The MMA Eagle: Spring 2014 Edition

news.missourimilitaryacademy.org | July 2014

CLASS OF 2014 BREAKS SCHOLARSHIP RECORD

The 47 seniors of the Class of 2014 have far surpassed the MMA scholarship record, boasting 100 percent college acceptance and totaling over $5 million in scholarships. Sixty percent of the class was accepted to highly selective colleges.

Cadets leading the way include Jack Solls with 16 acceptances; Jacob Priester with nine; Austin Teague with six; and Parker Bridge with five.

The senior class also boasted a total of 63 academic scholarships and four military scholarships — this is a fivetime increase from the 2007 total.

“The Class of 2014 has been a joy to work with this school year,” Director of College Placement LTC Tim Scherrer said. “They have been very proactive and we have had a number of high performers who have pushed the scholarship totals to the highest levels in MMA history.”

Early in the spring semester, senior Jacob Priester of Little Rock, Arkansas, learned that he earned appointments to four of the U.S. service academies.

Priester has his choice of four excellent

universities — the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy — with a total college scholarship value of nearly $1.8 million.

“My appointments are a direct result of all of the help and support of my family, friends, teachers and coaches. Although I have always wanted to attend a service academy, I did not fully understand a military school environment until attending MMA,” Priester said. “The most important things are to be involved in as [many] activities as possible.

Without all of the extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities provided by MMA, I don’t think I would have seemed to be quite as good a candidate.”

CLASS OF 2014 ACCEPTANCES Saif Fahd Al Shaibani, Univ. of Missouri; José Bours Murrieta, Universidad de Anahuac; Parker Harrison Bridge, Univ. of Tampa; Dillion Brown-Dawson, Daytona State Univ.; Jordan Butz, Texas Tech Univ.;

The following honors were awarded to graduating seniors during Commencement Weekend to honor outstanding achievement throughout the year.

Special Forces Association Award, Outstanding Performance by a Company Commander: José Francisco Bours Murrieta Richard Cooper Plaque (Longest Tenure as a Cadet): Parker Harrison Bridge, Brennan Marshall Charles I. Wall Cup, LTC E. R. Jackson Music Award, COL Paul F. Cherches Memorial Award: Chadwick Austin Cardott

TOP: Seniors exit the Centennial Gymtorium following Commencement on May 24.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Jacob and Doug Priester attend Maroon & Gold on March 8.

BOTTOM MIDDLE: Joshua Pearson receives a check for a $65,680 scholarship from the Army ROTC on May 21.

BOTTOM LEFT: Valedictorian Jack Solls ’14 addresses the crowd at Commencement on May 24.

PHOTOS BY CHERYL MORRIS AND ERIN CHAMBERS

Chadwick Cardott, Univ. of Illinois; José Carrillo Noriega, Univ. of Arizona; Emilio Cueto Mendez, Universidad de las Americas-Puebla; Timothy “TJ” Daniels, Ripon College; Aubrey Davidson, Tulsa Community College;

ROTC Distinguished Service Award: José Carrillo COL Veon McConnell Korean Trophy, Scottish Rites Free Mason Leadership Award: Emilio Cueto Mendez Daedalian JROTC Medal: Aubrey Davidson U.S. Daughters of 1812 Award: Sebastian Diaz American Legion Award, William F. Enright, Jr. ’37 Memorial Award: Fernando Estrada Pinon Babe Ruth Sportsmanship Award: Marcelo Gómez Voted Most Likely to Succeed: Oscar Gonzalez

Dallas Lane Delmer-Lopez, Texas A&M Univ.; Sebastian Alejandro Diaz, Univ. of Texas El-Paso; Fernando Alfonso Estrada Pinon, Univ. of Colorado; Shane Michael Finney, Florida Atlantic Univ.; WeiHang “Jack” Gao, St. John’s Univ.; Edward McKinley Geernaert, New Mexico Military Institute; Marcelo Gómez Flores, Universidad de Monterrey; Ricardo Gonzalez Olivares, Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey; Oscar Emilio Gonzalez Schiefenbusch, Universidad de las AmericasPuebla; Roy Alan Grabowski, Lakeland Community College; Gerardo Guerrero Flores, Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey; JiaLun He, Univ. of Houston; Jesus Herrera, Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey-Santa Fe; Xinshuai Hu, Santa Monica College; Javier Ibanez Posada, Universidad Iberoamericana Pueblo; Benjamin Henry Jennison, Univ. of Dubuque; Jon Carlo Johnston, McDaniel College;

Jack Meyers ’39 Memorial Cup: Gerardo Guerrero Dorsey Anderson Class of 1895 Cup: Jesus Herrera COL Jerome G. Harris Cup: Javier Ibanez Sen. Thomas F. Eagleton Plaque, Red Ireland ’41 Trophy for a Fighting Heart, William S. Lowe Trophy: Dallas Delmer-Lopez Celebrate Freedom Foundation JROTC Award: Fernando Emiliano López Chumacero Meritas Plaque for Discipline: Weiding Ma Aztec Warrior Chieftain Award: Brennan Marshall Don Hooten Class of 1919 Cup: Dylan Orten

Fernando Emiliano López Chumacero, Universidad Iberoamericana; Weiding Ma, Southern Illinois Univ. at Edwardsville; Brennan Lenzie Marshall, Florida A&M; Carlos Nieves Pérez, Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey; Pedro Onieva López-Izquierdo, Les Roches International School of Hotel Mgmt.; Dylan Orten, Missouri Western State Univ.; Joshua Lamont Pearson, Truman State Univ.; Jacob Douglas Priester, United States Naval Academy; Ivan Eduardo Quiroz Espino, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey; Gabriel Alejandro Rodríguez Mendoza, Universidad de Monterrey; Roel Eduardo Rodríguez Valdez, Univ. of Texas Pan-American; Sergio Salvador Rodríguez Yzaguirre, Centro Universitario IMEC; KhasOchir Gun Sod-Erdene, Loyola Univ.; Jack Joseph Solls, Northeastern Univ.; Dasheng Sun, Missouri State Univ.; Benjamin Robert Swiger, Lindenwood Univ.; Austin Michael Teague, Baylor Univ.; Tyler Thomas Vaughan, Rock Valley College; Luis Angel Vélez Ayala, Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey; Zhuoteng Ying, Santa Monica College.

Plaque for Outstanding Athlete, Meritas Plaque for Excellence in Discipline, Joe D. Bailey Award for Most Dedicated MMA Varsity Athlete: Jacob Douglas Priester Legion of Honor, Sen. John C. Danforth Plaque: Roel Eduardo Rodríguez Valdez Dr. James C. Olson Award, MAJ William Bryan Essay Medal: Jack Solls Unheralded Leader Plaque: Khas-Ochir Sod-Erdene Streep Brothers Band Award: Austin Teague Raider of the Year: Luis Angel Vélez Ayala

WALLACE FRY SPEECH CONTEST Commencement Weekend kicked off with the 82nd annual Wallace Fry Speech Competition on May 22. Two middle schoolers spoke first, followed by five high school orators.

The first competitor was seventh grader Chandler Bolinger, who delivered a speech entitled “Should the State Execute Dangerous Dogs?” Bolinger spoke of the many reasons why an animal might harm a stranger and expressed his wish to see an end to the hasty euthanasia of otherwise docile pets.

Next up was a speech entitled, “Should Students be Paid for Having Good Grades?”

by Francisco Fletes ’18. He concluded that, while monetary compensation in moderation may prove a useful motivation tool for some, it should not be relied upon indefinitely.

The first high school competitor was sophomore Mohammad “Emran” Babak, whose speech was called “Education: The Mightiest Weapon?” Babak, an Afghanistan native, spoke about the lack of education for women in his home country. He spoke of his dream to return home and improve his nation’s future. He concluded by holding up a pencil and declaring that a lack of education is the most effective method of stalling a country’s progress.

Sean Fitzgerald ’17 discussed the controversial topic of reproductive rights in his speech, “Abortion: Legal Option or Moral Dilemma?” while Octavio Gomez ’15 urged the audience to be responsible consumers in his speech, “Blood Diamonds: The Blood on Our Hands.”

“When people think of diamonds, they tend to think about wealth, luxury and everlasting love,” he said. “But, sadly, there are people to whom diamonds signify pain and suffering. Over three million lives have been lost to the illicit diamond trade in Africa.”

Next up was Patricio Guiot ’15 who addressed the shifting norms in the nuclear family in his speech, “Adoption and the Modern Family.” He argued that kids worldwide are being denied loving families due to the limitations placed on homosexual couples.

“Chile, Italy, Ecuador — to you they sound like very beautiful locations to go on vacation,” he said. “There is one thing that connects them all together. All of these places openly ban lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adoptions.”

The last speaker was sophomore Nishan Khanal, who addressed the topic of “The American Education System: Why is it Falling Behind?” He pointed to programs like No Child Left Behind and nationwide budget cuts which are crippling the American education system.

“These cuts result in the elimination of school programs, a lack of resources, increased class size and underpaid teachers,” Khanal said. “More than half of our nation’s students have not reached [the level of] proficiency in reading, math and science required by their current grade level.”

Following Khanal’s speech, the judges deliberated. Judges were: Lou Leonatti, JD; Dr. Zachary Templeton, Assistant Superintendent of Mexico Public Schools; and Dr. Gregory Smith, Associate Professor of English and Film Studies at William Woods University.

The Winston Churchill Memorial Award was presented to Babak, whose speech was judged to be the most persuasive on behalf of a just cause. Khanal received the Cup for Excellence in Speaking, which is given to the cadet whose speech is judged to be the best on the basis of delivery, content and depth of thought. The annual public speaking award is presented in memory of W. Wallace Fry, Jr. of the class of 1903.

SENIOR BANQUET Cadets and their families gathered for the 31st annual Senior Banquet on May 23, locating their assigned tables via the seating chart. The ceremony began with one-by-one recognition of every graduating senior, whose school photograph was projected onto a screen behind him. As each cadet ceremonially passed under an arch of sabers held by BC Roel Rodriguez and SGM Jacob Priester for the final time, Alumni Association President MAJ Paul Petit ’85 inducted him into the alumni association. Each cadet officer also received his commission from LTC Gregory Seibert, Commandant of Cadets.

After an invocation by Senior Class Treasurer Jon Johnston and toasts led by Senior Class President Jack Solls, attendees enjoyed a buffet dinner. Once the plates were cleared by the junior students serving as waiters, the lights dimmed and cadets watched the class video — images of graduating seniors arranged to the beat of the upbeat, popular song “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.

Parker Bridge then took the podium to deliver the Class Chronicle, a discussion of the history of the Class of 2014, and then introduced guest speaker Petit.

Petit promised a short and meaningful speech, joking that he had sat through too many boring speeches in his lifetime. He spoke of regret, and how he often wishes for an opportunity to savor moments in the past. He encouraged cadets to embrace their parents and loved ones, to thank them for the sacrifice that led to their son’s success — the audience responded with heartfelt embraces.

Petit’s speech was followed by the presentation of several awards, a final singing of Old MMA led by Dallas Lopez and a benediction led by Gerardo Guerrero.

125th Corps of Cadets bids an emotional adieu to graduating seniors at Final Formation

TOP: Jose Carrillo Noriega ’14 receives a hug May 24 during Final Formation.

MIDDLE LEFT: Brennan Lenzie Marshall ’14 and his proud mother Pamela pose for photographs May 23 outside the Centennial Gymtorium. MIDDLE RIGHT: Eighth graders Francisco Fletes and Rodrigo Blanco pose for photos following their promotion to the ninth grade at the Middle School Final Assembly on May 23. BOTTOM: Color Guard members unveil the 125th Anniversary Flag at Senior Review on May 24.

PHOTOS BY ERIN CHAMBERS AND CHERYL MORRIS

COMMENCEMENT The 2014 Commencement Ceremony began May 24 with a processional march of staff members, senior students and the 125th Corps of Cadets to the tune of “Marche Militaire” performed by the Concert Band. Faculty members took their place onstage while graduating seniors sat directly in front of the stage.

The audience stood for the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by opening remarks from President Charles McGeorge. Middle school honors were then presented by MAJ Edsel Baker, followed by high school awards by Dr. Frank Giuseffi. After an intermission in which the Chorus performed “God Bless the USA,” award presentations continued.

Senior Class President Jack Solls then addressed the audience, presenting McGeorge with a check.

“The gift of $2,500 earned through service projects and gifts is given by the Class of 2014 to purchase benches and decorative trash containers for several areas of the front campus,” Solls said.

Chadwick Cardott next received the Charles I. Wall Cup, the second-highest leadership award given to an MMA cadet. Battalion Commander Roel Rodriguez and his parents then took the stage as Roel was awarded the Legion of Honor, the highest award which can be given to a cadet at MMA. Solls took the microphone again to present his remarks. He referred to his brothers as “chameleons” who are prepared through their MMA education to succeed in a variety of settings.

“I want to focus on brotherhood and adaptability, which I believe to be the two most viable components of being a senior at MMA,” Solls said.

“We do everything together. The MMA brotherhood is an unparalleled support system.”

After an introduction by McGeorge, commencement speaker COL Gerard Tertychny, U.S. Army (Ret.) delivered his address. He began by speaking of Memorial Day, reminding cadets that it is not just a time for swimming, hot dogs and “low low prices” on furniture and cars. He urged students to read their constitution and know their rights as Americans, doing their part to ensure their nation’s success in spite of budget issues, war and government incompetence.

“Your votes will give you new mayors and sheriffs, new local and state representatives, new senatorial and House representatives, and new presidents,” he said. “What makes this process so remarkable is that it occurs regularly and peacefully, without tanks in the streets, brutal reprisals, rioting, or the imprisonment of those with contrary opinions. All in all, it’s a pretty cool place to live.”

Following a performance of “Shenandoah” by the Concert Band, Giuseffi took the stage to begin the distribution of diplomas. The members of the Class of 2014 rose.

“Mr. McGeorge, I have the honor to present the graduating class of 2014,” he said. “Since they have completed satisfactorily the course of studies as prescribed by Missouri Military Academy, accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, I recommend that they be awarded their diplomas.”

Cadets cheered and embraced one another briefly before taking their seats.

As each senior student’s name was read one-by-one, they crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, shake hands with administrators and pose for portraits.

When the last student received his diploma, McGeorge stood behind the podium once more.

“By the authority vested in me by the Board of Trustees, I hereby declare you to be graduates of MMA.” The crowd cheered and students again celebrated for a few moments.

Following a final singing of “Old MMA,” those seated onstage and the Class of 2014 left the auditorium.

FINAL FORMATION The 125th Corps of Cadets marched from the Gymtorium to the front lawn, forming up for the final moments of the school year. Family members and friends crowded the roped-off grass, snapping photos as seniors marched to the edge of Teardrop Lake. Upon command by Battalion Commander Roel Rodriguez, graduating seniors plunged their sabers into the grass, placed their hats upon their hilts, and saluted as the sound of “Taps” echoed in a round across the silent grounds.

As the final note faded away, emotional seniors embraced one another for several silent minutes, tearfully hugging their brothers. After a call of “dismissed” by Rodriguez, the audience flooded the grounds. An hour of tearful goodbyes and hugs followed, as those with early flights broke off and departed campus.

MISSOURI MILITARY ACADEMY STUDENTS PRAISED FOR PERFORMANCE AT FORMAL INSPECTION The MMA JROTC Department Upon the arrival of Dr. Frank hosted an inspection team from the Giuseffi and Executive Officer LTC University of Missouri during the Jim Medley, Battalion Commander 2014 Formal Inspection on May 2.

