Missouri Military Academy Commencement Program 2026

137th Corps of Cadets

20 CLASSOF26

Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, May 16, 2026 10 a.m.

Centennial Gymtorium

MMA Board of Trustees

R. Stribling Koster, chair

L.W. “Kwakou” Casselle ’93

L.W. "Kwakou" Casselle '93

Dean Davison ’78

Dean Davison '78

Robert English

Dan Erdel

Chris Gentry '88

Chris Gentry ’88

James Hallam, KMS '88

James Hallam, KMS ’88

Andres Hoffman '89

Andres Hoffman ’89

BG Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret)

Ann Koster Antoniou

Jeff MacLellan '66

Jeff MacLellan ’66

Jim Obenshain '86

Jim Obenshain ’86

Mary Patrick Seigfreid

Dr. Victoria Snider Thompson

Commencement Program

Processional, Marche Militaire (Franz Schubert) ..... MMA Band, Band Director Brad Smith, Mace Bearer MAJ Peggy Reynard (MMA), followed by Class of 2026

Keynote Speaker Dean Davison '78

Keynote Speaker Dean Davison ’78

Dean Davison spent seven years as an MMA cadet, arriving in 1971 as a sixth-grader from his hometown of Mercer, Missouri. Davison rose to the rank of battalion commander his senior year and graduated as valedictorian of the class of '78.

Dean Davison spent seven years as an MMA cadet, arriving in 1971 as a sixth-grader from his hometown of Mercer, Missouri. Davison rose to the rank of battalion commander his senior year and graduated as valedictorian of the class of ʼ78.

He served as Fusileer commander and also played football, basketball and ran track. He earned the Academy's highest award, induction into the Legion of Honor.

He served as Fusileer commander and also played football, basketball and ran track. He earned the Academy’s highest award, induction into the Legion of Honor.

Davison attended the University of Missouri, earning bachelor's degrees in journalism and economics. He began his journalism career as a news reporter at WBAY-TV in Green Bay, Wisconsin, then worked as a producer and editor for television station KCTV5 in Kansas City. In 1989 he moved into strategic communications, working in executive positions with Barkley & Evergreen, GE Insurance Solutions and Lockton Companies before opening his own firm in 2018.

Davison attended the University of Missouri, earning bachelor’s degrees in journalism and economics. He began his journalism career as a news reporter at WBAY-TV in Green Bay, Wisconsin, then worked as a producer and editor for television station KCTV5 in Kansas City. In 1989 he moved into strategic communications, working in executive positions with Barkley & Evergreen, GE Insurance Solutions and Lockton Companies before opening his own firm in 2018.

At Davison Strategic Communication, he offers expert advice to companies on branding, culture, messaging, storytelling and crisis management. He has been honored as Kansas City's Public Relations Professional of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America.

At Davison Strategic Communication, he offers expert advice to companies on branding, culture, messaging, storytelling and crisis management. He has been honored as Kansas City’s Public Relations Professional of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America.

As an alumnus, Davison has served on MMA's Board of Visitors and was president of the MMA Alumni Association. In 2016, he joined the MMA Board of Trustees. The Academy is a family affair for the Davisons: brother George Davison, a 1968 graduate, is an MMA faculty member who teaches business law, journalism and public speaking; great-nephews Sean and Eli Mumm are current cadets.

As an alumnus, Davison has served on MMA’s Board of Visitors and was president of the MMA Alumni Association. In 2016, he joined the MMA Board of Trustees. The Academy is a family affair for the Davisons: brother George Davison, a 1968 graduate, is an MMA faculty member who teaches business law, journalism and public speaking; great-nephews Sean and Eli Mumm are current cadets.

The Class of 2026

Valedictorian: Clayton Reich Salutatorian: Nguyen Ho and River Punab-Mitchell

Class President: Duane Thompson

Ian Arredondo*

Fair Oaks, Texas

International Study Institute

Fapanese Language School

Japanese Language School

Aaden Starkey Bado*

Aaden Starkey Bado*†

Warr Acres, Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma

Todbileg Boldbaatar

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Centennial College

Erick Lee Bond

Houston, Texas

Erick Lee Bond† Houston, Texas

Texas A&M University

Benjamin Evan Bryant

St. Louis, Missouri

Greenville University

Benjamin Evan Bryant St. Louis, Missouri Greenville University

Mark Lawrence Corley

Kansas City, Missouri

United States Marine Corps

Quang Huy Hoang Dang*

Tan An, Viet Nam

Seattle Pacific University

Ryan James Derstein Trophy Club, Texas

Alexandria Technical and Community College

Hai Quang Dinh*

Da Nang, Viet Nam Dallas College

Da Nang, Viet Nam

Gustavo Granados Zaragoza Chihuahua, México

St Clare's, Oxford

St Clare’s, Oxford

Nguyen Minh Duc Ho*

Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam North Park University

Alejandro Issa Munoz Torreon, México Universidad Iberoamericana (applying for spring 2026)

