Warsaw High School seniors Drake Murrell and Jaxson Deckard were honored with a school assembly on March 26 as they were presented with their appointments to the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy.
Naval Information Officer Lee Gilgour presented Murrell with his appointment.
“An appointment to the United States Naval Academy is equivalent to a full four-year scholarship including all tuition, room and board, medical and dental benefits, and a monthly midshipman stipend,” said Gilgour. “After completing the four-year curriculum at the Naval Academy, students receive a Bachelor of Science degree in one of 26 majors and earn a commission as an officer in either the United States Navy or Marine Corps.”
Gilgour explained that Murrell was one of about 15,200 students from throughout the nation who applied for one of approximately 1,175 seats for the Naval Academy’s Class of 2029. The admissions process is unique and requires each student to apply for and receive a nomination, clear a medical exam, and successfully pass a physical fitness evaluation in addition to the usual submission of transcripts, recommendations, and essay. Screening is thorough, with a focus on well-rounded individuals who have outstanding academic credentials, demonstrated leadership potential, and a willingness to serve in the United States Navy or Marine Corps.
While maintaining a 4.0 GPA, Murrell, the son of Tim and Cindy Murrell, was also very active in athletics while he has attended WHS. Murrell was selected as a Missouri All-State First team Linebacker in 2024 and All-State Third team Linebacker in 2023. Murrell was awarded the Wildcat Most Valuable Player in 2023 and 2024; Football Scout Team Player of the Year, 2021; OHC Football All-Conference First team, Tight End: 2024; OHC Football All-Conference First team Linebacker: 2023, 2024; OHC Football All-Conference Second team Tight End, 2023; MFCA All-District First team Linebacker, 2023, 2024; KMZU Football Dream Team, 2023, 2024; Central Missouri Media All-District First team Linebacker, 2024; Central Missouri Media All-District First team Tight End, 2024; Central Missouri Media All-District Second team Linebacker, 2023; Ozarks Sports Zone Football “Top 40”, 2024; Football Academic All-State, 2022, 2023, 2024. Murrell lettered in football all four years of high school.
“Drake is a student-athlete who does things right at a high level on and off the field,” said WHS football coach Ryan Boyer. “He has worked extremely hard to receive this opportunity. I can’t wait to see what he will accomplish in the future.”
Murrell also lettered in wrestling. He was the OHC Wrestling Conference Champion in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
He served as the captain of the WHS Wrestling Cats and placed fourth at the Missouri State Wrestling Championships in 2025.
Murrell also lettered in archery, baseball and track.
In addition to his many accomplishments in athletics, Murrell was also active in various clubs such as National Honor Society where he is currently serving as the president; Future Business Leaders of America; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Future Farmers of America; Math Club where he is serving as secretary; Pep Club; Student Council and Faith Lutheran youth group where he is currently serving as president.
“Being a part of a small school has given me the opportunities to be involved in many activities,” said Murrell. “Warsaw is a tight knit community and has given me that ‘Never give up’ attitude’.”
Murrell will report to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, on June 26. His parents will accompany him, but after they drop him off they will not have contact with him for seven weeks.
“I appreciate all my parents have done to help me on this journey,” said Murrell. “They questioned my commitment but when they knew I was very serious, they became my strongest supporters.”
“I will have to give up my phone for those seven weeks, but I am looking forward to that time since I will be adjusting to the rigors of training as well as getting to know my fellow cadets,” said Murrell.
The first year will be general education classes but Murrell plans to major in either aerospace and marine engineering.
While Murrell must serve five years in the military, he has plans to make the Navy or the Marines his career.
“I am very grateful to have this opportunity to serve my country,” said Murrell. “I want to thank the Warsaw community as well as my teachers and family for preparing me for this important step in my future. I am grateful that God has set me on this path.”
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Bryant, United States Air Force Admissions Liaison Officer presented Jaxson Deckard with an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, Class of 2029.
“Less than thirteen hundred applicants are accepted into the United States Air Force Academy each year out of more than ten thousand qualified applicants,” said Bryant. “This prestigious appointment equates to more than six hundred thousand dollars and is the equivalent to a four-year, full-ride scholarship at a top ranked university in the nation.”
Deckard, the son of Shannon and Jared Deckard, has dreamed of a career in the military since he was six years old.
“My family went on vacation in Colorado several times, but the trip I remember most vividly was when I was six and we toured the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs,” said Deckard. “My parents have encouraged me on my journey to this appointment. I know I will miss them, but they are my strongest supporters.”
Deckard and Murrell encouraged each other to pursue their dreams and even attended a summer academy together to learn more about the different military academies.
“We both took many of the same classes as we prepared for the process of being accepted into the academies,” said Deckard. “Higher level math and science helped us through this process.”
Deckard gave math teacher Mrs. Amy Spunaugle credit for pushing him not only in math but also socially.
“Mrs. Spunaugle pushed me outside my comfort zone my freshman year as I was rather shy,” said Deckard. “She helped me to develop leadership and to be able to talk to everyone.”
Mrs. Spunaugle was the math teacher for both Deckard and Murrell.
“I am very proud of these young men. You don’t come across students of their caliber and with the desire to serve too often,” said Spunaugle. “To have two students in one class qualify and continue their education with the military academies is amazing! Jaxson and Drake are top notch role models in all aspects of life.”
Deckard has been active in sports all four years of high school as he served as the varsity Cross Country team Captain, lettered all four years and was a state qualifier in 2024.
He also competed on the varsity Track team all four years of high school as well as competing on the Warsaw Wildcat Mountain Biking team.
In addition to sports, Deckard served as the President of the Warsaw High School Student Council, lettered in Math Club all four years and is currently serving as president, participated in the Future Business Leaders of America, All-District for organizational leaders and State competitor for Organizational Leadership,
Deckard was also a member of the Madrigal Singers where he was awarded Newcomer of the Year, Gold Ratings, All-District and State Silver Rating.
Deckard also participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Warsaw Assembly of God Youth group, youth band and Vacation Bible School.
“As President of WHS Student Council, Jaxson has been a great example of character. The Air Force Academy is very lucky to have him and I can’t wait to see what he does in his future,” said Student Council sponsor Bobbie Swisher.
WHS English teacher Amanda Adler was impressed by the dedication and hard work both young men displayed in the classroom and community.
“Jaxson and Drake are both shining examples of what young people can accomplish with hard work and sacrifice. Neither one of them was handed this accomplishment. They worked hard for years and years in the classroom and in their community. They set their sights on a lofty goal, one that many told them was impossible. They supported each other and didn’t back down from a challenge. They have taken advantage of the opportunities provided in our school and community to train their minds and bodies for the next challenge. I could not be more proud to be even a small part of their journey. Good luck, Drake and Jaxson. Keep setting those goals high because nothing is out of reach,” said Adler.
Deckard will report to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado on June 25 and will not be in contact with his family or friends until July 25.
“I will miss my family and friends, but I am ready for this next step in my career,” said Deckard.
During his first year, Deckard will select a major which he thinks will be mechanical engineering. His first year will be general education and he can change his major his second year.
“I want to thank my school and community for their support and I am glad to give back to my country using my God given talents,” said Deckard.
Deckard and Murrell both said they would miss WHS and their friends.
“I will miss the atmosphere of WHS and hanging out with my friends, but this is a wonderful opportunity for me to give back to my country,” said Deckard.
Murrell agreed.
“I will miss the brotherhood that I shared with my teammates, but I am ready to move on to serve my country,” he said.
Both Deckard and Murrell will graduate from WHS with the Warsaw High School Class of 2025 on May 22 at 7:00 PM on Randy Morrow Field.