Roel Rodriguez presented a short history of MMA. Executive Officer INSPECTORS ARRIVE Parker Bridge, S-1 Jose Carrillo, The day began at 0745 as a few S-2 Jesus Herrera, S-3 Fernando dozen cadets stood before Stribling Estrada, S-4 Luis Velez, S-5 Dallas Hall. Members of the Lopez and Priester Honor Platoon, Military then each presented Police and Color Guard a summary of their awaited the arrival of “This is my MMA experience the inspection team. leadership third year and Senior Army Instructor duties. Cadets were SGM Henry Suddarth coming out. then subject to helped calm anxious questioning by the You brief students. inspectors. better and “Don’t be nervous, “This is my third guys,” Suddarth advised. year coming out,” march “You’ll get this done.” said. He better than Rogers praised cadets on Suddarth explained their professionalcollege that cadets must go to ism. “You brief betinspection arms only ROTC ter and march better when the inspector than college ROTC cadets.” stops directly to face cadets.” them — otherwise, they are to stand at attention.

MSG “This is my Charlie Company third second year coming STEVEN platoon and Honor Plahere,” Fisher added. toon members practiced “[You] briefed with ROGERS clearing their rifle bolts such confidence. It as cadet leaders senior blew me away.”

Parker Bridge and junior Jose RefuDORM INSPECTION gio Garcia checked the positioning of their uniforms and hat brass.

The briefing was followed by a barracks inspection at 0900. In“When you do inspection arms, spectors paired off with cadet leadyou have to look inside the bolt of ers and toured the first and second your rifle,” Garcia reminded his floors of each dormitory. Cadets peers. “That’s the point!” stood in their spotlessly clean As Bridge and Garcia wove bedrooms, greeting the inspector as throughout the platoon, they he gave each room a once-over. instructed cadets on minor details “The rooms are flawless,” Powell which the inspector would evalusaid. “They did a great job.” ate. Cadets were reminded to place the butts of their rifles against the As cadets were inspected in tips of their right shoes and make their barracks, the members of the sure to line their belts up with the Color Guard and drill team pertop of their jacket pockets. formed in the field house for senior inspector Carcedo.

“You represent MMA today.

You aren’t nervous?” Bridge asked IN-RANKS INSPECTION Garcia.

At 0950, cadets stepped out “A little,” Garcia admitted. for the in-ranks inspection. MMA cadets were joined by Mexico High To pass the time, cadets School JROTC students, who were discussed topics including the also inspected and participated in members of the executive branch the battalion review. and the significance of each uniform bar.

After being issued their weapons, cadets formed up by company The members of the inspection and were scrutinized one-by-one. team (MAJ Edwin Carcedo, SFC Jacob Fisher, CPT Glenn Ashcraft, Both middle and high school MAJ Jared Powell, CPT Tyler students were required to stand at Wamsley and MSG Steven Rogers) attention as the inspecting party arrived on campus at 0800. After wove through their platoon, stopbriefly inspecting the members of ping to quiz each cadet and inspect the Honor Platoon, senior inspecuniforms. Questions included toptor Carcedo proceeded into Stribics like leadership, the American ling Hall to meet with Academy flag and teamwork.

President Charles McGeorge.

“I was very impressed with the STAFF BRIEFING knowledge and maturity of the kids here. I really didn’t see anything At 0830, the inspection team that needs to be addressed,” gathered in the Barnard Hall Carcedo said, referring to cadets as conference room “well-prepared.” for a battalion staff briefing. The briefFollowing the “I was very ing began with an hour-long in-ranks informal get-to-knowinspection, cadets impressed you session. Battalion performed a batwith the SGM Jacob Priester, talion review. who intends to enlist “Everything knowledge after attending the great, really United States Naval and maturity was good for the age Academy, asked to groups you have of the kids hear about the inspechere,” Carcedo said tion team’s experihere. ... in the inspection ences in the service. out-brief which Everything Wamsley spoke immediately folwas great. of his deployment, lowed the battalion while Fisher said review.

Really good he “couldn’t cut the The inspection for the age mustard” as a civilian team was extremeafter graduating high groups you ly complimentary. school in 1992. Fisher have here. ” “The uniforms signed up as Army look great,” infantry in 1994 MAJ EDWIN Powell said, while and has since been Ashcraft said he deployed six times.

CARCEDO “enjoyed being Powell said he here today.” enlisted at 17 years As the inspection team deold and re-entered the service folparted, Medley thanked them for lowing the September 11 terrorist their time and welcomed them to attack. As a member of the MMA return and visit with cadets.

Corps, Powell said Priester surely “will have a leg up on your peers.”

ABOVE: Eighth grade cadet Donald Williams stands at Ashcraft served as a member of attention as his barracks the reserves, the National Guard bedroom is inspected May 2. and the Military Police. He spoke of his experience as an artillery BELOW: Jonathon Grossl ’17 specialist. Rogers said he served as a opens his rifle bolt for inspecmember of the cavalry, fighting in tor SFC Jacob Fisher during the Desert Storm as well as completing in-ranks inspection in the field five deployments with the Army house on May 2.

National Guard.

PHOTOS BY: “Thank you all for your service,” STEVE BIGGERS AND Priester said.

ERIN CHAMBERS

Recruits join 125th Corps in Valentine Weekend Passing Through ceremony Valentine Weekend kicked off February 15 with a pancake breakfast hosted by the senior class. While their families attended parent-teacher conferences and a Parents Committee meeting, cadets browsed the Scholastic Book Fair.

According to librarian CPT Katherine Larison, the Scholastic Book Fair raised a total of $1,607.19 — as a result, 268 books were donated to charity. The MMA library also earned $642.88 in Scholastic Dollars, which will be used to purchase more selections for the media center.

PASSING THROUGH The members of the 125th Corps of Cadets, representing 25 states and 15 foreign nations, assembled in the field house for the Passing Through ceremony February 15.

After having spent weeks learning the basics of being a cadet, mid-term recruits AKA “new boys” were welcomed into the Corps. During their “maroon phase,” students studied the basics of drill and ceremonies, learned how to keep their rooms and uniforms to standard and passed a handbook test.

The ceremony began with a reading of Special Order No. 37, which awarded new recruits the JROTC Honor Unit of Distinction Gold Star.

“There are two Passing Through ceremonies a year — one for the new boys that come at the beginning of the year and another for the new boys that come at the end of Christmas break. It’s a very happy day,” Jonathan Richardson ’15 said.

“We all cheer and congratulate our new brothers.”

Recruits recited an honor pledge and marched into position. As each cadet’s name, hometown and country was read, he came forward and shook hands with a receiving line. Recruits then marched into formation with their companies while parents and family members were invited to troop the line.

VALENTINE BALL The junior class sponsored a Valentine Dinner and Dance on February 15. Decorations included starfish, centerpieces with seashells, live fish, lighted palm trees and Hawaiian lei necklaces.

“The theme for this year was Polynesian,” Rodrigo Padilla ’15 said. “The junior class had a great idea choosing this theme. They started to decorate on Wednesday and finished on Friday. The whole junior class was really excited to see how much people liked their theme.”

Guests shook hands with receiving line members Academy President Charles McGeorge; Miss Missouri 2013 Shelby Ringdahl; Director of the Middle School MAJ Edsel Baker; Dr. Frank Giuseffi; Executive Officer Jim Medley; and cadet leaders Roel Rodriguez ’14 and D’Cherion Owens ’15.

“After dinner, cadet officers began lining up on the basketball court to begin the Grand March,” Tyler Vaughan ’14 said. “The Grand March was a lot bigger than many people expected it to be.”

“Some cadets were really nervous because it was their first time doing the Grand March,” Padilla said. “At the end, all of them thought that was really fun to do it and go in between the officers and their sabers.”

Cadets and their dates then took to the dance floor and partied to live music provided by The Norm Ruebling Band. Halfway through the evening, Ringdahl took the stage to crown Meredith Chaussee, a Highland Park High School senior, the 2014 Valentine Ball Queen.

TOP: Juan Ramon Flores Tenorio ’15 dances with a Valentine Ball attendee February 15.

Highlights of the junior school program in which sixth, seventh & eighth grade cadets achieve greatness through support and structure

SPRING FAMILY WEEKEND MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS FIRST PLACE OVERALL SEVENTH GRADE: CHANDLER BOLINGER, ZAIDE JOHNSON, SERGIO CONTRERAS AND MICHAEL PENNIMAN EIGHTH GRADE: FRANCISCO FLETES, GABRIEL DE LA GARZA AND LUIS KARAM SIXTH GRADE: CONNER O’NEAL AND NICHOLAS SARNELLI SEVENTH GRADE WINNERS FIRST PLACE: CHANDLER BOLINGER, SERGIO CONTRERAS, ZAIDE JOHNSON, AND MICHAEL PENNIMAN SECOND PLACE: SEBASTIAN CORONA THIRD PLACE: CESAR LOZANO, CARLOS MORENO PILGRAM AND SANTIAGO RAMIREZ EIGHTH GRADE WINNERS FIRST PLACE: GABRIEL DE LA GARZA, LUIS KARAM AND FRANCISCO FLETES SECOND PLACE: JEAN-LUC SHYAKA, ANDRES GONZALEZ AND SAMER DOUMIT THIRD PLACE (TIE): LUCAS MOORE; VIDAL GONZALEZ, PAUL MURPHY AND EVAN REYNOLDS HONORABLE MENTION (TIE): CARLOS MORENO PENA, DANIEL AMEZCUA, FERNANDO GARCIA, AND CHARLES NORMAN; RODRIGO BLANCO, CARLOS LIRIANO AND PATRICIO PEREZ

All middle and high school cadets attending MMA are invited to join the school’s Troop 39, which is registered with the local Boy Scout Great River Council. Here's what middle school members have to say about their experiences as Boy Scouts.

VIDAL GONZALEZ '18: I like to go camping and learn what to do when you are hiking. ... They teach you how to survive if you are alone in the forest.

CHARLES NORMAN '18: I have been in the scouting program for more than five years. ... I enjoy it very much. It inspires me to do good things for the community. I have learned many things such as wilderness survival, knots [and] Boy Scout oaths.

SKY HENIO '19: I knew it could be good to put on a job transcript and it could help me later in life. ...

We went for a hike, and it was fun because I got to be with my friends and we saw a snake.

FRANCISCO FLETES '18: My favorite thing about Boy Scouts is how we can go outside and do recreational activities, and also learn things to help us in our everyday life like first aid. ... [We] went on a hike where we had lots of fun and learned a lot of interesting stuff about the wild plants.

NICHOLAS SARNELLI '20: When I was 5 years old, my dad would take me to Cub Scouts. I have been a Boy Scout for my whole life.

My favorite Boy Scout trip was when me and the troop ... went on a hike to Deer Run Trail.

PATRICIO PEREZ '18: My goal is to be the best in my troop. I hope I will get out [and] do more exercise.

ABOVE: Gavin Hendee ’15 attends an MMA Boy Scout troop meeting on September 25.

PHOTO BY ROBERT MOORE ’16

Middle school cadets presented projects about their hopes and dreams during CSGT Mike Harding’s second period language arts class March 12 and 13.

Carlos Liriano ’18 spoke of his ambition to become a computer programmer and game designer, sharing screenshots of programming programs.

“To do computer and game programming, you need a special programming language called C++,” Liriano explained.

William Moore ’18 next presented his dream of enlisting in the United States Army after college and going through Basic Combat Training. “This will be really fun,” Moore said. “I hope to be in the Rangers. Rangers lead the way!”

The final presentation was by Donald Williams ’18, who spoke about his hope of learning to ride horses and becoming a part of the U.S. Army Cavalry Division. “I want to have a greater future,” Williams said, flipping through slides with photos of uniformed men riding horses.

Middle school student-athletes were recognized at noon mess on May 22 for their accomplishments.

MS TRACK PARTICIPATION CERTIFICATE: Sergio Contreras, Sebastian Corona, Samer Doumit, Francisco Fletes, Fernando Garcia, Jonathan Herrera, Zaide Johnson, Eric Juarez, Carlos A. Moreno, Patricio Perez and Evan Reynolds MS TRACK LETTERS & MEDALS: Daniel Amezcua, Vidal Gonzalez, Gabriel De La Garza, Luis Karam, and Donald Williams MS TRACK SPORTSMANSHIP BAR: Daniel Amezcua, Luis Karam and Gabriel De La Garza SPORTSMANSHIP BAR FOR MS INTRAMURAL SOCCER, FALL 2013: Fernando Garcia

Middle school wrestlers shook off the rust and took to the mat the first time on November 21 at a foursquad meet against crosstown rival Mexico Middle and regional opponents Boonville and Hannibal.

MMA 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 with a pin against Boonville and a point win against MMS.

Other cadets involved in the project included eighth graders Paul Murphy and Jacob Wright.

Murphy spoke of his ambition to become a computer engineer.

“I’m good with computers and I like working with them. I know a lot about programming,” he said.

“A policeman, state trooper or ranger is what I want to be when I’m older and get a job. It is dangerous but I like helping people,” Wright wrote in his report.

“I would prefer to work in a small town to begin with.

The reason I don’t want to work in a big place like [New York] is because it is too crowded and I’m more likely to get injured if I’m being shot at all the time. My job will be a very important one,” Wright explained in his report.

“The fun begins when we get to raid buildings and other hostile places. [But] before I can become a cop, I have to go to a

ABOVE: Rongyang Yi ’18 jogs around Colonels Field during track practice March 6. PHOTO BY ERIN CHAMBERS

Middle schoolers next competed December 10 at Warrenton School.

They ended their season December 17 at Warriors School, facing off against Mexico Middle School, Lewis & Clark School and Thomas Jefferson School.

Top performers included Zaide Johnson ’19, Fernando Garcia ’18 and Sergio Contreras ’19, who all scored wins by pin.

“I’m very excited because this is my first victory of the season,” Garcia said. “I’m very happy to

end the season and the year with a victory.”

Johnson earned two total by-pin wins. Other MMA athletes won their bouts by points: De La Garza, Blanco and Charles Norman ’18. Six of eight students earned wins.

“Wrestling is all about technique,” Norman said.

“I can break each opponent down, and have them build themselves back up after being put through some hard fighting.”

GROUP PHOTO BY COETTA BRASHEAR

police academy to learn how to be one,” he concluded.

RIGHT: Jacob Wright ’18 listens as classmate Carlos Liriano ’18 gives a speech on Colonels Field.

ABOVE: Eric Juarez ’18 presents his project in CSGT Mike Harding’s English class on May 6.

PHOTOS BY RODRIGO PADILLA ’15

Former Missouri Military Academy Spanish instructor MAJ Paul Baum addressed middle school cadets in CPT John Noel’s third hour social studies class April 11. He spoke of his experience in World War I — not as himself, but as General Pershing. Pershing paid a visit to the MMA campus in the early 1920s, and history buff Baum now impersonates him to teach students about history in an entertaining and interesting way.

The presentation began with a brief discussion of the backstory behind World War I. Baum drew a diagram on the board with three circles in a row labeled F, G and R. He explained to cadets that the three countries were geographically next door neighbors, with Germany surrounded on all sides.

“France was actually a republic,” Baum said, while Russia had a monarchy.

“They were very different countries. ... There was Germany in the middle.”

According to Baum, historians see no evidence that either country planned to invade Germany. But the paranoid leaders of the German government felt threatened. Certain that they would be attacked, they chose to strike first.

Having explained the forces that led up to the breakout of the war, Baum paused. While the room sat silent, he donned his cap.

“My name is General John J. Pershing,” Baum said. “You may call me Black Jack.”

Pershing, Baum explained, was the highest ranking general in the national military history. He was raised in Missouri and graduated in 1886 from West Point.

According to Baum, the U. S. was hesitant to join World War I as most of the physical conflict took place in Europe — but Americans were eventually drawn into the fight in 1917.

“The whole thing degenerated very quickly,” he said.

“Men died, and they died, and they died.”

Baum described the brutal trench warfare and the futility of head-on attacks.

These trench lines moved only slightly during years of conflict.

“President Wilson tapped me on the shoulder and said, General Pershing, take us to war,” Baum said. “So I took us to war.”

Baum said victory was never achieved, however.

“Our boys were so badly trained. It was just despicable,” he said. “I trained them right there in France.”

Baum defined the term “armistice” for the students.

Pershing hated having to declare the “glorified ceasefire” and give his enemies the satisfaction of knowing they hadn’t technically lost.