Glauco Kiyoshi Iwakami Holambra, Brazil

Undecided (accepted to Miami Dade College and South Florida College)

Lukas Walker Joiner Sullivan, Missouri

St. Louis Fire Academy

Alexander Vincent Jones* Kirkwood, Missouri Norwich University

Alexander Vincent Jones* Kirkwood, Missouri

Norwich University

Nicholas Sergei Kavalenka*/ Boca Raton, Florida

University of Colorado Boulder

Nicholas Sergei Kavalenka*† Boca Raton, Florida University Colorado Boulder

Deonte Royal Kerns* Lincoln, Nebraska

Norwich University

Deonte Royal Kerns* Lincoln, Nebraska Norwich University

Dallas College Hung Gia Ly* Cantho, Viet Nam

Hung Gia Ly* Cantho, Viet Nam

Mateo Eaton Villarreal†

Mateo Eaton Villarreal

San Pedro Garza García, México Arizona State University

San Pedro Garza García, México

Arizona State University

Orgil Enkhmend

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

University of Melbourne, Australia

Trevor Jay Garrison

Hemphill, Texas

United States Army

Ulis Lynn Gordon Jr.*†

Ulis Lynn Gordon Jr.*/

Independence, Missouri

Truman State University

Pima Community College

Raymond Barnett McDonald

Raymond Barnett McDonald Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas

Emergency Medical Technician

Bryce Fischer McIlwain Hampstead, North Carolina

Illinois State University

Phuc Hoang Bao Ngo*

Go Vap, Viet Nam

Houston City College

Emilio Veinticuatro Perez Ojeda*

Martinez De La Torre, México

Martinez De La Torre, México Arizona State University

Arizona State University

River Jaxon Punab-Mitchell* Hollister, Missouri

River Faxon Punab-Mitchell* Hollister, Missouri

Liberty University

Mason Matthew Quarles

Parkville, Missouri

Missouri Southern State University

Clayton Cooper Reich*† Phoenix, Arizona

Clayton Cooper Reich* Phoenix, Arizona

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Luis Manuel Rey Romo† México City, México Universidad Panamericana

Luis Manuel Rey Romo México City, México Universidad Panamericana

Rubén Emilio Reyes Pérez Estado de México, México Universidad Panamericana

Dominic Isaac Roberts Sullivan, Missouri Dark Horse Institute

Jesus Michael Robinson Schiller Park, Illinois Triton College

Beckett Bridgman Sears

Beckett Bridgman Sears Southlake, Texas

Southlake, Texas

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Jeremiah James Senty* Rogers, Arkansas

United States Air Force

Lijie Shan Beijing, China

Chinese Air Force

Lijie Shan Beijing, China Chinese Air Force

Janos Shelemba

Brooklyn, New York

New York Institute of Technology

Robert Raymond Shepard* Clovis, New Mexico

United States Army

Christopher Song*

Southlake, Texas

Purdue University

Kaden David Sparrow*

Steelville, Illinois

Southern Illinois University

Jacob Alexander Stallone Lima, Ohio

Centre International d'Etudes Francaises

Centre International d’Etudes Francaises

Huu Khang Thai*

Нии Khang Thai*

Nghe An, Viet Nam

Rochester Institute of Technology

Nghe An, Viet Nam Rochester Institute of Technology

Duane Lee Thompson* Troy, Missouri

Southeast Missouri State University

Duane Lee Thompson* Troy, Missouri Southeast Missouri State University

Ho Khoa Tran*

Da Nang, Viet Nam

Ho Khoa Tran*† Da Nang, Viet Nam

VietnameseYoungScholarsSociety

Vietnamese Young Scholars Society

John Matthew Trippe* Cleveland, Tennessee

John Matthew Trippe*† Cleveland, Tennessee

U.S. Military Academy Prepatory School

Fernando Velasquez Pohls* Scottsdale, Arizona Arizona State University

Fernando Velasquez Pohls* Scottsdale, Arizona

Arizona State University

Liam Lawrence Woolery Kansas City, Missouri College of the Ozarks

Heshun Xiao* Troy, Michigan

The Ohio State University

Heshun Xiao* Troy, Michigan The Ohio State University

Angel Gerardo Zamudio Monzon Culiacan, México Grand Canyon University

Laureano Amaro Carrillo (post-graduate)

