Saint Thomas Academy Names Edina's Mayleben 2016-2017 Cadet Colonel

Mayleben was chosen from among 16 senior class officers by a board including the headmaster, commandant of cadets, Upper School director, dean of students, director of academic life, a faculty representative and a student representative. The board considers academic performance, co-curricular involvement, merits and demerits, military performance and leadership abilities.

“The selection committee had a very difficult decision this year given the maturity, talent, commitment and leadership abilities of the senior class officers,” said Commandant of Cadets Lt. Col. Michael DePuglio (ret.), U.S. Army. “All of the leaders, and particularly Mayleben, have the respect and support of the entire corps of cadets. Mayleben is a well-rounded young man, who excels at everything he does. He will make an excellent cadet colonel.”

Mayleben has attended Saint Thomas Academy for four years, and aspires to attend the University of Notre Dame, Boston College or Dartmouth College following graduation. He has a 4.28 GPA and scored 34 on ACT exam. He participates in the Model UN, peer mentoring, and is a member of 2016 state championship soccer team and 2014, 2015 and 2016 state championship swimming teams. He is a member of 2015 200-medley relay foursome, which holds the all-time school record of 1:34.09. He also swam on three of the top five all-time fastest 200-free relay teams and holds the 4^th fastest time in school history in the 100-breaststroke. Mayleben also volunteers for the Clownfish Swim Club, a swim club for children and young adults with disabilities, and works as lifeguard during the summer.

“I am beyond blessed and grateful for having the opportunity to attend Saint Thomas Academy for the past four years,” Mayleben said. “The school has served as a rock for the foundations of my manhood, making me feel welcome and developing my confidence. The support and compassion from both teachers and students have allowed me to achieve things that I never deemed possible. This rock built on Catholicism, academics, and brotherhood was and always will be my safety net when I fail. I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to attend such an elite institution.”

As cadet colonel, Mayleben will work closely with the Academy’s administrators and military leaders to implement a wide variety of events at the Academy, including brigade formal inspection and the Archbishop’s Review in the spring. The cadet colonel also acts as liaison between the cadets and the faculty and administration, often influencing or handling disciplinary matters.

Five additional seniors were promoted from cadet captain to cadet lieutenant colonel. They are

• Erik Vick of West Lakeland, serving as brigade executive officer. Vick hopes to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point next year but is also considering Baylor University and the University of North Carolina.
• Michael Newcome of Saint Paul (Mac-Groveland), serving as brigade chief of staff. Newcome plans to attend the University of Notre Dame, the University of Minnesota or Saint Louis University following graduation.
• Samuel Enderby of West Saint Paul, serving as white battalion commander. He is considering St. John's University or the University of Dayton for post-secondary options.
• Maxwell Shuman of Edina, serving as blue battalion commander. Shuman looks forward to attending the University of Notre Dame, the United States Naval Academy or Duke University.
• Devin Kennedy of Woodbury, serving as gold battalion commander. The third brother to attend Saint Thomas Academy, Kennedy plans to attend Creighton University, Boston College or the University of Notre Dame after graduation.

About Saint Thomas Academy

Founded in 1885, Saint Thomas Academy is an all-male, college preparatory, Catholic, military/leadership school committed to preparing young men to succeed in college and in life. The Academy challenges its students, currently grades 7-12, to excel academically, spiritually, morally and physically in and out of the classroom. In the fall of 2017, 6^th grade will be added to the Saint Thomas Academy Middle School. For more information, please visit www.cadets.com.

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/Photo caption: Saint Thomas Academy promoted six cadets to leadership positions within the corps of cadets on Wednesday, Nov. 23. William Mayleben was named cadet colonel, the highest ranking position in the corps. Five additional seniors were promoted from cadet captain to cadet lieutenant colonel. Pictured L-R are: Michael Newcome, Erik Vick, Maxwell Shuman, William Mayleben, Devin Kennedy and Samuel Enderby/