“World War I was fading,” he said. “I could see that it was not the war to end all wars.”

Pershing returned home to Missouri, defeated and discouraged.

“Sixteen million dead, and no explanation. Can you explain it?” Baum asked cadets.

“I can’t. I searched my heart and mind for years.”

ABOVE: Former Missouri Military Academy Spanish instructor MAJ Paul Baum (AKA General John J. Pershing) lectures to a room of middle school students April 11.

PHOTO BY SIMON BARRERA ’15

Visit MissouriMilitaryAcademy.com and fill out our update form

IN MEMORIAM: MMA would like to honor the following members of the Missouri Military Academy community who have recently died.

Jean Amidon, the mother of current cadet Byron Amidon ’16, died in an automobile accident on December 20, 2013.

Aaron J. Boren ’10 passed away on January 17, 2014.

Jack Bushyhead ’39, a member of three state champion track teams and the MMA record holder in the 440-yard dash, passed away on January 7, 2014.

Gregg Caliendo ’65 passed away May 28, 2012, in Columbus, Ohio.

Garnett H. Carnahan, the father of Hugh L. Carnahan ’08, passed away on February 22, 2014, surrounded by his family.

George Cline ’46, a member of the MMA Board of Trustees, passed away December 19, 2013.

John E. Coultis ’43 passed away January 23, 2014, in Wichita, KS. Jim Dutton ’50 passed away on November 27, 2013.

Craig Flynn, former MMA middle school instructor, passed away December 20, 2013.

Chad Gandy ’84 passed away on March 6, 2014.

Erwin Gilmore, an English instructor at MMA from 1968-74, passed away December 8, 2013.

Mrs. Betty Hedger, the mother of former cadet Bill Hedger ’72, passed away on May 27, 2014.

John Hegwein, a teacher and coach at Missouri Military Academy in the 1970s, passed away on May 14, 2014, in Bettendorf, Iowa.

Donald Hermann ’45 passed away March 24, 2013.

John E. Hirsch, who taught math and biology at MMA from 19461955, passed away on April 10, 2014, in Kansas City.

Harold J. Hogan ’55 passed away on October 16, 2013.

Neil MacLellan, father of Jeff MacLellan ’66, passed away on November 22, 2013.

Barbara Males, the wife of Rene Males ’50, passed away on January 4, 2014.

Fred Mauk, who taught and directed the choir at MMA, lost his fight with cancer April 7, 2014, in Altamonte Springs, Florida.

Bradford McClellan ’55 passed away on November 13, 2013, in Cody, Wyoming.

Marion Miller, a Kemper cadet and MMA donor, passed away December 14, 2013.

William Mitchell ’61 lost his battle with cancer March 14, 2014, in Overland Park, Kansas.

Rusty Morgan, a cadet in the late 90s, passed away April 20, 2012.

Mike Porter ’71 passed away on June 2, 2014, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Richard Waldo Roberts, a former math and science instructor at MMA, passed away on June 2, 2014, at the age of 93.

James H. Scott ’49 passed away November 14, 2013, in Colorado.

Lorenzo Hormisdas Zambrano Treviño, a cadet in 1958-59, passed away May 12, 2014, in Mexico.

Zambrano was the head of Cemex, a regional cement company founded by his grandfather, and transformed it into one of the largest cement producers in the world by the time of his death.

Zambrano also financed cultural initiatives across Latin America and chaired the board of trustees of the Monterrey Institute of Technology, one of the largest private universities in the region.

to be included in future Class Notes

Wondering what your old school friends are up to?

CLASS NOTES 1940s: SGM Robert Forties '41 lives in Santa Barbara, California, and can be reached at (805) 966-6531.

David Barnes ’44, who graduated with Colonel Stribling, has two daughters, four grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren. He hopes to visit MMA for his 70th anniversary and can be emailed at davb2389@sbcglobal.net.

Ross Fernstrum '47 is serving his third year as chairman of the Resident Council at The Heritage Tradition in Sun City West, Arizona. He can be contacted at jferns5342@aol.com.

Bob Price ’47 retired in Mystic, Connecticut, and can be reached via e-mail at rprice21@comcast.net.

1950s: Jim ’50 & Harriet Pitman live in Lake St. Louis, MO. They can be reached at jhpitman@charter.net.

David Porter, who was a cadet in 1949-50, now lives with his wife in Branson, Missouri, and can be contacted at dporter006@suddenlink.net.

Charles Murray ’50 lives in Brentwood, Missouri, and can be contacted via e-mail at cmurray32@charter.net.

Fenn Shrader ’50 has been traveling to visit family and friends. He can be reached at efshrader@aol.com.

Francisco Sierra ’58 has been in Namibia photographing the black rhino for a travel magazine and counting elephants in Burma (now known as Myanmar). Frank can be emailed at commandercondor@yahoo.com.

Dave Whitney '54 is appearing on "My Grandmother's Ravioli" on the Food Channel with Mo Rocca this season. His segment began January 1.

The schedule is available on the Food Channel web site. Dave can be reached via e-mail at whitcomm@aol.com.

1960s: Dave Arbogast ’65 had lunch with Dean Ahlstrand ’82 and Michael Posner ’82 in Mesa, Arizona, in December. Dave recently visited Houston to watch his grandson wrestle. During his trip, he spent time with his former MMA roommate Hank Maupin ’65.

They are planning their 50th reunion and both can be reached on Facebook.

E-mail Dave at arbo42@hotmail.com and Dean at dahlstrand64@yahoo.com.

Michael can be reached via e-mail at posnermichael@hotmail.com.

Doug Eshelman ’65 lives in Decatur, Illinois, and can be contacted at DecaturRealtor@hotmail.com.

George Morrell ’64 wants to speak to his classmates about attending Homecoming. He can be reached at GMorrell@Antexdesigns.com.

Mike (Rocky) Rockel ’68 and Rebecca Ann Correa were married on Valentine's Day in Las Vegas. It is the second marriage for both. They can be reached at yorocky2000@yahoo.com.

Dave Russell ’69 lives in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. He has been married for 37 years and has three children and four grandchildren. He can be emailed at dave@lemonadefromlemons.com.

Paul Scheiner, who attended MMA in 1962-63, is a veteran of the Air Force and retired from the United States Postal Service. He lives in Vinton, Iowa, and can be reached via e-mail at redbird712@gmail.com.

Charlie Company roommates Dave Telford ’65 and Dave Arbogast ’65 had lunch together on May 2 in Omaha.

They can be reached at tel-con@cox.net and darbo42@hotmail.com.

1970s: Ron Block ’77 works in marketing for Prepcasts in St. Louis. His e-mail is ronablock1977@yahoo.com.

Shawn Haag, a cadet in the 70s, lives in Howey-In-The-Hills, Florida. E-mail him at shawnhaag25138@msn.com.

Marc Kirchhoff, who attended MMA in the late 70s, is a realtor in Columbia, Missouri, and can be contacted at mkirchhoff@malyrealty.com.

Jim Kufdakis ’72 recently became a physician for the Department of Veteran Affairs at the Veterans Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He can be reached via e-mail at jkufdaki@sbcglobal.net.

Babak Kusha ’79 is an attorney who lives in California. He can be contacted at bkusha@kilpatricktownsend.com.

Tad McDowell ’74 lives in Henderson, Nevada, and can be reached via e-mail at tad.mcdowell@unlv.edu.

Chris Petersen ’71 lives in Villa Park, Illinois, and can be contacted via e-mail at yns1864@hotmail.com.

LTC (R) Paul ’70 and LaWanah Gillette recently celebrated 42 years of marriage. Paul can be reached at paul. gillette@missourimilitaryacademy.org.

Dennis Schmadeke, who attended MMA from 1974-1980, passed through on his way to South Sioux City, Nebraska. Dennis can be reached via e-mail at dennistodd@aol.com.

Dr. Don Scott ’79 lives in Athens, Georgia, and can be contacted via e-mail at donscott@uga.edu.

James Vaughn ’78 is a construction inspector in Houston, Texas. E-mail him at jamesmma78@yahoo.com.

1980s: Stephen Chambers ’84 is a territory manager for Concord Road Equipment, a manufacturer of snow removal and fabrication goods.

Chambers lives in Galion, Ohio, and can be reached via e-mail at sschambers@columbus.rr.com.

Doug Chapman, an MMA cadet from 1980-83, lives in Reeds Spring, Missouri, and can be contacted via e-mail at outbackpub@aol.com.

Alton Duderstadt, who attended the middle school from 1980-84, visited campus on Friday, January 10, and purchased clothing at the quartermaster store. He lives in Sleepy Hollow, Illinois, and can be emailed at altonjd2@gmail.com.

TOP: Jeff Kays ’84 participates in the drilldown competition at Homecoming 2014.

BOTTOM: Alums pose for a group photo during the Ultimate Tailgate Party.

LEFT: Robert Manche ’63 grins as he competes in the drilldown September 28. PHOTOS BY ERIN CHAMBERS AND COETTA BRASHEAR

Trent Frohock, a cadet in the early 1980s, lives in Altoona, Iowa, and can be reached at treetower@mailforce.net.

Brett Hale, who attended MMA from 1987-1989, is a veteran of the Army medical corps. He has four children, is in nursing school to become a physician’s assistant, lives in Waxahachie, Texas, and can be reached at bretthale91@yahoo.com.

Frank Hall, an MMA middle school cadet in the 1980s, lives in Wise, Virginia, and can be reached via e-mail at greenlant408@comcast.net.

Hunter Jenkins '85 lives in California and can be contacted via e-mail at lahog@suddenlink.net.

Todd Johnson ’89 can be reached at 82johnson@cardinalmail.cua.edu.

Mark Magnon ’89 works in the banking industry in McAllen, Texas, and can be reached via e-mail at magnonmark@hotmail.com.

Mitch Moffitt ’82 is an MMA Alumni Association lifetime member.

He lives in Springfield, MO. Contact him at mitchell@mitchellmoffitt.com.

Matt Rollings ’86 has moved to Sarasota, Florida. He can still be emailed at magrro530@msn.com.

Chris Schafer ’89 worked as a district manager for Halliburton in Alaska for three-plus years. He recently moved to Houston, Texas, with his wife Jeni and son Ethan. He still works for Halliburton as Director of Global Integrated Solutions and can be reached at chris.schafer@halliburton.com.

Jesus Soriano ’82 recently became engaged to Melissa L. Urban. He can be reached at mma82@aol.com.

Jorge Soriano ’89 received the Army Achievement Medal for exceptionally meritorious achievement during a tour in Afghanistan. He can be contacted at jjota36@gmail.com.

Scott Southwick ’89 and his wife Lori have welcomed their first child, Lyla Marie. The Southwick family can be reached via e-mail at scottdsouthwick@gmail.com.

Ciro Tovar ’80 lives in Venezuela and can be contacted via e-mail at prevencion2050@gmail.com.

1990s: Brian Baum ’90 lives in Oklahoma and can be contacted at bbaum7@cox.net.

James Beckley ’94 is an MMA Alumni Association lifetime member. He lives in Lutz, Florida, and can be emailed at jhbeckley@yahoo.com.

John Davis ’92 is a graphic designer. He lives in Swansea, Massachusetts. Contact him via e-mail at jdavis151@gmail.com.

Paul (Bert) Gillette ’97 married Kelly Merrill on September 30, 2012.

They live in Hailey, Idaho, and can be reached on Facebook.

Joe Layman ’97 got engaged to Heather Hagstrom on May 30 in Atlanta, Georgia. Joe can be reached at drillcop2@facebook.com.

Steven McDavid ’97 lives in Niceville, Florida, and can be contacted at scam97@hotmail.com.

Brett McMillan ’90, who lives in St. Louis, recently saw a group of cadets at the airport and shared a few minutes with MAJ Brian Galarza. Brett can be reached at alxmcmillan@earthlink.net.

Roberto Sada, who attended the MMA middle school in the 1990s, lives in San Antonio, Texas, and can be emailed at rgsada@hotmail.com.

2000s: Hugh Carnahan ’08 graduated from Texas A&M. He lives in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and works for Phillips 66. He can be reached at hughcarnahan@gmail.com.

Luke Cooper ’03 and his wife Christina are both realtors in Westminster, Colorado. He can be reached via e-mail at luke@cooperhomescolorado.com.

Jason Glaser, who attended MMA in 2008 and 2009, is a senior at Missouri State University. He's majoring in criminology with minors in chemistry and Arabic. He is currently preparing to take the LSAT in the fall.

Adam Harrow ’04 got married in May 2013. Adam and Emily live in Issaquah, Washington, and can be emailed at harrowab@gmail.com.

David Humphrey ’05 lives in Austin, Texas, and can be contacted via e-mail at humphrey13b@yahoo.com.

Shuichi Yamamoto ’05 lives in Germany. He is enjoying life and can be contacted at shui-mofu@hotmail.com.

2010s: Matthew Hoyer ’10 is pursuing a college education and can be emailed at matthoyer17@gmail.com.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? Please contact us at Alumni@ MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org.

A peek at how our 360° Education develops a cadet’s mind, body and spirit

ED TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: WHAT WAS THE BEST PART? JOSE ESTRADA PINON '16: Going to the White Cliffs and to the battle memorial. It was a spectacular view and it is something that is really impressive. At the same time, it was the soccer game that we went to see. ... My favorite [landmark] was the old observatory. It was very interesting and it had a very cool view of the city.

JONATHAN KIRKLAND '16: I visited Stonehenge, and it was my favorite because nobody really knows what it was built for. ... I chose to go to England because I have always loved the culture there.

WILLIAM MOORE '18: The entire trip, it was fun and educational at the same time. When we went to Normandy on Omaha beach, it was the first time I have ever seen the ocean. It was my first time to fly over the ocean, see the ocean and be off this continent. ... It is worth it to get away from your culture and similar cultures so you can see how the world works, not just [the] countries around us.

EMILIO ELIAS '16: Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral. I will never forget Salisbury and Canterbury cathedrals.

DR. FRANK GIUSEFFI: France certainly lived up to its wonderful reputation during MMA’s Educational Tour. The visit included the great Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower and wonderful French cuisine. We went to the Cathedral of Chartres outside of Paris. It was topped off by a somber visit at the D-Day Memorial.

FIVE: Raul Escarcega ’17 poses in front of the Palace at Versailles on February 23. PHOTO COURTESY OF SEBASTIAN CORONA ’19

ONE: Alfonso Leon ’16 and Brennan Marshall ’14 cook at a French culinary school February 25.

TWO: Juan Ramon Flores Tenorio ’15 poses in front of Stonehenge during his Ed Tour on February 24.

THREE: England Educational Tour participants Juan Pablo Payan ’15, Jose Estrada ’16, Yunil Jeon ’16 and Emilio Cueto ’14 pose February 22. FOUR: Francisco Fletes ’18 visits Tower Bridge on February 23.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: FRANCISCO FLETES ’18; JOSE ESTRADA ’16; AND SHARON GUTERMAN

TOURING ENGLAND: A DAILY DIARY,

BY JUAN PABLO PAYAN '15 FEBRUARY 18: TWO DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE:. I arrive in England this Thursday. I am going to [pack] my luggage on Wednesday so I can make sure everything is okay. Now I’m very excited, because I want to go to England. I have all ready been in a lot of parts of Europe, but not in England — that’s why I’m excited. Some friends all ready told me that England is very cool and they told me some [places] that I can [see] on this tour. [Today] there are meetings about the trip.

FEBRUARY 20: DEPARTURE. I woke up at 6:00 in the morning. I took a quick shower and got dressed to go to breakfast. Everybody at breakfast is very excited because we are leaving today.

But we are tired, too. We went to the St. Louis airport. We went to Atlanta, and then we left from Atlanta to England. We have been more or less 8 or 9 hours on the airplane sleeping or watching movies. It was a lot of time on an airplane! The plane was very comfortable and had good food.

FEBRUARY 21: We arrived in England at 7:00 in the morning, so we [were] very tired. But we wanted to see England! When we left the airport, we went to the hotel to leave our luggage. ... The first day was a tiring day, but we had fun [seeing] different parts of London.