Ciudad Obregón, México Universidad LaSalle México

Daniel Martinez Peñuñuri (post-graduate) Hermosillo, México University of Arizona (pending)

Daniel Barth Vazquez Guajardo (post-graduate)

Brownsville, Texas University of Texas at San Antonio

Daniel Barth Vazquez Guajardo (post-graduate) Brownsville, Texas University of Texas at San Antonio

*Delta Phi Honor Society

Italics, National Honor Society

†National STEM Honor Society member

National STEM Honor Society member

2025-26 Missouri Military Academy Faculty

Elizabeth Clement | Academic Dean. Ed.S., William Woods University; M.Ed. in Secondary Administration, B.S.E. in Secondary Education English and B.S. in Business Marketing, Hannibal-LaGrange University

Elizabeth Clement Academic Dean. Ed.S., William Woods University; M.Ed. in Secondary Administration, B.S.E. in Secondary Education English and B.S. in Business Marketing, Hannibal-LaGrange University

Braiden Adams Computer Science Instructor. B.A. in Secondary Education (Social Studies emphasis), Arizona State University; PLTW Certified Computer Science Essentials Instructor

Braiden Adams | Computer Science Instructor. B.A. in Secondary Education (Social Studies emphasis), Arizona State University; PLTW Certified Computer Science Essentials Instructor

Joshua Allison | English Language Arts Instructor and Foreign Language Instructor. B.A. in International Relations/Business Administration, Union College

Joshua Allison English Language Arts Instructor and Foreign Language Instructor. B.A. in International Relations/Business Administration, Union College

CPT Joseph Balvanz, USA (Ret) | JROTC Army Instructor. B.A. in General Studies, Columbia College

CPT Joseph Balvanz, USA (Ret) JROTC Army Instructor. B.A. in General Studies, Columbia College

James Bettison | Math Instructor. M.A. in Bible–Old Testament, Lincoln Christian University; B.A. in Preaching Ministry, St. Louis Christian College

James Bettison Math Instructor. M.A. in Bible-Old Testament, Lincoln Christian University; B.A. in Preaching Ministry, St. Louis Christian College

1SG William Blue, USA (Ret) JROTC Army Instructor. A.S. in General Studies and B.S. in Military Studies (leadership concentration), Columbia Southern University; US Army Instructor Certification

1SG William Blue, USA (Ret) | JROTC Army Instructor. A.S. in General Studies and B.S. in Military Studies (leadership concentration), Columbia Southern University; US Army Instructor Certification

Ted R. Brauker | Choir Director and Instructor of Music. Doctorate in Educational Technology, M.M in Choral Conducting, B.M. in Voice, Central Michigan University

Ted R. Brauker Choir Director and Instructor of Music. Doctorate in Educational Technology, M.M in Choral Conducting, B.M. in Voice, Central Michigan University

Vicki Briggs | Chemistry Instructor. B.A. in Chemistry, William Jewell College; AP Chemistry Certification, Truman University

Vicki Briggs Chemistry Instructor. B.A. in Chemistry, William Jewell College; AP Chemistry Certification, Truman University

George Davison | Business Law and Journalism Instructor. J.D. in Law, B.A in Journalism, Drake University

George Davison Business Law and Fournalism Instructor. J.D. in Law, B.A in Journalism, Drake University

Danielle DeTienne | English Instructor. B.A. in English, Illinois College

Danielle DeTienne English Instructor. B.A. in English, Illinois College

Cheryl Emminger | Mathematics Instructor. M.S. in Elementary Education, Drury University; B.S. in Elementary Education, Southwest Baptist University

Cheryl Emminger Mathematics Instructor. M.S. in Elementary Education, Drury University; B.S. in Elementary Education, Southwest Baptist University

Eric Evertson | Science Instructor. M.A. in Teaching, Western New Mexico University; B.S. in Biology (minor in chemistry), University of New Mexico

Eric Evertson Science Instructor. M.A. in Teaching, Western New Mexico University; B.S. in Biology (minor in chemistry), University of New Mexico

Sungtae Hwang | English Language Learners Instructor. Ph.D. in Linguistics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (degree pending); M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language, Pennsylvania State University; B.A. in English and B.S. in Military Science, Korea Army Academy

