God or whatever higher power you believe in.”

Head prosecuting attorney Mason Kussman ’15 began the trial, calling LT Samantha Reuss (AKA townswoman) to the stand.

“How do people treat Pearl?” Kussman asked.

Reuss responded by saying that she frowns upon the child and feels that Hester Prynne’s infidelity reflects poorly on her daughter. The witness testified that only having one parent in the house probably led to a lack of discipline, displayed in acts of bullying such as throwing rocks at other townspeople.

“I tell my children not to play with Pearl,” Reuss concluded.

Other prosecution witnesses included Prynne and her father (played by cadet Jonathan Richardson ’15.) Prosecution strategists included Dustin McGuire ’15 and Alex Pratt ’15.

After the prosecution rested, the defense took the floor. Benjamin Swiger ’14 and Alex Wilson ’15 served as defense attorneys while Nolan Borgsmiller ’15 and Donald Canard ’15 assisted as defense team members and strategists. Canard acted as Chillingsworth and was called to the stand.

“If Hester were to walk up to you and ask who did this to her, what would you say?” Wilson asked.

Defense members attempted to make Canard divulge the identity of Prynne’s lover, but they were unsuccessful. Canard refused to comment on the matter and was allowed to step down. The defense next called Prynne, who was played by Borgsmiller. The defense argued that it would be in Pearl’s best interest to remain in her mother’s custody.

“Pearl is my life,” Borgsmiller said.

The defense rested, at which point the prosecution made their closing argument. Cadets reminded the jury that adultery is illegal and argued that

the government would be committing child neglect if the jury voted to leave Pearl in her mother’s custody.

Defense attorneys turned the prosecution’s words against them, asserting that Prynne loves and cares for her child — this is the opposite of neglect.

Were Pearl to be removed from her mother’s custody, students said, the state would be essentially sanctioning child negligence.

Jury members deliberated on whether to declare Prynne “guilty” or “not guilty.” Jury members included: Edmond Biruta ’15; Jose Garcia ’15; Roger Gonzalez ’15; Victor Marroquin ’15; Gabriel Rodriguez ’14; Roel Rodriguez ’14; and Rodrigo Vilches ’15.

The jury returned a verdict of not guilty and ordered that Pearl remain with her mother. During an After Action Review, Reuss said the jury was correct in finding Prynne innocent — the prosecution never demonstrated that neglect occurred as a result of Hester’s “A” brand.

“The goal of the mock trial was to give students an opportunity to show their understanding of the novel The Scarlet Letter. The trial was a way to differentiate the class, diverging from the typical test or essay assessments and asking for students to show their understanding through explanation, interpretation, application, perspective, empathy and self-knowledge. ... In my classes, I push my students to take the lead in their learning, and this is something the mock trial required them to do.” ENGLISH INSTRUCTOR LT SAMANTHA REUSS

Academic Dean LTC Frank Giuseffi encouraged the increased use of Socratic Seminars this semester. The Socratic Method promotes dialogue between professor and pupil as opposed to the standard lecture followed by note-taking technique.

Giuseffi praised two instructors for holding successful Socratic Seminars during the week of November 22.

“Dr. Gregory McDonald facilitated a Socratic Seminar by staying out of the ‘Socratic Circle’ composed of his students, but still being a guide by writing ‘prompts’ and concepts on the whiteboard; this helped direct the conversation,” Giuseffi said. “CPT Eric Reynolds used a Socratic questioning template that assisted in the kinds of questions that should be asked during a Socratic Seminar.”

Business Department Head MAJ Peggy Reynard hosted an informal Socratic Seminar in geometry class November 3.

“We were discussing slopes and Y-intercepts in class. I ask the cadets if the X-value on the Y-intercept is always zero. There was an answer from nearly every cadet, either yes or no,” Reynard said. “I went around the class and asked each student to take a stand on their answer. Then I had all the cadets stand that answered yes and told them they were correct.

