Missouri Military Academy (MMA) served as the host site for the annual Missouri Junior Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) from May 30 through June 3, welcoming nearly 400 U.S. Army JROTC cadets from 26 high schools across Missouri.
Selected by Missouri’s U.S. Army JROTC program, MMA provided the venue and support for this brigade-level event aimed at developing future leaders through immersive, adventure-based training. JCLC includes activities such as rappelling, land navigation and obstacle courses designed to build teamwork, strengthen leadership skills and challenge cadets in high-pressure environments.
Participating MMA cadets included Cadet Tegan Compton ’28 (Lebanon, IL), Cadet Jordan Milzark ’28 (Lexington, KY), Cadet Ulis Gordon Jr. ’26 (Independence, MO), Cadet Raymond McDonald ’26 (Austin, TX) and Cadet Lukas Joiner ’26 (Sullivan, MO). All five MMA cadets successfully completed the program.
MMA Cadet Lukas Joiner received special recognition for his leadership during the event. He earned an award for exemplary performance, having stepped into a leadership role from the first day by leading his platoon and calling cadences.
“The camp was a resounding success, due in large part to the outstanding support and dedication of the MMA staff,” said MMA Senior Army Instructor MAJ Wayne T. Welander (Ret). “Cadre from various schools expressed high praise for the exceptional efforts of the staff at MMA in ensuring a well-organized and impactful experience for the cadets.”