Sungtae Hwang English Language Learners Instructor. Ph.D. in Linguistics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (degree pending); M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language, Pennsylvania State University; B.A. in English and B.S. in Military Science, Korea Army Academy

Melba Lackey | English and Math Instructor. M.S. in Education, Southwest Baptist University; B.A. in Education, University of Missouri-Kansas City

Melba Lackey English and Math Instructor. M.S. in Education, Southwest Baptist University; B.A. in Education, University of Missouri-Kansas City

CW4 Jason Landrum, USA (Ret) | JROTC Army Cybersecurity Instructor, Chief Information Officer. M.A. in Information Technology Management, Webster University; M.S. in Organizational Leadership and Supervision, Purdue University; B.S. in Informational Technology, Colorado State University; Certified Information Systems Security Professional

CW4 Jason Landrum, USA (Ret) JROTC Army Cybersecurity Instructor, Chief Information Officer. M.A. in Information Technology Management, Webster University; M.S. in Organizational Leadership and Supervision, Purdue University; B.S. in Informational Technology, Colorado State University; Certified Information Systems Security Professional

Stephen Maziarz Mathematics Instructor and Piano Instructor - Private Music

Lessons. Postgraduate Studies, The Dietrich von Hildebrand Institute, Gardone, Italy; M.M. and B.M. in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, Southern Methodist University; M.S. in Secondary Education Mathematics, Teaching Certificate in Secondary Mathematics, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Stephen Maziarz | Mathematics Instructor and Piano Instructor – Private Music Lessons. Postgraduate Studies, The Dietrich von Hildebrand Institute, Gardone, Italy; M.M. and B.M. in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, Southern Methodist University; M.S. in Secondary Education Mathematics, Teaching Certificate in Secondary Mathematics, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

2025-26 Missouri Military Academy Faculty

Sheila Meny Reading Specialist, English Instructor. M.Ed. in Administration, Quincy University; B.S. in Education, Culver-Stockton College

Sheila Meny | Reading Specialist, English Instructor. M.Ed. in Administration, Quincy University; B.S. in Education, Culver-Stockton College

Chad Miller | Mathematics Instructor. B.A. in Mathematics, Eastern Illinois University; ACT Certified Instructor

Administration, Johnson County Community College; Certificates in Management, Leadership, and Finance, Mays Business School, Texas A&M University; ACT Science Certified Instructor; PLTW Certified Engineering Instructor

Administration, Johnson County Community College; Certificates in Management, Leadership, and Finance, Mays Business School, Texas A&M University; ACT Science Certified Instructor; PLTW Certified Engineering Instructor Chad Miller Mathematics Instructor. B.A. in Mathematics, Eastern Illinois University; ACT Certified Instructor

Cheryl Morris Art Instructor. B.F.A. in Fine Arts and Business, William Woods University

Cheryl Morris | Art Instructor. B.F.A. in Fine Arts and Business, William Woods University

Helen Mugo English Language Learners Instructor. M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; B.A. in Education Arts, University of Nairobi

Helen Mugo | English Language Learners Instructor. M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; B.A. in Education Arts, University of Nairobi

Pearl Newbrough | Registrar. B.S. in Business Administration, Truman State University

MAJ Michael Pemberton (MMA) | Science and Social Studies Department Chair and Instructor. M.Ed. in Science Curriculum and Instruction, University of Missouri; B.A. in Zoology, Southern Illinois University; A.S. in Biological Sciences, Rend Lake College

Bradley Smith Band Director. M.A. in Secondary Education, Grand Canyon University; B.S. in Music Education, Central Methodist University

Bradley Smith | Band Director. M.A. in Secondary Education, Grand Canyon University; B.S. in Music Education, Central Methodist University

Traevonne Smith Physical Education and Math Instructor. B.A. in Science of Coaching (minor in Mathematics), Westminster College

Traevonne Smith | Physical Education and Math Instructor. B.A. in Science of Coaching (minor in Mathematics), Westminster College

Brian Thode | Music Instructor. B.A. in Music Education, Central Methodist University

Brian Thode Music Instructor. B.A. in Music Education, Central Methodist University Pearl Newbrough Registrar. B.S. in Business Administration, Truman State University Stephen Webster History Instructor. J.D. in Law, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia; LLM in Law, Scalia Law School, George Mason University; B.A. in Geography, Political Science and History, Indiana University Bloomington