FEBRUARY 22 to 24: We saw the Buckingham Palace and I think it is very nice, because it is big and the architecture is pretty nice. When we [saw] the Buckingham Palace, on the street there were soldiers marching to change the guard.

That was a good experience. The first time I saw the Big Ben clock, I was excited because in many movies [I saw] that clock so I really wanted to see it. I think that the Big Ben clock was the thing I liked most about this trip.

FEBRUARY 25: We saw the [Duke of York’s] Royal Military School and that school is nice but it is so different from Missouri Military Academy. [During] the time that we stayed at that school, we had fun with the students and with the staff because everybody helped us a lot. The last day in London, we played a soccer game with the students. We had fun playing with the students.

VISITING DOVER, A DIARY BY FRANCISCO FLETES '18 We started by getting to England when it was 7 a.m. there. ... We started really early.

That day we visited the Big Ben, saw the London Eye and some museums. By the end of the day, most of us were exhausted. The next few days, we did very fun things like eat fish and chips for the first time in our lives. Yunil Jeon ’16 loved it!

On our last two days, we traveled to Dover to visit Missouri Military Academy’s sister school, which is called The Duke of York’s Royal Military School. They gave us a tour of the school and we watched them drill for a brief moment of time while we met and socialized with students from DOYRMS. The next day, we made up teams and played a soccer match — or football, as they call it over there. Goalkeeper Marcelo Gomez ’14 received the match ball, as he was voted the Most Valuable Player for MMA’s team. The team’s captain Fernando Estrada ’14 received a plaque and a special tie from the other team’s captains. After the match, we went for what they called “match tea” where we had some snacks and talked about the game.

Cadets left the school very happy and they even got some souvenirs from the school. The day after that, cadets packed their stuff up and [prepared] for an 8-hour flight back to Missouri to start classes again.

ON FRANCE: BEFORE AND AFTER, A DIARY BY SEBASTIAN CORONA' 19 BEFORE: I am excited for this trip. I have been waiting for this trip since the beginning of the year. I want to [see] the Eiffel Tower, the Palace at Versailles, the Louvre museum [and] the Notre Dame cathedral. I want to eat croissants and colored cookies!

There are also so many things that I want to know: how French people are, the things they like, their form of living, how they work. I think I will like this trip.

AFTER: The first day I was tired, because we traveled the whole day and when we got to France it was 9 a.m. ...

[The] guide decided to take us to [see] France and we didn’t sleep that day and we were tired!

The second day, we went to the Eiffel Tower. The guide explained to us who built it, when it was built [and] why it was built. The routine of the day was: wake up, breakfast, visit two or three parts of France, lunch, go to visit another two or three parts of France, dinner, go back to the hotel and go to sleep.

The day that I liked the most was the last day, because they gave us more free time to go shopping and to relax in the hotel. The last day we were calm. We didn’t worry about anything.

HELP THE MMA ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP FUND AND TAKE A

The MMA Alumni Association is working to increase the Alumni Scholarship Fund by $500,000. Purchasing a brick paver for Senior Walk is a great way to help young men receive the benefits of an MMA education — and leave a lasting legacy on the school’s campus. Besides helping to expand the historic Senior Walk, those who purchase bricks will be furthering the futures of our young men.

Each $250 brick is limited to three lines, with 20 characters per line including spaces and punctuation. The surplus after deducting the cost of engraving, shipping and installation will be invested into the endowed Alumni Scholarship Fund. Personalize your brick using the blanks above and send this advertisement with a check or money order for $250 to: Missouri Military Academy Alumni Association 204 North Grand Street Mexico, Missouri 65265

MMA cadets participate in extracurricular activities every Wednesday afternoon.

Activities include meditation, fencing, rocketry, fishing, weightlifting, Fusiliers, marksmanship, first aid, Boy Scouts, bicycling, paintball, art, photography, film and krav maga. Here’s what students have to say about their clubs.

Q: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO JOIN THE MEDITATION CLUB? SIMON BARRERA: I became the platoon sergeant for the middle school floor. I knew I was going to be stressed for 95 percent of my junior year. So when I heard we were having a Meditation Club, I thought to myself, why not? ...

I have never meditated before. ... We do a lot of different things — from meditating and reflecting to coloring mandalas to yoga. ... I reflect a lot on everything I’ve done for the past week and try to relax.

EMILIO ELIAS VIDAURRI: I joined meditation club to be able to control my emotions and to feel calm.

We normally start with a seven-minute meditation

and then we draw some mandalas. I’ve never meditated in my life. I want to control myself whenever something bad happens to me or my family.

Q: WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE BOY SCOUT TROOP? ADAM SCHMITZ: I have been working towards my Eagle Scout since elementary school. ... I’ve been active since kindergarten and I plan to be even with my own sons. It has been an interesting experience in leadership.

JUNIOR MILLER: My favorite thing about Boy Scouts is some of the events you get to do. I’ve been scuba diving, mountain boarding [and] rappelling.

PETER BERNHARDSON: I have earned 38 merit badges. ... My goal is to earn my Eagle, and to learn life skills I can use in the future.

Q: WHY DID YOU PICK MARKSMANSHIP CLUB? RAUL ALMAGUER: I wanted to shoot so I joined Marksmanship. We shoot targets for Winchester qualification medals. ... Back in Mexico, I used to hunt and shoot a lot.

Q: WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED IN ART CLUB? MICHAEL PENNIMAN: I love art and drawing. I usually draw on a piece of paper and on the computer. Usually I like to draw random objects and animals.

JORGE ADUNA LEON: I have learned that art is not about creating something.

It is about just letting your mind flow.

Q: WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED THROUGH THE PAINTBALL CLUB? ANDREW HANSEN: I chose the club because it teaches you teamwork and the ability to strategically think and hatch your plan.

What I have learned in my club is how to take your time and go slow. If you rush, you will end up with no ammo and be shot at. It also taught me teamwork.

Q: DO YOU THINK IT IS IMPORTANT FOR MMA CADETS TO HAVE EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES? ANDREW HANSEN: [Clubs get] you to be more active and [provide] the chance to go past your limit. I think what this school is doing is really great. It helps you earn and learn new skills. You get to do things that you thought that you would never do.

VIDAL GONZALEZ: Yes, because if you do more extracurricular activities you learn more things that might help you in daily life.

BOTTOM: Members of Dr. Frank Giuseffi’s Fencing Club duel on February 12.

TOP: Benjamin Jennison ’14 weightlifts February 12. PHOTOS BY ERIN CHAMBERS

BRAVO COMPANY RECIPIENTS: Mohammad “Emran” Babak, Emilio Elias, Francisco Fletes, Rodrigo Garza-Navarro, Vidal Gonzalez, Jonathon Grossl, Tristan Hendrix, Yunil Jeon, David Lazcano, Dustin McGuire, Antonio Montes, Robert Moore, Ngonga “Julien” Mugabo, D’Cherion Owens, Jason Russell, Jon Snyder, Zi Wang.

CHARLIE COMPANY RECIPIENTS: Jorge Aduna, Telmen Bat-Ulzii, Jacob Conyers, Raul Escarcega, Juan Ramon Flores, Eduardo Gonzalez, Brennan Morand, Charles Norman, Bayar-Erdene Oldokhbayar, Juan Pablo Payan, Christian Paz, Gregory Prinster, Omar Sanchez, Justin Touchette, Alexander Wilson.

Missouri Military Academy’s cadet leadership is chosen each school year on individual merit — as demonstrated during a unique and challenging application process. Cadets must craft and edit resumes, write autobiographies, seek out letters of recommendation, complete several interviews and compete against their peers to earn their positions. Here are some thoughts on the application process from recent cadet leaders Jose Bours and Parker Bridge.

Q: WHY DID YOU WANT A LEADERSHIP POSITION? BRIDGE: I wanted to be a leader at MMA so I could change what I thought needed to change and preserve the traditions instilled in me when I was in sixth grade.

BOURS: Working with people is one of my major interests.

Also, it is the biggest part of my college career. I want to study entrepreneurship. The desire to succeed is what brings a leader to want to be a leader, and also inspires others to follow you.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR DUTY AS A CADET LEADER? BOURS: As a company commander, it is my main duty to set a good example as a cadet leader. Preparing my company for inspections [and] maintaining welfare in the company.

One of the most important aspects is selfless service for my subordinates.

Q: HOW DID YOU WRITE YOUR RESUME? BOURS: I first looked at other resumes of people who applied for company commander before, so I could get an idea of what to focus on and write about. I started first with an essay about why I want to be a company commander, followed by a resume and an autobiography.

Q: HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR INTERVIEWS? BRIDGE: I prepared for my interviews by going over questions in my head and asking myself absurd questions and preparing myself for every possible question and outcome.

BOURS: I obtained two letters of recommendation from Dr. Gregory McDonald and LT Annette Meinheit. When I first read their letters, it was amazing how they saw things in me that I did not know about me.

Q: HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE SELECTED? HOW DID IT FEEL? BRIDGE: I found out what position I was designated on designation day in May of last year. I was mildly excited

about the position as I have never really cared about gaining Upon the recommendation of the much rank or a high Designation Board, the following position, I just wanted cadet positions were announced and still want to make May 20 for the 2014-15 school year: MMA the best I can Battalion Commander: and be the best leader Staff Sergeant D’Cherion Owens I can be.

Battalion Sergeant Major: BOURS: At first Staff Sergeant Kane Anderson I was really nervous Battalion Executive Officer because I did not hear Staff Sergeant Simon Barrera my name when they S-1: Sergeant Juan Flores called Delta Company S-2: Sergeant Rodrigo Vilches Commander. But then S-3: Staff Sergeant Jose Garcia I heard mine on Echo.

S-4: Sergeant Sergio Salas I started not wanting S-5: Sergeant Munksuld Enkhbayar the position because Bravo Company Commander: Echo had a bad reputaStaff Sergeant Victor Marroquin tion. I thought, if they Bravo First Sergeant: put me here, it is for a Corporal Dustin McGuire reason. I gotta make Charlie Company Commander: the change. I need to Staff Sergeant Roger Gonzalez be the one.

Charlie First Sergeant: Staff Sergeant Q: WHAT TIPS Munkhbold Batmunkh WOULD YOU GIVE Delta Company Commander: TO CADETS GOING Staff Sergeant Derek Ryan THROUGH THE Delta First Sergeant: APPLICATION Staff Sergeant Vincent Burke PROCESS? Echo Company Commander: BRIDGE: Ask Staff Sergeant Guangning Wei themselves why they Echo First Sergeant: want the position, Staff Sergeant Rodrigo Padilla what are their ultimate Band Company Commander: goals in their desired Private First Class Miles O’Keefe position, and what Band Company First Sergeant: do they want to be Private First Class Reed Vaughan remembered as. I Drum Major: Corporal Yunil Jeon would also ask them to think about what is most important to them here at MMA. What are they truly Q: WHAT TRAITS DOES passionate about, and why?

A SUCCESSFUL LEADER NEED TO HAVE? Q: WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF BEBRIDGE: Build a family, ING A LEADER? not a team. Teams fall apart, but families pick each other back BRIDGE: I can inspire up. Be fair to everyone. This is others to be their best and have difficult for most people because them change their lifestyle. everyone has friends.

I recently heard from a cadet Be passionate. The leader who was in my platoon last year with a true passion for somewhen I was platoon sergeant. thing he or she is in command This ex-cadet thanked me for of accomplishes more and acnot giving up on him and makcomplishes it better. Find what ing him change his lifestyle. you are passionate about and He told me he no longer is why, then execute to your fullest messing up in school and has ability. Others will follow if they been accepted to every college he applied to and is also holding see you care about them. a good job. He said I changed his Be a team player. Being a life for the better and forever. leader is not telling others what to do, it is showing them what Comments like that are the to do and ensuring they can reason I wanted to be a leader then do the task themselves. Get in the first place and make me involved with your subordinates proud to have helped other and help them. young men become the best they can be.

I have lived by these and other traits. And I believe they Q: WHAT IS THE have not only made me a better HARDEST PART OF BEING leader and person, but made A CADET LEADER? other cadets better in all aspects.

BRIDGE: Having to deal ABOVE: Incoming senior with other people ... is the most D’Cherion Owens celebrates difficult part of being a cadet leader, but it does teach you how after learning he will be the 2014-15 Battalion Comto deal with others and group mander. PHOTO BY problems better.

ERIN CHAMBERS

DELTA COMPANY RECIPIENTS: Antoine Bioche, Parker Bridge, Max Broughton, Hunter Bush, Connor Cunningham, Samer Doumit, Sean Fitzgerald, Marco Garfias, Miguel Gonzalez, Jesus Gracia, Ethan Istas, Alfonso Leon, Enkhbilegt Luvsandorj, Jose Mejia, Rene Padilla, Josh Paley, Adam Schmitz, Corry Tega, Reed Vaughan, Jiahao Wu.

ECHO COMPANY RECIPIENTS: Shady Abuelenien, Cody Allen, Jesse Anthony, Sebastian Diaz, Clayton Ebert, Octavio Gomez, Gerardo “Big G” Guerrero, Andrew Hansen, Colton Helvie, Haozhang Li, Sergio Salas, Diego Sanchez, Guangning Wei, Oliver Worthington, Haoming “Remington” Zhang.

A comprehensive look at Missouri Military Academy’s activities during the 2013-14 school year

“May our friendships be strengthened and our lives be broadened,” he concluded.

Waiters then served the salad course as a slideshow of images by Photography Club members played in the background. As attendees were served the main course — baconwrapped chicken, asparagus and sweet potatoes — bidders battled for the final 15 minutes of the silent auction.

Following a dessert course of blueberry pie, the program continued with a performance by the Cadet Chorus. Shoemaker and accompanist MAJ Peggy Reynard led students as they sang Allelujah and the Service Medley.

GUEST SPEAKERS Academy President Charles McGeorge took the podium to introduce Duke of York Fellow junior Adam Schmitz ’15. Schmitz will spend his fall 2014 semester as an exchange student at the Duke of York’s Royal Military School in Dover, England.

Schmitz spoke of a tendency to blame others for his lack of motivation and poor performance when he attended other schools.

Things changed after he enrolled at MMA, however. Schmitz said he “picked himself up” and began to take his studies seriously.

annual event raises $70,000 for Missouri Military Academy initiatives Administrators, faculty, staff, cadets, parents, alums and family members from all across the U.S. gathered for the annual Maroon & Gold fundraiser on March 8 at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel.

COCKTAIL HOUR Attendees began arriving for the social hour at 5:30 p.m. and were greeted by Simon Barrera ’15 at the registration desk. According to Barrera, the most memorable moment of the school year was volunteering at Maroon & Gold.

“I had a lot of fun helping,” Barrera said, “and I also enjoyed the whole event.”

After receiving their nametags and auction paddles, guests entered the Starlight Room, which offers a skyline view of downtown St. Louis.

As attendees ordered drinks and browsed a collection of nearly 200 silent auction and raffle items, the Jazz Band entertained them with selections including Moon River, The Girl from Ipanema, Mister Cool and Sweet Caroline.

“The school’s jazz band was at the event and played in the reception,” saxophonist Francisco Fletes ’18 said. “After arriving [at] the hotel, they had to unload

In the summer of 2013, Missouri Military Academy received a $3,000 grant from the Leach Foundation of Mexico, Missouri. With the funds, MMA administrators intended to implement a public lecture series to benefit and educate the Mexico community. The Leach Foundation Speaker Series was thus established to promote fine arts, entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, cultural awareness, self-reliance and academics to area residents, MMA cadets, faculty and staff.

“As an educational institution, we were interested in hosting a speaker series that offered timely topics in culture, education, business, politics and leadership to the greater Mexico community and to the MMA cadets and staff,” Academic Dean Dr. Frank Giuseffi said. “Through the generous

everything from the bus and take it up to the eleventh floor. You could see many cadets doing more than five trips on the elevator to get all the necessary gear!”

“The Jazz Band, directed by MAJ Mike Shoemaker and CPT Josh Yancey, put on one heck of a show!

