San Antonio Academy
2023-24 Battalion Leadership Ceremony
2023-24 Battalion Leadership Ceremony
Posted October 30, 2023
After an extensive evaluation process that includes a holistic review of each 7th and 8th grade cadet, the San Antonio Academy Order of Merit Committee announced the Battalion leadership positions for the 2023-24 school year on Monday, October 30. The ceremony included the induction of all 8th grade students and 18 7th graders into their new ranks.
7th and 8th grade cadets take the SAA Oath of Office, promising to uphold the standards of the SAA Battalion and their new rank.
Starting in the 7th grade and into their 8th-grade year, boys are considered for positions that include Commanders, Executive Officers, Platoon Leaders, Battalion Staff, First Sergeants, Squad Leaders, and Guideon Bearers. Duties vary by position but range from being responsible for all Battalion activities in the highest-ranking position of Battalion Commander to positions throughout each of the six companies to ensure they run well.
To select positions, each fall, the Commandant forms a committee to complete the review process. The committee rates each student’s overall leadership abilities through teacher rankings, peer rankings, inspections, school spirit, grades, conduct, and in- and out-of-school activities. From these variables, the committee forms an Order of Merit List (OML) with recommendations for positions and endorsement by the committee chair. Final review and approval are then made by the Head of School.
Former Battalion Commander, Billy Conn '16, proudly helps add ranks to his younger brother's uniform, 8th grader Robert, who assumed the role of SAA's 2023-24 Battalion Commander.
The boys hold their ranks throughout the school year until they have completed their challenging leadership development and educational experience on commencement day. Playing a vital part in providing an exceptional experience intentionally crafted for boys, these roles enrich student life, complement academics, and uphold the school's traditions and values. Once 8th grade cadets have formally been relieved of duty on the day of commencement, leadership officially transitions to the 7th graders.
Newly appointed Battalion Commander Robert C., photographed with former SAA Battalion Commanders Garrett Notzon '09, LtCol. Jeremiah Leibowitz '91, Ethan Ausburn '10, Lee Brockwell '23, Billy Conn '16, Matt Silva '02, and Alston Beinhorn '65.
In continuation of a new tradition, we were also joined by seven former Battalion Commanders to watch and inspire the 7th and 8th-grade boys as they were inducted.
Congratulations to the 7th and 8th-grade students who were selected for 2023-24 leadership positions. View the assigned positions.
Divider Logo
More Stories of Interest...
![GP Chapel]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755831331/saacademyorg/nv9gtr5um3pz2kekl0ji/GrandparentsChapel.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1755831331/saacademyorg/nv9gtr5um3pz2kekl0ji/GrandparentsChapel.png","width":500}])
We look forward to welcoming our 6th–8th grade grandparents on Friday, March 6, for the final Grandparents’ Chapel & Coffee program of the school year. Guests will experience how Academy boys begin their day and enjoy a special presentation from the 2026 Col. W. T. Bondurant Jr. Oratorical Contest winner, who will share his award-winning essay.
![Corbin Crocker '22 Alumni Monday]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770053672/saacademyorg/grvrkwqlp0j06wawxej2/corbin-crocker.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770053672/saacademyorg/grvrkwqlp0j06wawxej2/corbin-crocker.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770053672/saacademyorg/grvrkwqlp0j06wawxej2/corbin-crocker.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770053672/saacademyorg/grvrkwqlp0j06wawxej2/corbin-crocker.png","width":900}])
On Monday, February 2, 2026, San Antonio Academy welcomed alumnus Corbin Crocker, Class of 2022, as the featured guest for Alumni Monday. Introduced by 8th-grade students Carson R. and Peter S., Crocker shared updates on his life since graduating from SAA. Following his time at The Academy, Crocker attended TMI Episcopal for high school, where he enjoyed the transition to a larger campus and broader community. A multi-sport athlete during his Academy years, Crocker has continued to focus on basketball and will graduate from TMI this spring. He shared that he plans to continue his basketball career next year at Trinity University.
![Cowboy Breakfast 2026]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769792031/saacademyorg/ftncfbina2rshzf28duu/Cowboy-Breakfast-8891.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1769792031/saacademyorg/ftncfbina2rshzf28duu/Cowboy-Breakfast-8891.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1769792031/saacademyorg/ftncfbina2rshzf28duu/Cowboy-Breakfast-8891.png","width":800}])
San Antonio Academy kicked off rodeo season with Cowboy Breakfast, a beloved tradition that brought students, families, alumni, and friends together for a morning of western fun, hearty fare, and fellowship on campus. Hosted by the Class of 2026, the event concluded with a chapel presentation by Academy alumni parent Dr. Ben Espy, who shared insights into life as a rodeo veterinarian and the competitive world his son, Eli Espy ’24, now navigates as a bareback rider on Team Cavender.
![David Yeager]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769701901/saacademyorg/sl2kahncxwfqlnklw4t2/davidyeager4x6in.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1769701901/saacademyorg/sl2kahncxwfqlnklw4t2/davidyeager4x6in.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1769701901/saacademyorg/sl2kahncxwfqlnklw4t2/davidyeager4x6in.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1769701901/saacademyorg/sl2kahncxwfqlnklw4t2/davidyeager4x6in.png","width":900}])
San Antonio Academy invites you to a parent education presentation with David Yeager, renowned psychologist and author of 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, on Thursday, Feb. 19, from 6–8 p.m. in Ellison Hall. Yeager will share research-backed strategies for motivating young people ages 10 to 25 by emphasizing respect, high expectations, and clear communication. Learn more and register at the link below. This free event is open to all Academy parents, grandparents, and community members, with a recording shared afterward for Academy families.