KINGS POINT, N.Y., May 17, 2015 – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Superintendent Rear Adm. James A. Helis joined the faculty and staff for an awards ceremony to congratulate 262 midshipmen for their outstanding accomplishments in the classroom and at sea Monday.

The midshipmen were honored with Academic Gold and Silver Stars for the second academic term of Academic Year 2016 and Sea Year Ribbons.

Interim Academic Dean Capt. David Palmer, USMS, Ph.D. said, “I am very proud of these Midshipmen, and they should be very  proud of themselves as well.  These Gold and Silver Stars represent their hard work and great achievement in getting the most out of their Kings Point education and experience.   This coupled with their Regimental and Athletic experiences puts them on track to be highly educated, polished and sought after leaders in our Maritime Industry and the U.S. Military.”

Midshipmen were awarded Academic Stars on the following basis: Gold Star: a QPA of at least 3.50 with no course failures in the term; and Silver Star: a QPA of at least 3.25 up to and including 3.49 with no course failures in the term.

In addition to academic awards, Lt. Cmdr. Ian Jones, USMS, representing the Department of Professional Development and Career Services, distributed Sea Year Ribbons to 16 midshipmen who excelled during their Sea Year.

Lt. Cmdr. Paul D. Acquaro, USMS, Director of the Academic Center for Excellence also congratulated the midshipmen who received honors. He said, “Your performance has reflected well on the Academy and the high standards required of a Kings Pointer.”

By Veronica Cassidy Barry