They were clearly pleased and happy to stand. I then told them they had to answer the next question, ‘Why?’ Much discussion ensued.”

Reynard also utilized the technique in her international business course instruction.

“We watched a video showing the events leading to Malala Yousafzai’s encounter with Taliban in Pakistan … then her speech at the United Nations after her recovery,” she said. “The class then discussed the two videos using the Socratic Seminar method. We had read and discussed a chapter in our textbook about cultures. The class is preparing a short paper … relating the main ideas of the chapter to the videos.”

November 4 saw a Socratic Seminar in CPT Greg Maximovitch’s firsthour business law class. Maximovitch began a discussion of the concept “duty.” What is the duty of a person driving over the speed limit? Why? Cadets then discussed their “duty” to achieve academically.

“I find the use of the Socratic Method very helpful in ascertaining the knowledge level that the cadet has with regard to the material that we are studying,” Maximovitch said. “It helps me to understand if they have internalized the material.”

Maximovitch said his classes discussed ethics through a Socratic Seminar about white collar crime.

Cadets were asked to discuss whether a person who had accepted a bribe then had an ethical obligation to commit an illegal act. Is a corrupt man obligated to commit a crime after being paid to do so?

The following period, cadets in Publications Coordinator Erin Chambers’ journalism class discussed gun control. Would you feel comfortable having armed guards at school? Cadets discussed recent violent shooting sprees including the Aurora, Colorado, movie theater shooting in July 2012 and the LAX airport shooting in late November 2013. How might events change if a frustrated or angry person was carrying a gun?

Other communication-related Socratic Seminar topics included the “selfies at funerals” social media trend, the “fat letters” child obesity issue and the recent fast food worker strikes.

Cadets inducted into NHS, NJHS and Delta Phi Two students from Missouri Military Academy were inducted into membership of the National Honor Society during lunch mess October 17.

New members Jose Carrillo ’14 and Roel Rodriguez ’14 were selected by the Faculty Council for meeting high standards of scholarship, service, leadership and character. Middle school cadets Luis Karam ’18 and Jean-Luc Shyaka ’18 were inducted into the National Junior

Honor Society at noon mess October 30.

“National Honor Society members are chosen and then expected to continue their exemplary contributions to the school and community,” said Chapter Adviser MAJ Michael Pemberton.

The Missouri Military Academy Chapter of NHS has been active since 2005. The NHS ranks as one of the oldest and most prestigious national organizations for high school students.

Chapters exist in more than 60 percent of the nation’s high schools and, since 1921, millions of students have been

Shane Finney ’14, Charlie Norman ’18 and Guanging Wei ’15 for their participation in the 2013 Youth in Government Convention in Jefferson City, Missouri. The cadet trio is the first group of students MMA has ever sent to the event.

Students conducted a mock government using the facilities of the state capitol building such as the Senate chambers and meeting rooms. Finney and Wei were members of the House of Representatives and co-sponsored a bill that they introduced and debated in committee. Finney introduced a bill in the House of Representatives — his motion was unanimously approved by the House.

selected for membership. Millions of dollars in scholarships have been awarded since 1945.

DELTA PHI HONOR SOCIETY Delta Phi Honor Society members include: Kane Anderson ’15; Parker Bridge ’14; Jose Carrillo ’14; Sandir De Silva ’16; Fernando Estrada ’14; Sean Fitzgerald ’17; Jose Garcia ’15; Jesus Herrera ’14; Yunil Jeon ’16; Maverick Jones ’16; Nishan Khanal ’16; Dallas Lopez ’14; Kyle Mertens ’16; Antonio Montes ’17; Julien Mugabo ’17; Joshua Pearson ’14; Jacob Priester ’14; Adam Schmitz ’15; Khas-Ochir Sod-Erdene ’15; Austin Teague ’14; and Guangning Wei ’15. Delta Phi officers are: President Jack Solls ’14; Vice President Roel Rodriguez ’14; and Secretary Jon Johnston ’14.

Norman was a member of the Civic Leadership Institute, which prepares middle schoolers to participate as high school students in the Youth in Government program.

Norman was awarded the Character Award for his efforts assisting other students as they wrote bills.

McClarey said he hopes to see Norman run for convention governor in the future.

“I look forward to doing it again next year with Norman and Wei,” McClarey said. “Hopefully we will have an even larger group of cadets attend next year’s convention.”

(Photo by Charles Norman '18.)

MENTOR OF THE MONTH SEPTEMBER LT Jesse McKee OCTOBER CPT Joseph Head NOVEMBER CPT Thomas Roberts

STUDENT OF THE MONTH BAND: Members of the Missouri Military Academy Fighting Colonels Marching Band performed at Tuba Christmas on December 9 in Kansas City’s Kauffman Center for Fine Arts alongside more than 300 fellow musicians. Bandmaster CPT Joshua Yancey said the event was a “great educational experience” for the MMA baritone and tuba players involved.

BUSINESS: CPT Keith Morgan’s second hour Office Suites class spent September 23 determining the pros and cons of different teaching methods. Boys met in the Koster Global Media Center to study how much each method costs. Cadets also considered the impact of each option on the students involved.

ENGLISH: Cadets in LT Robert Olive’s British literature classes tossed “koobnogins” at “koobs” on the lawn August 29.

Olive’s lesson plans include a friendly “koob” contest every year when cadets are preparing to read the novel Beowulf and studying the Anglo-Saxon period and the Viking invasion of England.

“Koob” is similar to horseshoes. The object of the ancient game is to topple the opposing team’s wooden blocks by throwing sticks across the field. According to Olive, the 1,000-year-old Viking game is still played competitively in leagues across Scandinavia and parts of the northern United States.

FINE ART: LT Chris Bain’s second hour fundamental art students practiced painting like the pros in room 211 on September 24. Cadets used famous images as inspiration for look-alike drawings.

Gavin Martin ’16 mimicked Vincent Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” while

Nishan Khanal ’16 spread shades of orange, blue and black in a silhouetted city skyline scene. Battalion Commander Roel Rodriguez Valdez ’14 was just beginning to sketch the pencil outline of a watch on a blank white canvas as Colton Helvie ’16 painted a tractor scene.

Gerardo Guerrero ’14 said his last project was a painting inspired by the Courbet color palates. He loves to draw landscapes because it’s an opportunity to relax.

MIDDLE SCHOOL: Director of the Middle School MAJ Edsel Baker and CPT John Noel accompanied cadets to a showing of Catching Fire on December 3 at Mexico Cinema III, courtesy of Richard White ’47. Cadets read Catching Fire as part of the “MMAReads!” program.

Middle school students pack food for more than 500 local school-aged children

each week through the Buddy Pack program. The Central Missouri Food Bank provides bulk food each month; cadets package items each week; and schools pick up and distribute food to needy students.

“Most of the kids are in the Mexico Public School system so it is close to home,” Baker said.

SCIENCE: Cadets in LT Marcos Benavides’ Chemistry classes made salt crystal Christmas trees in class December 18.

Materials included ammonia, water, salt, blue dye and paper.

[LEFT] Gavin Martin '16 paints September 24. [MIDDLE] Sophomores Nishan Khanal, Yunil Jeon, Maverick Jones and Robert Moore celebrate after winning a "koob" match August 29.

(Photos by Nolan Borgsmiller '15, Cheryl Morris and Erin Chambers.)

SEPTEMBER Ariyandev Sandui ’15 OCTOBER Shane Finney ’14 NOVEMBER Roger Gonzalez ’15

TEACHER OF THE MONTH SEPTEMBER LTC Willis Kleinsorge OCTOBER LT Samantha Reuss NOVEMBER LT Jack Hill

Re-enrollment reaches highest rate in 10 years

One cadet from each math course received the Math Bar at noon mess December 5. Math Bar recipients were: Zaide Johnson (7th Grade); Vidal Gonzalez (8th Grade); Antonio Montes ’17 (Algebra I); Sandir de Silva ’16 (geometry); Guangning Wei ’15 (Algebra II); Roel Rodriguez ’14 (statistics); Dallas Lopez ’14 (pre-calculus); Weiding Ma ’14 (college algebra); Nishan Khanal ’16 (AP calculus AB); Simon Barrera ’15 (AP statistics).

On September 3, Missouri Military Academy President Charles A. McGeorge announced news of the highest re-enrollment rate at MMA in more than a decade. Re-enrollment jumped to 70 percent, up from 63 percent the previous year and higher than the average for schools similar to MMA. “This news is especially encouraging because it comes on the heels of an 8 percent improvement in attrition,” McGeorge said. “These metrics clearly reveal that we have made, and are making, a significant difference through the various refinements we have made this past year.”

“Improvements in attrition and re-enrollment do not just happen on their own,” Commandant of Cadets LTC Gregory Seibert said. “The hard work and efforts of both the academic and residential staff have been instrumental

in the overall improvement and successes this past year.”

Seibert credited the re-enrollment boost to the residential life staff’s regular communication with parents throughout the 2012-13 school year including face-to-face meetings, phone calls and e-mails. He believes the new comprehensive cadet counseling program also played a major role in lowering attrition levels.

Director of Enrollment Management David Adams pointed to improved communication with cadet families and student support throughout the school day as factors in the re-enrollment rate increase.

“Our retention momentum involves our entire Missouri Military Academy team, faculty, staff, support services, our students, parents and alums,” he said.

Honor Roll of Donors

General’s Circle $10,000 - 24,999 The Richard Ayers Trust Allen P. and Josephine B. Green Foundation Richard A. White ’47 President’s Club $5,000-9,999 Charles W. Schmidt ’65 Honor Company $2,500 -4,999 Thomas and Susan Bisanz Dana ’69 and Nancy Dabney James and Diane Field 1SG Alan Hakes Leach Charitable Foundation Craig Schmidt ’63

Colonel’s Club $1,200-2499 Fred and Tracy Belton Dr. and Mrs. Randel Cardott Jim ’72 and Kristen Edmonston Chuck ’53 and Marilane Foley Rick Frahm ’71 Mr. and Mrs. Bruce R. Geernaert Bill ’72 and Jan Hedger Ron and Susan Kelly Kenneth K. Kinsey ’59 Curt Kirtley ’74 President and Mrs. Tony McGeorge Paul ’85 and Veronica Petit Raymond ’71 and Deborah Stotlar Saber Club $500-1,199 Robert L. Andrews Linda Carlson Dan Davis ’71 Dean ’78 and Patricia Davison George ’68 and Patricia Davison Clay “Tex” Dodson Jr. ’56** Dr. and Mrs. Michael K. Gorman Mr. and Mrs. Gregory L. Hendrix Tarleton and Diane Hocker ’61 Mr. and Mrs. Felix Lazcano Rene ’50 and Barbara Males Bob Manche ’63 Kim ’68 and Susan Pleggenkuhle Col. and Mrs. Charles R. Stribling III ’44 Ben ’75 and Martha Veldkamp Jerry L. Witts ’63

Eagle Club $150-499 Mr. Gerald Allen Mr. Alan O. Arbogast ’48 Mr. and Mrs. Edsel Baker Mr. and Mrs. John D. Balser Lois Barawski Phillip ’63 and Judy Baum Mr. Jose F. Bours Jr. ’94 Mr. and Mrs. James F. Buchanan The Honorable Robert E. Burch ’65 Sheila M. Carley-Harris Stuart and Julie Clubb Richard J. Cooper ’82 Mr. James A. Daar II ’63 Mr. and Mrs. Jason A. Falbo-Gwinn ’88 Sheryl Feutz-Harter Michael Foster ’70 Trent W. Frohock ’82 Mr. Gerald A. Gamble ’48 Mr. Lawrence X. Garrett Lt. Col. Paul ’70 and Mrs. LaWanah Gillette Jerome and Gabriella Giuseffi Vidal Gonzalez Vazquez Morris Grabau ’53 Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Grimes Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Guterman Sharon Guterman Dr. and Dr. James W. Harris Mr. John G. Heimos ’81 Richard E. Hindes ’63 Mr. John C. Hummel ’64 Mr. N. T. Isaacs ’42 Mr. and Mrs. Lynn P. Jenkins ’57 William Keish KMS ’59 Randall Kelly ’89 Paul W. Kerr Jr. ’48 James ’58 and Nancy Knigge Ms. Carol Lopez Randy and Kelly Lueckenotte Mr. Chad S. Marotti ’02 Jeff and Sherry Mattingly ’78 Lt Col Jim and Sherry Medley Mrs. Renee J. Miller Gorman Mrs. Barbara Moe Jeff Moe ’92 Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Moore Cpt. Keith Morgan Bruce and Nancy Oliver

Mr. Gregory S. Paley Robert and Donna Peak Ralph ’52 and Mary Peck Mr. Chris A. Petersen ’92 Lloyd ’50 and Marilyn Peterson Pfizer Foundation Larry ’63 and Sue Pifer Julia Rachler Memorial Fund/ Comm. Foundation of Tampa Bay Mr. Sergio Ramirez Miguel Regalado ’82 Mr. Ned Ribback ’55 Stephen and Maryann Rober Mr. and Mrs. Ramon ’86 E. R. Rodriguez Kamala Rose Ms. Michele Ryan Woody Schisler Dr. Donald W. Scott ’79 Mr. Milford B. Seabaugh Jr. ’63 Christine and Greg Smith Gary ’72 and Dee Stewart Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Stewart Edward and Kathy Sunder Greg A. and Stephanie Warren Mr. and Mrs. Weber John and Mary Wiegand Mr. Lawrence E. Wylie ’88

Maroon and Gold Club Gifts up to $149 Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Allmeroth Mr. and Mrs. Larry Anthony Mr. William N. Baker Jr. ’62 Ron Baran ’60 Mr. and Mrs. Richard Baranski The Honorable and Mrs. Robert Barney Mrs. Marilyn Bassett Mr. Dennis L. Bell ’63 Jennifer Bioche Mr. George R. Bird ’60 Mr. James M. Bowersox ’90 Cassandra Brooks Mr. William B. Bruton ’79 Mr. Dan Burton Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Canard Major Bill Chrismer Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Clark Mr. and Mrs. Mark Clark

Thanking donors who have generously supported MMA in the current fiscal year. The list reflects gifts received between June 1, 2013 through press time on Dec. 19, 2013. The fiscal year ends June 30, 2014.

Sebastian Corona Mrs. Bonnie Cotton Dr. Norman and Mrs. Carolyn Crecelius Mr. and Mrs. Harold Crider Mr. John Davis ’71 Mr. Carlos Degollado and Mrs. Zamora Aurora Mr. and Mrs. Douglas DeYoung Major and Mrs. Dennis Diederich Mr. John W. Dillon ’13 William and Margaret Ehler Tony Ehler ’98 Dan and Cheri Erdel Mr. Alfonso E. Estrada Almanza Valynda Ewton Tracy E. Feldkamp Dorothy Feutz Mark B. Fine and Louesa Runge Fine Col. Kathleen Fitzgerald Dr. and Mrs. Jack Fuller Mary Gaines John and Carol Gallaher Hal Gant ’69 Mr. Jesus Garcia Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Garcia Bret Geernaert Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. Gentry ’88 Mr. Christopher M. George ’02 Andrew Gress Mr. and Mrs. Willliam H. Griffith Amy Groves Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Gundy Mr. and Mrs. Joseph K. Hackett Steve Hagan Beau and Susan Hand Mr. Hans D. Hansen ’90 Mr. Michael W. Harbor ’76 David and Virginia Harmon ’60 Todd Helm ‘80 Ralph Herzmark Mr. and Mrs. James Hilderman James and Shirley Holten Mr. Gregory J. Holten ’89 Mrs. Phyllis Hornbeck Mr. and Ms. Charles R. Hubb ’60 Dr. and Mrs. Robert E. Hurley ’83 Jorge X. Infante ’87 1SG and Mrs. Randy Jacobson Ms. Fiona Jennison

Edwin and Holly Johnson William Savitt ’46 Mr. Nelson H. Johnson ’69 LTC Tim Scherrer Mr. Thomas R. Keho ’53 Fred and Sheila Schulman ’57 Dr. and Mrs. Huston G. Kellogg MD ’37 Bryan Scott Robert and Mary Kerr Dr. Mary Seay Robert Kirk ’63 LTC Greg and Mrs. Mary Seibert LTC Willis and Mrs. Susan Kleinsorge Lynn and Jackie Shaw ’58 Reginald W. LaFaye ’67 MAJ and Mrs. Mike Shoemaker Mr. Jimmy D. Lasley ’69 Mr. and Mrs. John C. Shoeman ’48 Joseph Latas Frank A. Sierra ’58 Mr. Peter W. Lewis ’89 Mrs. Mary Smith Mr. Melton Lister Mr. Leo D. Smith ’48 Mr. Michael A. Lombardo ’44 Mr. Warren B. Smith ’51 Ms. Angel Luby Mr. Robert C. Snyder Mr. Paul Lunsford Ms. Cynthia Solls Mr. and Mrs. Judd H. Lyons ’80 Jesus Soriano ’82 Mrs. Margaret Maple Mr. Peter W. Stiles ’48 Mr. and Mrs. Victor Marroquin Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stockdall Mrs. Helen Maupin Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Stoddard Jr. ’72 MAJ and Mrs. Lawrence McClarey Jeff Stone Judy McConnell Mr. and Mrs. Keith Stumpe Richard McCullough ’47 SGM Henry Suddarth Mr. Dennis L. McNamara ’53 Dean and Judy Sweet Mr. and Mrs. Donald Mieger Sr. Steven and Linda Taylor Mr. and Mrs. John D. Miller David Telford ‘65 Mr. and Mrs. Jake L. Miller Edwin Thanhouser ‘68 Mitch Moffitt ’82 Tod Thompson ‘88 Mr. and Mrs. Greg Morton WO2 and Mrs. Richard Thornton Mr. Lorie F. Nigro ’67 Martin S. Tidwell ‘31 Capt. and Mrs. John Noel Mr. Frank D. Timmons Jr. ’88 Ms. Sallie Nyhan Larry and Lily Ting Jesse O’Neal Gunnery Sgt. and Mrs. Mark Mr. Nicholas O’Neil Tompkins Mrs. Donna Orten Col. Guy Troy ’40 Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Owen Altantulga Tsogtsaikhan Mr. James Owens Steve Turner ’64 Dr. Tom Quirk and Dr. Catherine Parke Capt. and Mrs. James Ward Mr. and Mrs. Timothy H. Parshall Ms. Dorothy J. Watson Ross Patterson ’94 Mr. Jack Webber Mr. Manuel V. Pellicer ’67 Mrs. Jane Williams Mr. and Mrs. Graham A. Penniman III Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence B. Woltzen ’67 Col. and Mrs. Robert O. Piper ’48 Mr. Kyounghi Yi Mr. and Mrs. James Poor Mr. Forest A. Yule ‘94 Mr. Hallock W. Reisel ’60 PepsiCo Foundation Ms. Sandra K. Riutcel Cline Wood Agency, Inc. Dorothy Rodes Errors? Please contact: Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Rodriguez Advancement@ Kevin Roth missourimilitaryacademy.org LTC Ralph ’71 and Mrs. Erline Saner