They were awesome,” Special Events Coordinator Cassandra Brooks said.

DINNER HOUR At about 6:45 p.m., bagpiper Matt Pantaleoni wove through the crowd, inviting guests to take their seats.

Attendees rose as Maroon & Gold emcee and Director of Enrollment Management David Adams announced the posting of the colors.

Chairman of the Board Strib Koster next took the stage. Koster thanked the crowd for their generosity and discussed the state of the private school marketplace.

“With your support, MMA will not only survive but flourish for the next 125 years,” Koster said.

Up next was cadet Barrera, who led attendees in a prayer and gave thanks for the evening meal.

support of the Leach Foundation, MMA will be hosting outstanding speakers that will offer their insights, knowledge and ideas on local, national and global issues affecting humankind.”

The firstannual series kicked off November 15 with Dr. Mark S. Wrighton, the 14th Chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis. Wrighton spoke about the role science and technology play in the 21st century. As Chancellor of Washington University, he serves as the college’s chief executive officer.

Following his presentation, Wrighton announced the donation of his honorarium to a scholarship fund for students to attend WU. Edward Jones’ John Beuerlein, the second scheduled speaker, was the talk of the school after his Leach Foundation address January 30.

“This event is of particular significance to Mexico, since the very first Edward Jones branch office opened in our community in the 1950s,” Giuseffi said. “Beuerlein also has significant experience in the areas of corporate leadership and global business, both of which are important to our cadets and our community.”

Beuerlein, a general partner for Edward Jones in St. Louis, shared his insights about business relationships with cadets, faculty and community

His grades improved and Schmitz became a star student.

“A year and a half ago, I would never have believed my life would go in this direction,” Schmitz said.

Following Schmitz’s testimonial, McGeorge again took the podium to introduce Gary Pinkel, Head Football Coach at the University of Missouri and the first-ever recipient of the Clifton B. Cates “I Will Hold” Award for Leadership. The award is named for alumnus General Clifton B. Cates of the Class of 1910.

Cates was an honor student and four-letter athlete. He led a distinguished military career, eventually becoming the 19th Commandant of the Marine Corps. He is best known for fighting Congress to save the U.S. Marine Corps from possible extinction in 1951, paving the way for the USMC’s growth and prosperity.

“We are proud to recognize Mr. Pinkel’s perseverance and determination as the leader of the Missouri Tigers football team. His achievements impact much more than the football program,” McGeorge said.

“They resonate in the success of MU, the central Missouri community of which we are a part, and in the minds of young people like the young men here at Missouri Military Academy.”

Pinkel began his address by speaking about his seven grandchildren.

He also praised Cates and his legacy as a Marine, comparing him to his father and brother-in-law, who both proudly served their country.

“I can’t tell you how honored I am,” Pinkel said.

He then transitioned to a discussion of his training at Kent State. He stressed the importance of integrity and a “no excuses” attitude, values instilled in him by his mentor Don James. He discussed the traits of a great leader: mental toughness, honesty, teamwork and family focus.

guests. Beuerlein earned an MBA from Washington University in 1977. He went on to earn a CFA from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts in 1981.

Following his speech, Beuerlein produced a briefcase full of money. He distributed a sealed envelope containing an unknown sum to each cadet — the amounts ranged from $10 to $500.

Beuerlein challenged MMA cadets to decide how much their honor was worth, urging them to donate the money back to the Academy without opening the envelopes.

“We have to be accountable to one another,” Pinkel said. He encouraged attendees to persevere, tackling every day and every hour with tenacity.

AUCTIONS & RAFFLES The live auction began with bidding on a Remington steel pistol, which went to 1SG Alan Hakes. Other raffles included a barbecue with CPT John Noel, a family Crucible, a green amethyst ring, a $500 cash raffle and a Google Nexus 7 tablet.

During dinner, attendees were invited to buy into the Halftime Heads or Tails game. Players stood and were instructed to put their hands either on their heads or their bottoms. A coin was flipped — those whose hand placement corresponded to the coin flip remained standing. Patricia Cardott, the last person standing, walked away with a $630 cash prize.

The final live auction item proved to be the most thrilling giveaway.

Hakes won an electric guitar signed by nine rock n’ roll legends. The crowd was amazed when he retrieved it and presented it to aspiring musician senior Chadwick Cardott.

The festivities concluded as Parents Committee Chairperson Linda Angel and Hakes received framed “Bravo Zulu” certificates for their contributions to the success of Maroon & Gold. The 2015 event will take place March 28 at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel.

LEFT: Linda Angel and her sons William and Robert Moore embrace at Maroon & Gold.

RIGHT: MMA President Charles McGeorge presents the Clifton B. Cates “I Will Hold” Award to MU head football coach Gary Pinkel.

PHOTOS BY ERIN CHAMBERS

The final speaker was Chief Justice Mary R. Russell of the Supreme Court of Missouri. She discussed topics including the death penalty, child custody cases, women’s issues and philanthropy.

“As you compete for the Duke of Edinburgh’s award, you are bettering yourself while working for the good of others,” she said.

Russell ended her speech by encouraging cadets to find a future career which they enjoy.

“I am very, very fortunate to do something I love,” she concluded. “I am trying to mentor and help many people — male and female — follow in my footsteps.”

It is an honor to lead a school with 125 years of history, where 15,000 young men and boys once spent their formative years and shaped their futures. On graduation day I watched as the officers in the class of 2014 plunged their sabers into the earth like generations of cadets did before them. History breeds tradition, and tradition is part of who we are at Missouri Military Academy.

Many of the traditions that you remember remain integral to our program — our system of leadership, annual events such as the flower pinning ceremony, and our daily emphasis on character, honor and self-discipline. These are the cornerstones of our Academy, and we use these traditions to build pride among young men as we mold them into leaders.

But while military schools on the whole haven’t changed much over decades, the society in which we operate has undergone great transformation. Consequently, the military school market becomes smaller every year.

To put this into perspective, in the 1950s, more than 400 military schools existed in the U.S. By the 70s, that number decreased to approximately 150. Today, 26 private military boarding schools remain, and 17 of those are all-boy academies.

Many of you remember a time when enrollment was close to 300 cadets, or maybe you were here when the number eclipsed 300. Today, like all of the other military schools across the U.S., Missouri Military Academy’s numbers are smaller than in prior years.

While most of this decline is caused by the overall contraction of the market, some of this is purposeful. Quality remains an important part of our enrollment process, and we maintain standards of discipline and character as we evaluate applicants. We strongly believe that this will only benefit MMA in the long run, since our reputation is our most valuable asset.

As we examine the marketplace around us, Missouri Military Academy is making strides to develop a character and leadership-based education that is relevant to the needs of today’s family. Many of you have noticed some evolution over the course of the past few years, including more emphasis on academics and educational technology. We continue to evolve today. You’ve read about our cadet leadership training, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and our weekly clubs, all of which were established to round out our 360˚ Education.

We are taking stock of the many untapped opportunities available to us as a military school.

Adventure training is one of them. You may recall heading out to back campus for campouts as part of the Army JROTC program, but today’s JROTC has shifted its focus and curriculum away from this type of activity. As a result, we decided to embark on these programs on our own, reinvesting in Cadet Life to conduct more of the adventure and survival-type activities that the our young men enjoy.

These measures are producing positive results, including a 63 percent reduction in attrition and significant

tuition, room & board fees expense per student total enrollment international population average financial aid award students receiving financial aid endowment (in millions)

improvements in our cadet satisfaction surveys.

These victories encourage us to continue to invest in Missouri Military Academy in order to attract and retain a new generation of students.

You can look forward to more innovations and announcements in the future, all with the ultimate goal to develop a program that will preserve this school for another 125 years.

Many of you have come forward and have given time, talent and treasure to support our efforts this year, and we are grateful to all of you.

Giving has increased since the previous year, and we met our Annual Fund goal! We can’t do this without your enthusiasm and your support.

I hope to see you at Missouri Military Academy’s 125th Anniversary Celebration in September 2015!

Leave a Legacy

The Heritage Club

Data based on figures from: MMA fiscal year 2013-2014; The National Association of Independent Schools Statistics Survey, boarding school figures; The Association of Military Colleges and Schools in the United States (AMSCUS).

The following are gifts which were made in honor of MMA community members.

In honor of Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Stribling III ’44

by R. Stribling Koster In honor of Michael B. Dalton ’58

by Mr. and Mrs. William T. Dalton

Lifetime Giving Societies Recognizing generous accumulated contributions to Missouri Military Academy

Order of the Regiment Remember Missouri Military Academy in your will or trust and you’ll make a gift that will last forever. If you have already made plans that include MMA, please contact us to receive your commemorative plaque.

Giving to Missouri Military Academy, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit, can have financial benefit to you and your family, even today. There are several planned giving options available, annuities and charitable remainder trusts.

Contact MMA for information or speak with your personal financial advisor.

Christine Smith, Interim Director of Development 573-581-1776 Ext. 326 christine.smith@missourimilitaryacademy.org

Les ’48 and Joanne Barnard Mr. and Mrs. John W. Fritsch ’49 Lester Gehm ’59 Memorial Trust Todd Hutchens ’74

William T. Kemper Foundation Dr. Joseph C. “Bo” Koster Hal ’35 and Donna Walker Richard A. White ’47

Legacy Society Commerce Bancshares Foundation David B. Hill III ’75 Glenn L. Hodson ’57 Estate Dr. & Mrs. Barry Merrill

George William Peak Family Trust D.A. Ruehlman ’32 Trust Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Stribling III ’44

1889 Society Milton and Marjorie Adler Robert C. Albright Jr. ’49 Dr. & Mrs. Olin Andrews Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Austin Fred & Tracy Belton Michael & Susan Bozarth Garnett & Caroline Carnahan The Chance Foundation Robert C. Crouse ’39 Davison Family

Miriam Arnold Edmonston Charitable Foundation Antonio Exsome Nahum Mr. & Mrs. E.B. Feutz ’41 Charles L. Foley ’53 Robert S. Gaiswinkler ’49 Rick Guth ’65 Mr. & Mrs. Gaylon Jackson ’61 Rene ’50 and Barbara Males John H. McHenry ’42

Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Nedblake ’77 Arthur & Mary Petty Gerri Pratt Dr. and Mrs. Theodore Saydyk Jr. Charles Schmidt ’65 Mr. & Mrs. Charles Selecman Marjorie Sundmacher Dorothy J. Trump Mr. & Mrs. Donald Vaughn ’54 Howard and Karen Wegman

In honor of Mr. Charles R. Stribling III ’44

by Mr. Mark B. Fine and Mrs. Louesa E. Runge Fine In honor of Glenn ’09 and Drew ’06 Petty

by Mary Petty In honor of John C. Mosby III ’49

by Linda Carlson In honor of Jennifer Epple Jerichow

by Dan and Cheri Erdel The following are gifts which were made in memory of Missouri Military Academy community members.

E.B. Feutz

by Donald R. Clark, Mr. & Mrs. Harold Crider, Douglas DeYoung, Dorothy Feutz, Mrs. Sheryl Feutz-Harter, John Gallaher, Paul Gomez, Mrs. Phyllis Hornbeck, Joseph Latas, Jake Miller, James Owens, Timothy Parshall, James Poor, Ms. Dorothy K. Watson and Mary J. Williams Kaj Carlson ’75

by Kris Carlson George Cline ’46

by Ron and Susan Kelly, LTC Paul & LaWanah Gillette, R. Stribling Koster, and Mr. & Mrs. Charles R. Stribling III ’44 Louis Fusz Sr.

by Alan Arbogast ’50 Andrew Hoock ’01

by Jeannette Malone Chad Gandy

by Jeff Kays ’84 Barbara Males

by Alan Arbogast ’50 Bradford McClellan ’55

by Claire Bradford Mike Porter ’71

by Raymond and Deborah Stotlar ’71 Bill Smith

by Cline Wood Agency, Inc.

Your generous gifts at work.

As we close the book on the past fiscal year and look to the year ahead, it is appropriate to reflect on where your donor dollars went and thank those alumni, patrons and friends who tirelessly give of their time, talent and treasure.

During the 2013-14 fiscal year we reached our fundraising goal and increased the Annual Fund dollars received by 20 percent. But, more importantly, our total number of donors increased by 24 percent and the number of first-time donors doubled, making it possible for us to help subsidize a wider range of cadet life initiatives and tuition support programs.

The initiation of the Named Annual Scholarship program was well received at Homecoming and the Class of 1963 was the first group to jump on board. A number of individuals have initiated three-year pledges to provide financial assistance to deserving cadets. If you’re looking for a fundraising project for your class, this is a great place to start.

Support for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program and campus clubs continues to grow.

The program combines the mastery of a skill with both a community service and physical fitness component. A wide range of options, including first aid, photography and precision drill are available with faculty and staff serving as sponsors. Needless to say, a variety of fundraising initiatives have helped with the purchase of mountain bikes for the Biking Club, and the acquisition of tents, backpacks and camping equipment for the Adventurous Journey portion of the program.

For those of you who missed the 2014 Maroon and Gold Gala, you missed our most successful event ever. We hosted the largest crowd on record and raised a record number of dollars. These funds are used to support all cadet life programming, including The Railsplitters, band and choir, and athletic teams, to name a few.

A new stairstepper and stationary bike have been added to the MMA Centennial Gymtorium

weight room, thanks to everyone who donated during the raise the paddle event at the 2014 Maroon & Gold fundraiser. In previous years, these funds have supported the one-to-one laptop program and provided for a new van and camping equipment.

We continue to raise needed dollars for the Missouri Military Academy Alumni Scholarship Fund through the sale of bricks on Senior Walk.

The Gold Dome Society initiative and the Class Gift Project provide budget relief which would not be possible without your belief in the mission of Missouri Military Academy.

Several new metal benches and trash cans have also been purchased for the campus community courtesy of the Class of 2014.

As you look ahead, mark your calendar for September 26-28. Join your fellow alumni, patrons and friends as we continue our 125th Anniversary Celebration at Homecoming 2014. We also hope to see you at next year’s 2015 Maroon & Gold on March 28, 2015!

Article by Terry Logue, Class of 1972 Alumni Relations/Annual Fund Manager

BOTTOM LEFT: Jose Estrada ’16 and Sebastian Diaz ’14 complete a 26-mile charity bike ride in September 2013. TOP MIDDLE: Rhonda Blaue and Amy Groves enjoy the new benches courtesy of the Class of 2014 on June 13. TOP RIGHT: Sophomore students David Lazcano and Omar Sanchez attend a Duke of Edinburgh’s Adventurous Journey campout March 28. TOP LEFT: New gym equipment is installed April 18.

The 125th Anniversary

Cannon Missouri Military Academy is refurbishing the Civil War cannon in celebration of our 125th anniversary year. As the legend goes, this cannon was gifted to the Academy by Ulysses S. Grant shortly after the school was founded. It was once mounted on display to commemorate our Diamond Jubilee but was removed from its crumbling monument during the construction of Stribling Hall in 2012.

The refurbished cannon will be remounted on a carriage to replicate its original look and displayed on a new monument on front campus. The cannon will be dedicated at the125th Anniversary Celebration during Homecoming 2014.

All donors who contribute $1,250 or more to the Academy from now until May 31, 2015 will have their names inscribed on a plaque. Donate $1,250 or contact your classmates and friends to raise the funds for a joint gift!!

The cannon in its most recent location. Crumbling brick and a new campus plan resulted in its removal in 2012.

Don’t miss the opportunity to have your name on this tribute to our first 125 years!

PLE D GE TODAY !

Name Address

Mail your completed form using the enclosed business reply envelope. Checks and credit cards accepted.

Class City

State

Zip

I pledge $________________ to Missouri Military Academy in honor of the 125th Anniversary.

This is part of a larger class/group gift. ___ Y ____ N Please specify the class or group: ___________________________ Pledges must be fulfilled by May 31, 2015 to be included on the cannon plaque. Missouri Military Academy is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit and contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

MISSOURI MILITARY ACADEMY HONOR ROLL OF DONORS MMA would like to thank the individuals who have generously supported the Academy in the current fiscal year.

