Marine Military Academy sends off 52 graduates

HARLINGEN — Fifty-two cadets cheered “hooray!” three times and tossed their white hats into the air in celebration of graduating from Marine Military Academy Saturday morning.

In keeping with the academy’s longstanding tradition, the morning ceremonies began with a Corps of Cadets parade at the MMA parade grounds, in front of the Iwo Jima Monument.

Several end-of-the-year awards, honors and recognitions were presented.

Later, 52 impeccably uniformed cadets walked down the aisles of Phillip J. Yeckel Memorial Auditorium in the traditional processional.

Valedictorian Cadet William Andrew Hasbrook, of San Antonio, told his classmates, “We’ve got some thinkers in this class,” and that the future is theirs to make of as they will.

He thanked the drill instructors, “who taught us how to succeed in life and taught us how to be men.”

“It hasn’t been easy, but the challenge made it worth the time,” said Hasbrook, who will be entering the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. “It was stressful, but it was fun.”

“What does the future hold? Really, there is no telling. I guess it will bring what we make of it,” he said.

“I say, the future is ours.”

Salutatorian Cadet Curtis Carter Hamilton, from Lyford, said he and his classmates are all future leaders.

“The only thing stopping us from succeeding in life is ourselves,” said Hamilton, who is moving on to the University of Tulsa.

“We, as the future leaders of this world, must always challenge ourselves to do the best we can do.”

Commencement speaker Ruthie Ewers, who has served as chairwoman or president on several boards, including the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce and Loaves and Fishes, had some advice for the young men: Always be on time, always tell the truth, give 150 percent to their job, and be happy.

“There are two things your grandparents and parents cannot buy for you, that is … happiness and good health,” she said.

“Never be scared of failure. If you don’t try, you’re never going to succeed.”