Missouri Military Academy - Review #7

Thorough and concentrated College Preparatory courses, many of which exceeded the requirements of the same subject when I went on to college. The education provided by Missouri Military Academy is one of the best in the country!

The best thing that happened to me was that a man - Charles R. Stribling III - who eventually became Superintendent of the school spotted my interest in journalism my first year and fostered it, developing in me a career interest in the field. The structure that I learned in military school has helped me grow within the bounds of propriety throughout my life. It never fades!

I would have attended the entire four years of the prep school instead of the three I did attend. I missed one year because of family problems but was able to return for my final two years and graduate with a good, solid education.My advice to kids who are going to boarding school is to dive into it and learn the value of living and working with people from all parts of the world.

My exposure to the many different cultures represented by the others who attended the school virtually from all over the world.

Arrive with an open mind and listen to what those ahead of you have to say. They will become your "family".

Mathematics, although difficult, were the most thorough courses I took. They were advanced enough that I was exempted from taking them again when I got to college. They met all my college requirements. My favorite subjects were journalism/English/literature and civics/economics.

Rifle team was my favorite but I lettered in Track one year. Played intramural football and swam on the swimming team.

As a writer on The Eagle staff I got my first experience in journalism that led to a lifetime career in the field - won my first writing awards from the Missouri Interscholastic Journalism Board. Sang in the choir/chorus until my voice changed. It was my introduction to performing classical music.

Most of my extra-curricular activity was devoted to producing stories for The Eagle to which I was fully devoted. My experience there led to a lifetime career in journalism and writing.

Dorm, or Barracks Life, was regimented since this is a military school. It taught me to keep things clean and in order not just in my physical surroundings but also throughout my life.

We ate in a mess hall and tables were served by Cadet waiters who earned a small payment for their weekly service. I worked my way to the top of the chain and became the Head Waiter/Cadet Mess Sergeant. It taught me to deal with people, manage time and resources, and to respect those who served under me.

We were allowed liberty on Wednesday afternoons, Friday evenings, Saturday and Sunday afternoons and were free to attend movies, meet with non-cadet friends and visit cultural offerings in Mexico, Missouri, the town where Missouri Military Academy is located.

We were allowed to date girls from the town and bring them to formal dances sponsored by the school. We also were free when given liberty to attend functions in the town that were not school-sponsored.