This list reflects gifts received between June 1, 2013 and May 31, 2014.

General's Circle ($10,000-$24,999)

Richard Ayers Trust Allen P. & Josephine B. Green Foundation 1SG Alan Hakes R. Stribling Koster

President's Club ($5,000-$9,999)

Fred & Tracy Belton Mr. & Mrs. Russell Holman Arthur & Mary Petty Charles W. Schmidt '65 Richard A. White '47

Honor Company ($2,500-$4,999)

Thomas & Susan Bisanz Jose Bours '94 Dr. & Mrs. Randel Cardott Dana '69 & Nancy Dabney Clay "Tex" '56 & Charlene Dodson Munkhsuld Enkhbayar James & Diane Field Joseph Goble '69 Larry '74 & Christine Harrod Leach Charitable Foundation M+H Architects Mr. & Mrs. John M. Mertens Paul '85 & Veronica Petit Edward '85 & Genevieve Razim Craig Schmidt '63 Sika Corporation Solutions MEP Don '54 & Moira Vaughn

Colonel's Club ($1,200-$2,499)

Mr. & Mrs. Lance Broughton Ms. Theresa Chumacero The Class of 2014 Commerce Bancshares Foundation Commerce Bank of Kansas City Jim '72 & Kristen Edmonston Larry & Cheryl Feala Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Chuck '53 & Marilane Foley Rick Frahm '71 Mr. & Mrs. Bruce R. Geernaert Lt. Col. Paul '70 & Mrs. LaWanah Gillette CSGT Mike Harding Bill '72 & Jan Hedger Mr. & Mrs. Gregory L. Hendrix Ms. Mary Hull Mr. & Mrs. Shawn P. Jones Ron & Susan Kelly Lt. Col. Herman E. Kiefer III Kenneth K. Kinsey '59 Curt Kirtley '74 Terry '72 & Evelyn Logue Mr. & Ms. Francisco J. Lopez Arteaga Jeff '66 & Rebecca MacLellan Bob Manche '63 President & Mrs. Charles A. McGeorge Robert Moore & Linda Angel Chris '89 & Jeni Schafer Dennis & Kathleen Spaulding Raymond '71 & Deborah Stotlar Col. & Mrs. Charles R. Stribling III '44 Mr. & Mrs. Tom Teague

Saber Club ($500-$1,199)

Mr. Robert Andrews Aurora Gaming, INC. Mr. & Mrs. Edsel Baker Greg Barnard Law Firm PLLC Mr. & Mrs. Mark W. Beatty Boeing Company Mr. & Mrs. Vincent P. Burke Mrs. Linda Carlson Mrs. Caroline Carnahan Buff & Terri Chance Mrs. Sandra Cunningham Mr. & Mrs. Richard Davidson Dan Davis '71 Dean '78 & Patricia Davison George '68 & Patricia Davison Ms. Cynthia Dillon Direct Impaqt Mr. Alfonso E. Estrada Exxon Mobil Foundation Mrs. Dorothy Feutz Mr. Michael Forner Fresh Ideas John & Carol Gallaher Gallaher Insurance Group Dr. James & Mrs. Mary Gehring Mr. & Mrs. Rogelio Gonzalez Dr. & Mrs. Michael K. Gorman Kevin Gregory '73 Mr. & Mrs. Justin Hendee Richard Heriford '71 Tarleton '61 & Diane Hocker Lynn '57 & Sandra Sue Jenkins Ben Jones John '72 & Jennifer Josendale Mr. & Mrs. Richard Layne Felix '79 & Cristina Lazcano

Mr. & Mrs. Felix Lazcano Jim D. Loftis, P.C. Rene H. Males '50 Mr. & Mrs. Dave Masselink Frank & Mary Matthews MAJ & Mrs. Lawrence McClarey LTC Jim & Sherry Medley Joseph '55 & Jeanne Meinert Mr. Jose Mejia Estrada & Ms. Carlota Latofski Lemus Melody's Quality Jewelry MMA Alumni Association Mr. & Mrs. Michael Morand Mrs. Cheryl Morris CPT & Mrs. John Noel Dr. Zackwrie & Mrs. Regina Parr Mr. Gary Pinkel Kim '68 & Susan Pleggenkuhle Santiago Ramirez de Aguilar Mr. & Mrs. Richard Q. Ramsey Reinhardt Wilson Dr. Kamala Rose Philip '68 & Alice Russell Ms. Michele Ryan Greg and Christine Smith Mrs. Jeanna Stafford Gary '72 & Dee Stewart Summit Sportswear, Inc. Brig. Gen. Carl '62 & Mrs. Elizabeth Tegtmeier WO2 & Mrs. Richard Thornton Ben '75 & Martha Veldkamp Mr. & Mrs. Greg A. Warren Mr. & Mrs. Martin Weber John & Mary Wiegand Jerry L. Witts '63 Larry & Chu Woolery

Eagle Club ($150-$499)

Mr. & Mrs. David Adams Adrian Adriano '84 Mr. Gerald Allen Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Allmeroth Phillip '81 & Mary Andrews Alan O. Arbogast Mrs. Roberta Balser Ms. Lois Barawski Charles Barney '71 Mr. & Ms. Simon Barrera Phillip '63 & Judy Baum David '72 & Mary Bedford Dennis Bell '63 Mr. Steve Biggers Boone County National Bank Brockhaus Jewelry Ms. Cassandra Brooks Mr. & Mrs. James F. Buchanan Bucket Media The Honorable Robert E. Burch '65 Jose Carrillo Noreiga '14 Charity Fundraising Mrs. Karen D. Christmas William & Karen Christmas Bruce & Cathy Clark Stuart & Julie Clubb JosĂŠ Colloca '59 Community Foundation of Louisville Community Foundation of Tampa Bay Richard J. Cooper '82 Roy Curran '50 James Daar '63 Mike '85 & Bethe Davis Mrs. Sarah Dickherber Major and Mrs. Dennis Diederich Steve & Laura Erdel Eye To Eye Optometry Jason '88 & Barbara Falbo-Gwinn Seth Feala Bob and Helen Fenlon Mrs. Sheryl Feutz-Harter Col. Kathleen Fitzgerald SGM Robert '41 & Joan Forties Mike Foster '68 Trent W. Frohock Gerald A. Gamble Lawrence X. Garrett '57 Jerome & Gabriella Giuseffi Mr. Paul Gomez Dionisio Gonzalez De Castilla '92 Mr. Vidal Gonzalez Vazquez Morris Grabau '53 A.P. Green House Bed & Breakfast Thomas '76 & Elizabeth Griffith Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Grimes Mr. & Mrs. Mike Groves Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Guterman Richard '72 & Susan Hall Warren Hardy Dr. & Dr. James W. Harris Jim '70 & Marcy Headstream John Heimos '81 Todd Helm '80 Tristan Hendrix Mr. & Mrs. James Hilderman Richard E. Hindes '63 Lt. Col. Harry '65 & Mrs. Mary Hoyt John C. Hummel '63 N.T. Isaacs '42 1SG & Mrs. Randy Jacobson Hunter '85 & Melanie Jenkins Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Johnson Julia Rachler Memorial Fund/Comm.

Foundation of Tampa Bay Jeffrey R. Kays '84 Mr. William Keish Randall Kelly '89 Paul W. Kerr Jr. '48 Rupert Kiefer '99 John S. Kirwan Jr. '65 LTC Willis & Mrs. Susan Kleinsorge James & Nancy Knigge Babak '79 & Barbara Kusha KXEO-KWWR Radio Jerry Lehmann '72 Vince '77 & Julie Lindwedel Ms. Carol Lopez Mrs. Joyce Lowry Randy and Kelly Lueckenotte Chad Marotti '02 CPT & Mrs. Victor M. Marroquin Jeff '78 & Sherry Mattingly CPT & Mrs. Greg Maximovitch Mr. & Mrs. Michael K. McCormick Richard '52 & Helen Meinert MHC Public Accountants Mrs. Renee J. Miller Gorman Mizzou Athletics Department Mrs. Barbara Moe Jeff Moe '92 Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Moore CPT Keith Morgan Mr. & Mrs. Greg Morton Bruce & Nancy Oliver Mr. Nicholas O'Neil Mr. Gregory S. Paley Mr. & Mrs. Robert W. Peak Pearl Motor Company Ralph '52 & Mary Peck Dr. George Pelican '58 Chris A. Petersen '91 Lloyd '50 & Marilyn Peterson The Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program Larry '63 & Sue Pifer Pilcher Jewelry Co., Inc. Capt. and Mrs. Gene Potter Mr. & Mrs. Raymond J. Pratt Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Priester Mr. & Mrs. Gary Prinster Sergio Ramirez Miguel Regalado '82 Samantha Reuss Col. Dana & Maj. Peggy Reynard Mr. & Mrs. Eric Reynolds Edwin C. Ribback '55 Ms. Sandra K. Riutcel Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Rober Mr. Gabriel Rodriguez & Mrs. Claudia L. Mendoza Ramon '86 & Olga Rodriguez William Savitt '46 Marco Scherer '94 Lt. Col. Tim Scherrer Woody Schisler Schwab Charitable Fund Donald Scott '79 Miff Seabaugh '63 Lt. Col. Greg & Mrs. Mary Seibert Mr. Paul Seigfreid MAJ & Mrs. Mike Shoemaker Bill '60 & Penelope Sims Slumberland Furniture Jesus E. Soriano '82 Mr. & Mrs. Jim Spencer St. Louis Cardinals Mr. & Mrs. J. T. Stewart Mr. & Mrs. Keith Stumpe SGM Henry Suddarth Mr. & Mrs. Edward Sunder Sydenstricker Implement Co Mr. Carl W. Tega David Telford '65 Mr. Howard Y. Thomas '66 Larry & Lily Ting GYSGT & Mrs. Mark Tompkins Larry Webber Mr. David Wilkins Dr. & Mrs. David Wright Mr. Kyounghi Yi John C. C. Yuan

Maroon and Gold Club (Up to $149) Michael Allan '64 Mr. & Mrs. Larry Anthony Dave Arendes '65 Stephen '59 & Charlene Arnold Eric '65 & Arlene Aschinger William N. Baker Jr. Ron Baran '60 Dr. Dick Baran '56 Mr. & Mrs. Richard Baranski The Honorable & Mrs. Robert Barney Simon Barrera Mrs. Marilyn Bassett Roger Beckermann '60 Marcos & Elizabeth Benavides Michael Besemer '00 Ms. Jennifer Bioche George R. Bird '60 Sam '94 & Jamie Blair Mrs. Rhonda Blaue James Bowersox '90 Claire Bradford Sally Brigham

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Errors? Questions? Comments?

Please contact our development team at Advancement@MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org

Peter Lewis Dale Lewis '70 Ms. Liping Li Mr. & Mrs. Carlos V. Liriano Mr. Melton Lister (Kemper) Michael A. Lombardo '44 Ms. Angel Luby Mr. Paul Lunsford Judd '80 & Amy Lyons Mark Magnon '89 Ms. Jeannette Malone Mrs. Margaret Maple Mrs. Pamela Marshall Ms. Missy Martinette Ms. Michelle Martinez John '66 & Suzanne Matthews Helen Maupin Judy McConnell Thomas McCormack John McCullough '59 Richard McCullough '47 Tad '74 & Donna McDowell Dennis McNamara '53 Charles McNeil '68 Ms. Annette Meinheit Mr. and Mrs. Donald Mieger Sr. Donald '88 & Carolyn Mieger Jake Miller '08 Mr. & Mrs. John D. Miller Mr. & Mrs. Jake L. Miller Mitch Moffitt '82 Larry Mrazek '51 Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Nejdl Lorie Nigro '67 Ms. Sallie Nyhan Ms. Pam O'Keefe Ms. Miriam Olivares Mrs. Jesse O'Neal Mrs. Donna Orten Mr. Weston B. Outlaw Mr. & Mrs. Robert T. Owen Mr. James Owens Dr. Jeff Parker Mr. & Mrs. Timothy H. Parshall Ross Patterson '94 Mrs. Elena Pecile Manuel V. Pellicer '67 Major & Mrs. Mike Pemberton Mr. & Mrs. Graham A. Penniman III PepsiCo Foundation Glenn A. Petty '09 Mr. Blake Pinkel Col. Robert '67 & Mrs. Patricia Piper Mr. and Mrs. James Poor Mr. & Mrs. Henry Priester Elwray Pujol '53 Dr. Tom Quirk & Dr. Catherine Parke Russell Radant Hallock Reisel '60 Stephen '60 & Barbara Richards Mrs. Dorothy Rodes Sanders Roth '04 Mr. Kevin Roth LTC Ralph '71 & Mrs. Erline Saner Ms. Elenore Schewe Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey P. Schmitz Fred '57 & Sheila Schulman Mr. Doug Bryan D. Scott Dr. Mary Seay William & Jeanne Sellers Lynn '58 & Jackie Shaw John '48 & Barbara Shoeman Frank A. Sierra '58 Mr. Michael Sinon Mrs. Mary Smith Sheldon '60 & Honora Smith Leo D. Smith '48 Warren B. Smith '51 Ms. Roberta L. Snyder Mr. Robert C. Snyder Ms. Cynthia Solls Peter W. Stiles '48 Mr. & Mrs. Charles Stockdall Richard '72 & Patricia Stoddard Mr. Jeff Stone General Printing Services Dr. & Mrs. Timothy Sullivan Ms. Charmian R. Svensson Mr. & Mrs. Dean Sweet Steven & Linda Taylor Edwin Thanhouser '68 Tod Thompson '88 Martin S. Tidwell '31 Frank Timmons '88 Trattoria Branica Col. Guy Troy '40 Mr. Altantulga Tsogtsaikhan Steve Turner '64 Mrs. Suzanne Underwood Ms. Andrea H. Vollrath Mr. & Mrs. Doug Von Feldt Capt. & Mrs. James Ward Ms. Ruth A. Ward Ms. Dorothy J. Watson Mr. Jack Webber David Whitney '54 Mrs. Jane Williams Lewis & Kristi Wilson Lawrence '67 & Joyce Woltzen Mike '69 & Becky Wrenn Mrs. Lisa Wright LeAnn Wurl Forest A. Yule '94

A look at how physical education and competition develop self-confidence and self-esteem

FIRST SEMESTER MMA varsity wrestlers traveled to St. Louis on December 7 to kick off their season by taking part in the Principia Tournament against Principia, St. Clair, Hancock Place and Lift For Life Charter Academy. The Colonels placed 4th overall.

Michael Maddox ’17 went undefeated in the 220-pound weight class, taking first place.

Three cadets placed second: Alex Wilson ’15, Derek Ryan ’15 and Gerardo “Big G” Guerrero ’14. Guerrero made his wrestling debut with a brutal hip-toss and 16-second pin fall against his Hancock Place opponent. Sergio Rodriguez ’14 and Quentin Heasler ’16 both earned third place.

Next up for MMA was the Versailles Quads against Blair Oaks, Versailles and Hallsville on December 12.

“The Fighting Colonels faced their stiffest competition to date,” coach CPT Eric Reynolds said. “Despite placing fourth, several cadets had great individual achievements.”

Maddox remained undefeated at 7-0 after besting the No. 6-ranked wrestler in the state in just 35 seconds. Maddox won all three of his dual matches.

Ryan beat the No. 5-state placer from Versailles but eventually fell to the No. 3-state placer from Blair Oaks.

Jon Johnston ’14 made his season debut with a 2-1 start. Mohammad “Emran” Babak ’16 and Ethan Istas ’17 both earned their first career wins.

MMA hosted Fatima and Battle on their home turf in the Centennial Gymtorium on December 17. The second dual meet against the Battle Spartans proved to be a challenge for the Fighting Colonels, and MMA fell by a margin of 43-21.

