Woodstock, VA - The first connection Cadet Montgomery-Vielmo had with Massanutten Military Academy wasn't enrolling in school. It was supporting her brother, who graduated as part of the Class of 2023. However, it didn't take long before she decided to make her own path at MMA and join the class of 2027.
"I came here over the summer for the first time for Colonels Camp because my brother came to school here and I thought it would be a cool experience," she said. "I came back because I liked it and I was interested in the JROTC Program. I liked the discipline and the structure, and I also like how there are things you can earn. It gives you a sense of accomplishment."
Montgomery-Vielmo made it her mission to climb through the ranks, working as a Squad Leader in the summer. Then when she came back for the 2024-25 school year, she got enough signatures and recommendations to earn the rank of Sergeant First Class.
Her passion and drive for leadership is echoed in the sports she chose to play at MMA. She plans to do weightlifting in the winter so she can get stronger, but for the fall, it's all about volleyball.
"I like how it's just a fun space for everyone to relax," she said. "People are working all day with leadership and schoolwork so it's a nice place to relax. You get to work as a team, and I just like the game of volleyball."
This year, her favorite class is Biology with Mrs. Moore. Her favorite activity so far was a jelly bean lab, where cadets had to close their eyes and plug their nose before eating a jelly bean to see if the could still determine the flavor.
"There was this blueberry one that was really good," Montgomery-Vielmo said.
The lessons she's learning outside of the classroom are just as important.
"I've definitely learned how to present myself better and keep my uniform and be ready for the next day," she said. "I've learned how to work with other people better and be a better authoritative figure."
Montgomery-Vielmo is also an Admissions Ambassador for the Fall 2024 Semester. She said there's one message she tries to share with every family who visits campus.
"You should try it because it really teaches you a bunch of things to get ready for life," she said.
If you
schedule a tour today, we'll have one of our Cadet Ambassadors available to share their experience with MMA and how it ended up as the right choice for them. You can contact our Admissions Office at 540-459-2167 Option 1 or
visit their webpage to learn about an individualized roadmap to help your teenager reach new heights. MMA is still accepting new students for the 2024-2025 school year!