Missouri Military Academy’s 136th Graduating Class Celebrates Commencement
Class of 2025 Earns Over $15 Million in College Scholarships and Achieves 100% College Acceptance
MEXICO, MO — The 136th Missouri Military Academy (MMA) Corps of Cadets gathered to celebrate commencement on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 10 a.m. in MMA’s Centennial Gymtorium. The Class of 2025 represents a diverse group of young men from 13 U.S. states and 9 different countries.
This year’s graduating class of 49 seniors has earned more than $15 million in college scholarships and achieved a 100% college acceptance rate. Cadets will go on to attend prestigious institutions including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School, New York University Shanghai, Rutgers University, Hult International Business School, Norwich University, Loyola University New Orleans, DePaul University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Arizona State University and Texas A&M University.
Several cadets were honored for their exceptional achievements during commencement. Band Company earned the prestigious Honor Company Award for the 2024-25 academic year.
Echo Company, under the leadership of Company Commander Cadet Duane Thompson ’26 (Troy, Missouri), received both the Highest Disciplinary Standing Award and the Thomas R. Wiles Company Spirit Award.
Charlie Company, led by Company Commander Cadet Alexander Pro ’25 (Saint Charles, Missouri), was recognized with the Highest Athletic Standing Award.
The M-Club Company Award, presented to the company with the most cadets lettering in two sports, was awarded to Bravo Company and accepted by Company Commander Cadet River Punab-Mitchell ’26 (Hollister, Missouri).
Individual academic honors went to Cadet Mason Brooks ’25 (Henrietta, Texas), who was named Class of 2025 valedictorian, and Cadet Kruze Hagan ’25 (Kirksville, Missouri), who earned the title of salutatorian.
The Dick Abbott, Bob Albright Class of 1949 Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, voted on by the faculty, was presented to Danielle DeTienne as the outstanding teacher for the 2024–2025 school year.
Serving as the commencement keynote speaker was George F. Davison, MMA Class of 1968. Davison attended MMA for eight years and was a four-year member of Delta Phi. He graduated as a cadet captain and band commander and was honored as the Most Versatile Cadet of his class. After MMA, he earned degrees in journalism and law from Drake University, worked in radio and higher education, and has been a member of the Iowa Bar since 1980. Davison has also given more than two decades of service on MMA’s Board of Visitors and Board of Trustees.
In his address, Davison reminded cadets of the values that will guide them throughout life:
“Faith, family and fortitude provide a firm foundation for your MMA cadet experience,” Davison said. “Faith, family and fortitude will help you move forward with your life. As you meet the challenges and adventures which await you, remember the lessons you have learned here at MMA. Greet the challenges and adventures with great anticipation.”
Keeping with tradition, the corps of cadets held their final formation on MMA’s front campus following the ceremony.