I started playing baseball three years ago. It simply just looked like a lot of fun. It’s the most athletically challenging spring sport. MASON KUSSMAN '15 When I get into the zone, I no longer recognize that there is a crowd watching me. During my time playing baseball, I have played in front of crowds ranging from 20 people to upwards of one thousand. Normally I bat first or second, and as I make the long walk from the on-deck circle to the batter’s box, my nerves start to go crazy. As soon as I put my right foot into the box, everything disappears and it’s just me and the pitcher.

ADAM SCHMITZ '15 I started when I was in 7th grade. I threw a baseball one time and that feeling just caught me like magic.

YUNIL JEON '16 My older brother really inspired me to play. ... He was always playing catch with me and throwing at me and pitching to me a lot faster than other kids my age were being thrown to.

And I loved it and told him to go faster and faster.

STEVEN PRINSTER '15, pictured at left during baseball practice April 15. Photo by NOLAN BORGSMILLER '15

According to Reynolds, the best match of the night came as Babak trailed in the third period 10-12.

With three seconds to go, he earned two takedown points to tie the score.

Babak forced the contest into overtime ultimately won the match.

Maddox finished out the first half of the season with a 9-0 record.

“The biggest improvement of the night was Shady Abuelenien ’16, who went all three periods with his opponent from Fatima,” Reynolds said.

SECOND SEMESTER The Colonels started second semester with a district meet in St. Louis on January 16 against Clayton and Lift For Life Charter Academy.

MMA placed first, defeating Clayton by a score of 33-21 and Lift for Life Academy by a score of 42-6.

On February 7, wrestlers traveled to Winfield High School to face John Burroughs and Winfield. MMA came out on top against Burroughs 40-21, but fell short to Winfield 54-30.

Highlights of the night included sophomore Heasler’s pin over a senior opponent with a half-second to go in the final period to bring him to 10-6 on the season. Abuelenien also earned his first win of the season.

On February 10, the Fighting Colonels took on Eldon and Hallsville.

MMA fell short against Eldon but defeated Hallsville — victorious after suffering a loss to them a month earlier at the Versailles Tournament.

The Colonels finished out their season by competing in the Class 2 District Tournament at Mexico High School on February 15. The Colonels fought hard but came up just short of placing anyone at the state tournament.

Guerrero and Heasler placed fifth and were within one win of going to the state tournament. Maddox injured his rotator cuff and lost in the second round, finishing the season at 16-2.

“The season was a success despite the lack of qualifying,” Reynolds said. “Between having several cadets who never wrestled before, and competing in one of the most competitive districts in the state, the Colonels did very well.”

BELOW: Derek Ryan ’15 struggles with his opponent February 15. “I have been wrestling for seven years,” Ryan said. “I wrestle because it is a true test of strength. ... Wrestling is the most physically demanding sport there is, because it is six minutes of non-stop work. ...

When you win, you truly know that you are strong and better than the person that you just beat.”

PHOTO BY CHARLES NORMAN ’18

ABOVE: Student-athletes pose for a group photo on Colonels Field following the intramural rugby exhibition May 15.

SENIORS: Emilio Cueto, Timothy “TJ” Daniels, Shane Finney, Benjamin Jennison, Pedro Onieva, Benjamin Swiger.

JUNIORS: Donald Canard, Andrew Field, Joshua Paley, Derek Ryan. SOPHOMORES: Weitao Cong, David Lazcano, Camilo Reyna, Jason Russell. FRESHMEN: Peter Bernhardson. PHOTO BY FERNANDO GARCIA ’18

The Missouri Military Academy varsity tennis team proved victorious in its first match of the 2013-14 season, defeating Fulton in a 9-0 home shutout victory April 8.

"It was great to get the win," Head Coach MAJ Michael Pemberton said. "I thought we played well against a very young team from Fulton. I was pleased that everyone had a chance to play."

Cadets triumphed once again against Mexico High School in a 9-0 match on April 17.

"We came out ready to play and hit the ball well," Pemberton said.

"With the cool weather, we were able to make some adjustments and play efficient tennis."

In their third consecutive win, the Fighting Colonels beat out Kirksville High School in a home match 5-4 on April 21.

"This match could have gone either way," Pemberton said.

"Kirksville came out early and took control of the match. Fortunately, our top three singles players were able to fight back and secure the team victory."

Their winning streak came to an end, however, as MMA posted a 1-8 loss April 23 against Hannibal High School.

“This was a tough loss against a very good team from Hannibal,” Pemberton said. “I was proud that we played hard and never gave up.

We will continue to practice and learn from our mistakes.”

On April 30, student-athletes bounced back against Father Tolton Catholic High School, earning a 0-9 shutout victory at the Bethel Park Courts in nearby Columbia, MO. “After our loss to Hannibal, it was great to get the victory,” Pemberton said. “I thought we did a good job of controlling the tempo and playing our style of tennis.

Overall, I was very pleased with our effort and focus.”

Cadets next competed on their home turf May 2 against Moberly High — they earned their second

consecutive 0-9 shutout victory, closing out the season with a 7-1 record.

“This was a nice win to end our regular season,” Pemberton said.

“We will rest and prepare for district play.”

DISTRICT CONTEST Missouri Military Academy tennis players earned a home 5-0 shutout victory against Mexico High School in the district semi-final May 13.

“I was proud of the way we played.

We served the ball well and played good, aggressive tennis,” Pemberton said.

Students then went head-tohead against five opponents at the Individual District 7 Tournament at Fulton High School on May 17.

“MMA had a good showing,” Pemberton said. “In singles, cadets Kylel Gillam and Victor Marroquin did an outstanding job and advanced to the Individual Sectional Tournament. ... In doubles, cadets Antoine Bioche and Irvin Ramirez played well and finished in third place.”

SECTIONAL & STATE On Tuesday, May 20, Marroquin and Gillam faced the top two singles players from District 8 at the Individual Sectional Tournament at Marshall High School.

Marroquin fell to Adam Keith of Osage HS, but Gillam defeated Isaac Summers of Marshall (7-5, 6-2) and advanced to the state level.

“Kylel did a great job against a very good player from Marshall HS,” Pemberton said. “Battling very windy conditions, Kylel played a smart match and found a

The 2013 Colonels ended their season with an 8-4 record.

Returning players included seniors Marcelo Gomez, Fernando Lopez and Chadwick Cardott.

“We have several new players who are showing a lot of potential,” Head Coach 1SG Randal Jacobson said. “I think we can be competitive this year.”

The Missouri Military Academy golf team teed off against Tolton Catholic on April 7 at the Arthur Hills Golf Course, coming up behind with a team total of 164 to Tolton’s 196. Lopez boasted the second-highest total score, shooting a one over 37.

Lopez would finish with two birdies, making par on five holes.

Scores for the rest of the MMA team were Gomez (47) and sophomores William Smith (51), David Lazcano (61) and Emilio Elias (63). Junior varsity player Wade Lueckenotte ’15 finished with a score of 47.

“The outcome was not what I had hoped for, but it was a good first match,” Jacobson said. “It gives us some insight as to what we need to work on.”

Golfers faced off against Community R-6 and Wright City High School in a tri-match April 8. Cadets triumphed, beating both their opponents with a team score of 211. According to Jacobson, the top Academy golfer was Lopez.

The MMA squad joined eleven opposing high school golf teams at the Centralia Invitational on April 21, earning fourth place with a team score of 355. Lopez and Gomez both topped the MMA chart with scores of 84, followed by Cardott (93) and sophomores Jesus Gracia (94) and Lazcano (107).

The varsity golf team battled Community R-6 and Sturgeon on April 24 at Arthur Hills.

Lopez was named match medalist, finishing with a score of 41, while Gomez (43) and Cardott (48) also boasted low scores.

Four days later, the varsity Colonels were nearly drenched April 28 at a crosstown match verses the Mexico High School Bulldogs at Arthur Hills.

MMA fell 159-182. Lopez led the Colonels with a score of 42

YOUNG TRACK SQUAD GAINS INVALUABLE EXPERIENCE

way to win. Victor came up short against a very consistent player from Osage HS. This was a good learning experience.”

The MMA tennis season ended on May 31 as Gillam competed at the Individual State Tournament in Springfield, MO. “Kylel fought hard and never gave up. In his first match, Kylel faced a very good player from Greenwood HS. In both sets, Kylel served really well but had trouble reading the shots coming off his opponent's racket," Pemberton said. "His second match could have gone either way. Both players played well and put on a good show for the crowd. In the match tiebreaker, Kylel had a couple of chances to win but couldn't put his opponent away. Overall, this was a good learning experience for Kylel.

Only a junior, he will continue to improve and hopefully return to the tournament."

TOP: Brennan Morand ’16, Jonathan Grossl ’17 and Claudio Arias ’15 pose with the hopper March 6. BELOW: The 2013-14 tennis team group photo.

PHOTOS BY ERIN CHAMBERS

while Gomez shot a 43. Other notable performers included senior Edward Geernaert (44), Cardott (51) and Lazcano (53).

On the JV side, MMA fell to MHS 180-218. Gracia and Lueckenotte tied for the best score, both boasting 47.

Other JV highlights included performances by senior Austin Teague (60) and Elias (64).

The Fighting Colonels placed seventh of 10 teams in the MSHSAA Class 3, District 4 golf tournament with a team score of 371. Notable MMA performers included Geernaert (91), Gomez (92), Lueckenotte (107) and Cardott (115).

Lopez finished with a score of 81, advancing to the Missouri State Golf Championship, where he competed May 18-20.

“Golf is a great way to unwind and spend some time outdoors.

That is why I chose it as my spring sport,” Cardott said.

“Golf doesn’t only teach you how to hit a ball,” he said. “But also how to control your emotions when faced with adversity.”

The Missouri Military Academy high school track team kicked off its season April 10 at the 27th annual Missouri School for the Deaf Track and Field Invitational in Fulton.

“This year we have a small team of 14 boys,” head track coach MAJ Larry McClarey said. “We do have potential, as we have a few good athletes. My goal for the team is to have at least one state qualifier this year.”

The Colonels placed in the tenth spot among the 16 competitors.

MMA senior Jacob Priester took second in the discus with a distance of 106’02 and earned third in shot-put (40’06). Junior student-athlete Hugh Harris boasted sixth in the 200M dash (24.52) and third in the 300M hurdles (45.08). Dallas Lopez ’14 took fifth place in the 800M run with a time of 2:18.19.

In group competition, the 4x100M relay squad finished fourth (49.21). Team members were Harris, senior Joshua Pearson, junior Alexander Wilson and sophomore Tymon Dalton.

The Fighting Colonels battled seven opposing teams in the Harrisburg Invitational Track Meet on April 23, earning third place overall.

“The meet lasted longer than a typical meet and forced the boys to warm up more than normal,” McClarey said. “It was much-needed competition for the team.”

Notable performers included Priester, who finished first in shot-put with a score of 38’09 and first in discus with a personal record of 128’05.

Harris finished first in the 300M hurdles with a personal record score of 44.38. Harris also set a personal record in the 200M dash with a score of 24.32.

Highlights also included performances by Lopez, Wilson, Pearson and Tony Reed Vaughan ’15. Lopez came in first in the 800M run with a personal record time of 2:14.3. Wilson ran the 100M in 12.37 and set a personal record in the 200M dash by finishing in 25.12.

Pearson set a personal record by finishing the 100M in 12.27 — hot on his heels was Vaughan, who set a PR just moments later by finishing 12.52. The 4x100M relay team finished first with a score of 49.25. Team members were Pearson, Wilson, Harris and Dalton.

Cadets next faced off against ten area schools April 26 at the Ron Whittaker Bulldog Classic Invitational Track Meet.

Priester finished sixth in the discus (119’04) and eighth in shot-put (39’02).

Harris set a personal record by earning second in the 300M hurdle (42.52) and came in eighth in the 200M dash (24.11).

Lopez set a personal record and finished in fifth place in the 800M run (2:12.53).

The 4x100M relay team (cadets Harris, Pearson, Dalton and Wilson) finished eighth (48.89).

"This was a very large and competitive meet," McClarey said. "We improved in most of our events and even managed to place in a few. It is difficult to compete with large teams due to our small size."

Three days later, student-athletes competed in the Hermann Invitational Track Meet against teams from 13 neighboring schools.

Notable performers included Priester, who finished 7th in the discus (112’07) and 8th in shot-put (39’10.50). Harris finished 7th in the 300M hurdles (45.47) and came in 5th in the 200M dash (24.76). Lopez came in 5th in the 800M and set a personal record (2:11.39).

McClarey expressed pride in his team despite the fact that cadets finished last in group competition.

“This was a large competitive meet that was held in very cold and windy conditions,” McClarey said. “Priester, Harris and Lopez maintained their focus and did well in the face of great adversity. ... Dallas ran an incredibly gutsy race.”

Students next battled 17 opponents May 2 at the South Callaway Invitational Track Meet.

“This was our best meet so far this season,” McClarey said. “We earned medals in all of our events but one. We also established numerous personal records (PRs).”

Notable performers included Priester, who finished sixth in the discus (114’04.50) and third in shot-put (43’6 PR). Harris finished second in the 300M hurdles (41.97 PR) and came in fourth in the 200M dash (24.10). Dalton came in sixth in the 800M and set a PR (2:28.54). The 4x100M relay team of Pearson, Wilson, Dalton and Harris came in fourth and set a PR (47.31).

DISTRICT PLAY The MMA squad placed 16th out of 17 teams on May 17 at the Class 3, District 4 Track Meet at Mexico High School.

Highlights included Priester finishing seventh in shot-put (43ft) and Harris finishing second in the 300M hurdles (42.8).

Lopez came in seventh in the 800M and set a personal record (2:10.8). The 4x100M relay team of Pearson, Wilson, Dalton and Harris set a PR (47.15) and came in tenth.

Harris advanced to the sectional meet on May 24, finishing in fifth in 42.62.

ABOVE: Hugh Harris ’15 and Daniel Garcia ’14 run hurdles during high school track practice March 6.

PHOTO BY ERIN CHAMBERS

WE HAVE A HOCKEY TEAM HERE? senior cadet creates his own athletic option

I was the founder of the MMA hockey team. I wanted to bring something to the school that they haven’t had in the history of MMA. My goal for this season is to win as many games as possible and hopefully make it into the playoffs.

My favorite part about being on the hockey team is that I actually get to get out and skate again, just like I did before I came to MMA. The coolest thing I have learned is that I can pick the puck up and spin around while it is on my stick and throw it. Hockey teaches you teamwork. You cannot play a good game of hockey without the support of your teammates!

ABOVE: Senior hockey team members Fernando Estrada and Benjamin Swiger pose prior to the start of practice March 11.

PHOTO BY ERIN CHAMBERS TEXT BY BENJAMIN SWIGER

An overview of the world-class education which prepares our cadets for the nation’s finest universities

Cadets shoot off their rockets during LT Marcos Benavides’ class May 7. PHOTOS BY JONATHAN RICHARDSON ’15, RODRIGO PADILLA ’15, ANTOINE BIOCHE ’15 AND CONNER O’NEAL ’20

“This was a fun and interesting lab. Just to build my rocket, I took 16 difficult steps. ... With this project I learned about the physics of gases; Newton’s Laws of motion; and how to use my creative engineering skills.” SIMON BARRERA ’15

The water bottle rocket project dealt with the Ideal Gas Law. This law [involves] a hypothetical gas whose molecules occupy negligible space and have no interactions. ... The gas laws include Boyle's, Charles' and Gay-Lussac's laws, in which three variables are studied and calculated: temperature, volume and pressure.

To build the rocket we used 2L soda bottles. We were supposed to put between three and six cardboard wings on a bottle, and on the top of it, a kind of weight to balance the weight of the wings on the back.

The objective of the project was to calculate the ideal volume of water and air pressure that would be used depending on the outside temperature. ... The release of pressure in the bottle will launch the rocket.

Paz, Rodriguez and I decided to do something different that would be better than the others’ work, so we decided to make a three-bottle rocket. Cadets had done some two-bottle rockets but never three.

It was hard to think about which bottles to use and how to balance the weight on it but we finally decided to use two 2L bottles and a 1.5L that was used as the ... payload.

We put a tennis ball on the nose cone (1.5L bottle) to balance the weight of the six cardboard wings, three on each 2L bottle. We finally went to the field, used 2L of water and 102 psi to break the school record of launching a water rocket the farthest, reaching the creek on back campus.

Text courtesy of: BATTALION COMMANDER ROEL RODRIGUEZ VALDEZ '14

“It was the best science project I have done at MMA. We had fun while doing it while we applied what we learned in the classroom.” ROEL RODRIGUEZ '14 The Ideal Gas Law Unit is one of the The idea is to make the rocket light, last subjects I cover in the school year but heavy enough to fly straight like and is usually reached in late April to an arrow. They have to figure out how early May. I use the “rocket lab” for a much water to add, since that is what hands-on activity. The idea came from provides thrust. The rest of the bottle a video I saw years ago that showed a holds air that is pressurized so that competition among students [about] it can push the water out for thrust. who could make the furthest-traveling Adding more water gives you a longer rocket. I decided to try to make a safer thrust, but at the same time takes space launching method than I saw on the that could be used for air. You can add video and then it kind of led to the more air pressure to compensate, but hobby of mine that it is today. then the bottle is in danger of bursting.

It's a fine line.

The point of the project is to determine the moles of air students are Once they know what amounts of using in their rocket for each launch. water and air pressure they are using The mole, a unit used in science for (based on their calculations), they can counting really small particles, can later determine the number of moles be determined by using the Ideal Gas of air actually used during the flight.

Law equation PV=nRT. I often tell This year’s target was the creek next my students that chemistry is really to Colonels Field — over 130 meters a math class, so I have to make labs away. Only three rockets made it to and activities like these to make it a the area. Chadwick Cardott and Yunil little more fun than just solving math Jeon's rocket made it to the trees at the problems. creek's edge, as did Roy Grabowski's There are many steps that have to rocket. Roel Rodriguez, Gabriel Rodribe accomplished in order to make a guez and Felix Paz had the only rocket good rocket. The nose of the rocket that cleared the trees and landed in the must be streamlined and heaver than creek. Most students like the activity. the tail. The tail needs to have three or It turns into a competition. Whose more fins for stabilization. The rocket rocket is the best? They can have bragmust not contain objects that could be ging rights! dangerous if it explodes — it is a cheap Article courtesy of: plastic bottle, after all!

LT MARCOS BENAVIDES

ENGLISH Cadets in LT Jack Hill’s English IV classes were asked to find something of beauty and write about nature February 6.

As a part of Hill’s creative nonfiction unit, cadets read “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer.

Cadets then wrote 2-3 page firstperson nature essays describing their relationships with specific places and environmental elements, connecting their personal beliefs to writers including Thoreau and Emerson.

Assignment prompts included the following questions: “Think about your vision of nature. Can you articulate this? Does the view draw you in or bring you a special kind of contentment? What would your metaphor be of the humannature interaction?”

Students shopped at the Scholastic Book Fair the week of February 10.

The following week, students enrolled in LT Samantha Reuss’ English III classes read original free verse poems aloud in front of their classmates. For homework, cadets annotated classic poems including “To My Dear and Loving Husband” and “Verses Upon the Burning of Our House” by Anne Bradstreet.

SCIENCE & BAND Middle school cadets in LTC Willis Kleinsorge’s science classes conducted an experiment February 25. Students studied the densities of liquids including food coloring, corn syrup, glycerin, water, mineral oil and rubbing alcohol.

Pianists practiced their skills in the band room February 26.

Junior cadet Felix Paz played “Carol of the Bells” and junior musician Jiahao Wu practiced “Dwelling Narrowness.”

Meanwhile, sixth graders Nicholas Sarnelli and Conner O’Neal dissected raw chickens in Kleinsorge’s class. MAJ Mike Pemberton’s Biology I Honors cadets also performed virtual dissections of a frog via SmartBoard projector.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE On February 13, LT Annette Meinheit’s third hour ESL cadets were asked to complete a petroglyph project. Students were instructed to write a story using no words, only pictures.

In March, Meinheit’s ESL III students in second and seventh periods began reading the young adult science fiction novel “Divergent” by Veronica Roth. Cadets took an “aptitude test” in class March 6 to determine their “faction” according to the plot.

“They have been divided into factions based on aptitude test scores: Dauntless (the brave); Erudite (the intelligent); Candor (the honest); Amity (the peaceful); and Abnegation (the selfless). Cadets created faction signs in class,” Meinheit said. “They will later construct physical borders to separate the faction members.”

“They were very excited about the prospect of having to choose something that would ‘affect the rest of their lives’ while reading the book,” Meinheit said. “We created borders for each faction and used the Koster Media Center so those borders could be visible and tangible. While in class, they also had to wear something indicative of their faction’s color(s). They really dove headfirst into the book.”

STATISTICS MAJ Edsel Baker’s sixth period Statistics class launched Barbie dolls from the top floor of Barnard Hall on March 11.

“The students, in groups of about four, recorded several falls (bungee jumps) of Barbie using lined rubber bands as the bungee. After they had recorded several jumps, they modeled the data using lines of best and then by using the data in a regression analysis,” Baker said. “They had to predict how many rubber [bands] to use to safely ... allow Barbie to bungee jump from a predetermined height using their model.”

BOTTOM: Sixth grader Nicholas Sarnelli dissects a raw chicken during middle school science class February 26.

TOP: Student-journalists Andres Gonzalez ’18, Sebastian Corona ’19 and Rodrigo Padilla ’15 browse the Scholastic Book Fair during second period on February 12. PHOTOS BY LTC WILLIS KLEINSORGE AND ERIN CHAMBERS

The Missouri Military Academy Future Business Leaders of America chapter kicked off its sixth year October 6 with an officer installation ceremony in the chapel. Club leaders and seniors Vice President Fernando Estrada and President Jack Solls were formally sworn in as they lit candles and led FBLA members in a club pledge.

FBLA sign-ups closed in late November. Cadets then turned their attention to competitions. A few weeks later, members began signing up and studying for contests.

Online testing took place in early January, followed by a club trip to compete at the District Leadership Conference on February 14 in Moberly at the MACC campus.

On March 10, FBLA state contenders took their online tests in adviser MAJ Peggy Reynard’s room. That same day, eligible formally “I wanted to join cadets received their FBLA because medals and certificates business has district acalways interested for complishments. me — and the A handful of cadets then joined skills it teaches 4,000 fellow you will come FBLA members to compete at in handy in the the State Leaderfuture if you ship Conference in mid-April in keep pursuing a Misbusiness dream. Columbia, souri.

I highly “The FBLA recommend FBLA state team has because it teaches returned with great results,” you things that Reynard said.

“The Global will be helpful Business team in some high won fourth school/college place at the State Leadership courses, such as Conference. economics.”

Kane Anderson also placed tenth TRISTAN in Business Procedures.”

HENDRIX ’16

DISTRICT COMPETITION 1ST PLACE: Kane Anderson in Business Procedures; Brennan Marshall and Luis Velez in Entrepreneurship.

DISTRICT COMPETITION 2ND PLACE: Jose Garcia, Jose Bours and Sebastian Diaz in Hospitality Management; Luis Velez, Fernando Estrada and Victor Gomez in Management Decision Making; Kane Anderson and Victor Gomez in Global Business.

DISTRICT COMPETITION 3RD PLACE: Javier Ibanez in Accounting II; Brennan Marshall, Jack Solls and Jose Estrada in Business Ethics; Tristan Hendrix in Computer Applications; Javier Ibanez, Gerardo Guerrero and Pedro Onieva in Marketing.

“I like DISTRICT everything COMPETITION that has to do 4TH PLACE: Parker Bridge in Future Busiwith business, ness Leader; Carlos and since I like Nieves in Economics. agriculture, DISTRICT COMPETITION 5TH I joined PLACE: Fernando Esagribusiness. ... trada and Jose Estrada You get to get in Emerging Business Issues; Kane Anderson recognized and in Impromptu Speakbe in important ing; Roger Gonzalez in Public Speaking; tournaments.”

Munkhbold Batmunkh in Web Site JOSE MEJIA ’16 Design; Shane Finney in Business Law and Economics.

According to Reynard, FBLA is the winningest student organization on campus. For the fourth year in a row, cadets will advance to national-level competition. Successful state competitors and juniors Victor Gomez and Kane Anderson will advanced to the 2014 National Leadership Conference in July in Nashville, Tennessee.

BELOW: Seniors and Future Business Leaders of America members Javier Ibanez, Gerardo “Big G” Guerrero and Pedro Onieva receive their district competition certificates February 14. PHOTO BY ERIN CHAMBERS

Cadets competed against 18 other schools at the seventh annual Foreign Language Film Festival at the University of Central Missouri on April 11. Participants included sixth to twelfth grade students studying Chinese, French, Spanish and German.

Videos were required to be 5-10 minutes and include English subtitles. Competitors uploaded their submissions to YouTube for judging in early March.

Attendees included students enrolled in LT Annette Meinheit’s Spoken Language class, LT Andrea Vollrath’s Spanish II classes and LT Jackie Li’s Chinese classes. Festival participants spent the day viewing films and attending workshops on topics including short movies, directing, acting, low budget films, screenwriting and cinematography.

According to Li, eleven cadets enrolled in her Chinese I, II and III classes completed a short film called “The Day After Winter” in late March “after many days and long hours of hard work.” Cadet contributors included: eighth graders Fernando Garcia, Vidal Gonzalez and Eric Juarez; freshmen Sean Fitzgerald and Charles Eckardt; sophomores Yunil Jeon and Brennan Morand; juniors D’Cherion Owens and Gavin Hendee; and senior Chadwick Cardott.

The film earned the Best Use of Language and Best Social Justice Film awards in the intermediate category. The Day After Winter also earned second place awards for Best Intermediate Level Film and Best Social Justice Film overall. Cardott earned second place in the Best Actor in a Chinese Film category.

The festival judges were positive, complimenting cadets’ acting, script and cinematography. One critic praised students for creating a “very moving story that had me gripped til the end.” “All of the lines of Chinese were said clearly,” another judge wrote. “The language aspects of the film were very well done.”

Li took the stage at the all-school assembly on April 21 to congratulate young filmmakers. Vollrath also recognized students involved in the production of the Spanish film “Peligro en el Bosque” including Hunter Bush, Derek Ryan, Brandon Guterman, Michael Hilt and Hugh Harris.

The film, which translates to “Danger in the

Forest,” won third place for Best Mystery Film in the Basic Level category.

THE MAKING OF "THE DAY AFTER WINTER" Jeon, who starred in and directed the 2014 entry, was named Best Actor in the Chinese Film category at the 2013 event.

In late April 2014, he was named Rookie of the Year at the William Woods University’s First Flight Film Festival. He was also one of only four cadets awarded the Foreign Language bar for the 2012-13 school year.

“I was [the] main director, story writer and one of the main characters,” Jeon said.

“I am very excited.”

In the film, Jeon contracts a highly contagious, fatal disease when he wanders into the Centennial Gymtorium basement. He sees a group of mad scientists operating on an innocent victim.

“I was a doctor — the head doctor/operator in the lab,” Morand said.

According to Morand, the project took more than two months to complete.

“While the Chinese III class assumed the major responsibilities, the Chinese I and II classes also played an important supporting role in it,” Li said.

Morand and Jeon handled the camera work while Jeon, Cardott and Owens wrote the script, added English subtitles and edited the raw video.

Morand said the hardest part of the project was “getting everyone together to shoot the film and get it edited and done on time. We had to work around drills and educational tours and band trips.”

In the film, Jeon grows critically ill after he leaves the lab. His best friends, played by Owens and Cardott, wrestle with whether or not to mercifully euthanize their brother.

“It’s about love between brothers,” Jeon said. “It’s because that’s what this school taught us.”

ABOVE: Foreign Language instructor LT Jackie Li poses with her Chinese students Brennan Morand, D’Cherion Owens, Chadwick Cardott and Yunil Jeon on April 11 at the UCM Foreign Language Film Festival.

Students honored for achievements in journalism and mathematics

Academic Dean LTC Frank Giuseffi received his doctorate on April 18 from Lindenwood University. Giuseffi’s dissertation is entitled “The Investigation of the Influence of the Socratic Method on Leadership Skills among JROTC Cadet Leaders at a Military Boarding School.” Giuseffi recently completed his 15th year with MMA. “This is a wonderful accomplishment by a member of [the] staff who has worked hard to continue his education and, in so doing, brings needed expertise and credentials to our faculty,” Academy President Charles McGeorge said.

Giuseffi encouraged the increased use of Socratic Seminars throughout the spring and fall semesters at Missouri Military Academy.

The Socratic Method promotes dialogue between professor and pupil as opposed to the standard lecture followed by note-taking technique.

“It helped to learn about the different philosophers,” junior cadet Jonathan Richardson said.

“You learn more with a Socratic Seminars than with lectures, because with lectures you don’t get to say your opinion.”

Richardson was enrolled in Giuseffi’s fifth period Western Intellectual Philosophy class in the spring 2014 semester.

“We got our own opinions out there,” he said.

Giuseffi’s work with the Socratic Method also involved a professional development seminar.

Two dozen faculty and staff members spent January 21 learning about the Socratic Method from Socratic Seminars International’s Northeast Regional Presenter Lynne Laffie. Giuseffi said a discussion is not necessarily a Socratic Seminar — he was thrilled to learn the “tricks of the trade” and study the nuances of the Socratic Method which are not intuitive to instructors. The seminar was made possible by a gift from MMA parents Shannon and Mitch Mertens.

“When you are debating, you are arguing your position,” he said. “In a dialogue, you are open. In a learning environment, debate can be stifling.”

ABOVE: Giuseffi has a discussion with several cadets November 11, 2012.

At a community meeting on April 21, Publications Coordinator Erin Chambers presented certificates of achievement and journalism bars to eleven studentjournalists: Simon Barrera, Antoine Bioche, Sebastian Corona, Maverick Jones, Jonathan Kirkland, Kyle Mertens, Junior Miller, William Moore, Charles Norman, Jonathan Richardson and Donald Williams. During the Fall Family Weekend Festival of the Arts, Moore received the Pearl Green Whitney Memorial Award while Barrera received the Lyle C. Wilson Memorial Award.

Student-journalists were honored for their outstanding academic achievement and conduct as part of the cadet team which published the two most-recent Eagle student newspapers and the 59th volume of the Taps yearbook. Cadets produced photographic and written content chronicling the 2013-14 school year in the lives of the 125th Corps of Cadets.

For outstanding academic achievement during the second semester of the 2013-14 school year, the following cadets were awarded the Math Bar on April 23: Santiago Ramirez (7th grade); Charles Norman (8th grade); Gregory Prinster (Algebra I); Dasheng Sun (Geometry); Jiahao Wu (Algebra II); Jose Carrillo (Statistics); Mohammad Babak (Pre-Calculus); Xinshuai Hu (College Algebra); Jack Solls (AP Calculus AB); Jacob Priester (AP Calculus BC); Kylel Gillam (AP Statistics).

SAVE THE DATE

125

th Anniversary Celebration

Homecoming Weekend September 26-28, 2014 Featuring a host of events for alumni, parents and friends of MMA....Review....Tailgate Party...

Golf Outing...Awards Convocation...Evening Entertainment....plus special events to commemorate the 125th Anniversary! Watch your mailbox and www.missourimilitaryacademy.org for the schedule and registration information.

Hotel Reservations: We recommend reserving a room now to secure a place to stay. The following hotels are located in or near Mexico: MEXICO Country Hearth Inn (573) 582-0055 Days Inn (573) 581-1860 Best Western (573) 582-0700 La Paz B&B (573) 581-2011 A.P. Green B&B (573) 567-2223

Darlene’s B&B (573) 581-6419 FULTON Country Hearth Inn (573) 642-0077 Holiday Inn Express (573) 642-2600

KINGDOM CITY Comfort Inn (573) 642-7745 Days Inn (573) 642-0050 Super 8 (573) 642-2888

www.missourimilitaryacademy.org/homecoming