2025-26 Battalion Leadership Ceremony

Posted October 7, 2025

After a thorough and comprehensive selection process, the San Antonio Academy’s Order of Merit Committee proudly announced the Battalion leadership positions for the 2025–26 school year on Monday, October 6. The ceremony recognized all 8th-grade cadets and 15 members of the 7th grade, as they were officially inducted into their new ranks.

Beginning in 7th grade and continuing into 8th grade, cadets are evaluated for leadership positions, including Commanders, Executive Officers, Platoon Leaders, Battalion Staff, First Sergeants, Squad Leaders, and Guidon Bearers. Each role carries distinct responsibilities, from overseeing all Battalion operations as Battalion Commander to serving in leadership positions within one of the six companies.

Each fall, the Commandant assembles a selection committee to identify student leaders. This group evaluates candidates through a holistic lens, considering factors such as teacher and peer evaluations, inspection performance, school spirit, academics, conduct, and involvement in both school and community activities. Using these measures, the committee creates an Order of Merit List (OML), which includes recommendations that are reviewed by the committee chair and approved by the Head of School.

Cadets who earn leadership positions hold their ranks throughout the school year, guiding their peers and contributing to The Academy’s mission of developing young men of character and purpose. These roles not only strengthen campus life but also reinforce the school’s long-standing traditions and values. The leadership transition formally occurs at commencement, when the outgoing 8th grade cadets pass command to the 7th grade leaders.

Adding to the significance of the event, four former Battalion Commanders—Don Noble ’71, Matt Silva ’02, William Brockwell ’25, and Joe Shields ’05 (Alumni Monday Speaker)—attended to share encouragement and wisdom with the newly inducted leaders.

Congratulations to all the cadets chosen to serve in leadership positions for the 2025–26 school year. View the assigned positions.