Incoming cadets from throughout the U.S. and five other countries complete indoctrination program
Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA; www.maritime.edu), a top-ranked public university with undergraduate degree programs focusing on science, engineering, technology, math, and business that blend academics and experiential learning, recently held its Orientation Graduation for the Class of 2027.
Some 403 cadets, cheered on by family and friends, participated in the traditional ceremony, held on August 30 in the campus’ Clean Harbors Athletic Stadium. Massachusetts residents represent 68% of the incoming class with New England states in total comprising 75%. Students from ten other states throughout the country, including Hawaii, Arkansas, California, Texas, South Carolina, and Kentucky, are members of the Class of 2027, in addition to students from Panama, Guyana, Lithuania, Canada, and Trinidad & Tobago.
The young men and women (84% male and 16% female) who arrived on campus in mid-August have successfully completed the Academy’s indoctrination program and will now begin their journey as cadets. The orientation program is designed to quickly transition students to a regimented lifestyle, build teamwork, camaraderie, self-discipline, and time-management skills while immersing them in a culture of maritime customs and traditions.
The program is led by upper class cadet leaders, known as cadre, who instruct, challenge, and model the skills and behavior necessary for success as a Massachusetts Maritime Academy cadet. The team of 118 cadre supported the incoming cadets during the demanding indoctrination program that includes physical training and hands-on instruction. Cadets gain skills in basic firefighting, watchkeeping, water survival, sailing, and rowing. In addition, they learn the Academy’s history, customs and traditions, honor code, drill and ceremony, discipline program, and regimental manual.
“Orientation Graduation represents an important milestone in a freshman cadet’s Academy experience and is a true celebration,” said Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, USMS, president of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. “The entire Academy community welcomes the class of 2027 and look forward to seeing these young men and women grow, learn, and become leaders during the next four years and far beyond.”
Orientation Graduation also provided an opportunity to recognize MMA Provost of Academic Affairs Brigid Pavilonis’ promotion from Vice President to Senior Vice President and Captain to Commodore, with Rear Admiral McDonald offering congratulations on behalf of the entire Academy community.
In addition, the ceremony honored upper class cadets who went over and above the call of duty, unselfishly devoting themselves to top quality training and setting a noteworthy example for the incoming class.
Recipients of this year’s Commandant’s Leadership Awards:
- Cadet Second Class Recipients
- From 1ST COMPANY: Quintin Pease, Marshfield, MA
- From 2ND COMPANY: Tanner Linhard, Waterbury, CT
- From 3RD COMPANY: Nicholas Murphy, Rockland, MA
- From 4TH COMPANY: George Laing, Milton, MA
- From 5TH COMPANY: Caleigh Tompkins, Kingston, MA
- From 6TH COMPANY: Liam Howell, Sandwich, MA
- From 7TH COMPANY: Anthony Welch, Lanesborough, MA
The Office of the Commandant’s Unsung Hero Awards:
- Stephen Feeney, Rochester, MA
- Ally Reddish, Canton, MA
- Mariana Gubert, Newtonville, MA
- John Aidonidis, Hanover, MA
- Nolan Kennedy, Auburn, MA
- Scott Heine, Wrentham, MA
The following cadets were recognized as cadet candidates for orientation 2023:
- From 1ST COMPANY Anthony Cappello, Braintree, MA
- From 2ND COMPANY Sylvia Mattraw-Johnson, Coxackie, NY
- From 3RD COMPANY Kyle Stephens, Saint Martinvill, LA
- From 4TH COMPANY Jackson Dalmau, Brewster, MA
- From 5TH COMPANY Tyler Kelly, Marion, MA
- From 6TH COMPANY Kukunaokala Cates, Kailua, HI
- From 7TH COMPANY Lorenzo Cicco, Taunton, MA
Highest Scores for both Knowledge and Firefighting Exam:
Igor Visnevskij, Klaipeda, Lithuania
Commander’s Award for Top Physical Fitness:
Sylvia Mattraw-Johnson, Coxackie, NY
Sean Petersen , Plymouth, MA
Company Awards:
Firefighting: 5th Company
Drill/Marching: 6th Company
Esprit de Corp: 5th Company
Commandant’s Award (2nd Place Overall): 5th Company
The Admiral’s Cup was presented to 6th Company, commanded by cadet Michael Nogueira of Kingston, MA.
About Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA): MMA is a fully accredited, co-educational, state university offering Bachelor and Master of Science degrees that are highly regarded in the worldwide maritime industry and beyond. For more than 100 years, MMA has prepared students for exciting and rewarding careers on land and sea. As the nation’s finest maritime university, MMA challenges students to succeed by balancing a unique regimented lifestyle with a typical four-year college environment. Follow MMA on FB: @massmaritime, @MassMaritime.Advancement; IG: @massmaritime, @mmacademyalumni; Twitter: @MMAadmissions, @MMAcademyAlumni; YouTube: Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