Stephen Webster | History Instructor. J.D. in Law, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia; LLM in Law, Scalia Law School, George Mason B.A. in Geography, Political Science and History, Indiana University Bloomington

MAJ Michael Pemberton (MMA) Science and Social Studies Department Chair and Instructor. M.Ed. in Science Curriculum and Instruction, University of Missouri; B.A. in Zoology, Southern Illinois University; A.S. in Biological Sciences, Rend Lake College Cameo Wells Director for College & Career Placement. M.A. in Public Relations and M.S. in Digital Marketing, Full Sail University; B.S. in Communications, Norwich University

MAJPeggyReynard(MMA)|Businessand Math Department Chair, Business and Math Instructor. M.Ed. Secondary School Teaching, Lincoln University of Missouri; Bachelor of Business Administration, Teaching Certification in Secondary Math Education, West Texas State University

MAJ Peggy Reynard (MMA) | Business and Math Department Business and Math Instructor. M.Ed. Secondary School Teaching, Lincoln University of Missouri; Bachelor of Business Administration, Teaching Certification in Secondary Math Education, West Texas State University

Cameo Wells | Director for College & Career Placement. M.A. in Public Relations and M.S. in Digital Marketing, Full Sail University; B.S. in Communications, Norwich University

Sam Wells English and History Instructor. B.S. in Secondary Education (Social Studies emphasis), Culver-Stockton College

Sam Wells | English and History Instructor. B.S. in Secondary Education (Social Studies emphasis), Culver-Stockton College

1SG Christopher Scarlet, USA (Ret) JROTC Army Instructor. B.S. in Military Studies/ Leadership, Columbia Southern University; A.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies, Grantham University

1SG Christopher Scarlet, USA (Ret) | JROTC Army Instructor. B.S. in Military Studies/ Leadership, Columbia Southern University; A.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies, Grantham University

Chris Schafer ’89 | Engineering and Science Instructor. M.Ed. in Secondary Education, Regis University; B.S. in Geological Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology; A.A. in Business

Chris Schafer '89 Engineering and Science Instructor. M.Ed. in Secondary Education, Regis University; B.S. in Geological Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology: A.A. in Business

MAJ Wayne Welander, USA (Ret) Senior Army Instructor. M.S. in Technology and B.A.S. in Manufacturing, University of Advancing Technology

MAJ Wayne Welander, USA (Ret) | Senior Army Instructor. M.S. in Technology and B.A.S. in Manufacturing, University of Advancing Technology

Anthony Yannielli Social Studies Instructor. B.S. in Education, Secondary Education, Social Studies, Hannibal-LaGrange University

Anthony Yannielli | Social Studies Instructor. B.S. in Education, Secondary Education, Social Studies, Hannibal-LaGrange University

Our Mission

Missouri Military Academy empowers young men to unlock their potential through a program of academic excellence, character, social development and leadership training within a structured environment.

Our Motto

Love, Honor, Truth

Alma Mater

"Old MMA"

“Old MMA”

No school shall dim thy fame

No son shall give thee shame

No son forget thy name Old MMA

Our hearts are bound to thee In love and loyalty

Steadfast thy sons shall be For MMA

The Class of 2026 , Missouri

Not pictured: Cadets Ryan Derstein and Fernando Velasquez Pohls

LOVE. HONOR. TRUTH.

President: Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret)

Commandant: Colonel Timothy Baer, USA (Ret)

Academic Dean: Ms. Elizabeth Clement, Ed.S., M.Ed.

Athletic Director: Mr. Brian Meny, Ed.S., M.Ed.

Director for Enrollment Management: LTC Greg Seibert, MBA

Chief Financial Officer: Ms. Jennifer Yelton, B.S.

Director for Marketing and Communications: Ms. Jennifer O’Donley, M.A.

Director for Marketing and Communications: Ms. Jennifer O'Donley, M.A.

Director for Maintenance and Facilities: Mr. Bernard Strunk, BAE

Chief Information Officer: CW4 Jason W. Landrum, USA (Ret), M.A., CISSP

Director for Human Resources: Ms. Melissa Miller, MBA

Photos from today’s event will be available on Flickr.com/MissouriMilitaryAcademy/

Photos from today's event will be available on Flickr.com/MissouriMilitaryAcademy/

Missouri Military Academy

204 North Grand Street, Mexico, MO 65265 (573) 581-1776

204 North Grand Street, Mexico, MO 65265 (573) 581-1776 • MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org

For admissions inquiries, please contact Admissions@MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook