KINGS POINT, N.Y., February 13, 2023 – This morning, the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point honored midshipmen who distinguished themselves academically and at sea during the first term of Academic Year 2022-2023.

At a ceremony, in Wiley Hall, First Class Midshipman Anai Walters, Regimental Academic Officer, presented the Gold and Silver Stars to midshipmen who demonstrated academic excellence during the period. In addition to the academic awards, First Class Midshipman Britain Saluri, Regimental Shipboard Training Liaison, presented Sea Year Ribbons to the Class of 2023 A-Split, Second Sailing midshipmen who excelled during Sea Year. Vice Adm. Joanna Nunan, Superintendent; Rear Adm. John Ballard, Academic Dean and Provost, Capt. Mike Stroud, Commandant of Midshipmen, and Capt. Paul Acquaro, Director of the Academic Center for Excellence, personally congratulated each awardee.

Nunan said, “It was wonderful to welcome so many successful midshipmen to Wiley Hall and recognize them for their achievements in the classroom and at sea. I also congratulate our dedicated faculty for all they do to ensure midshipman success.”

Gold and Silver Academic Stars at USMMA are awarded on the following basis:

• Gold Star: a QPA of at least 3.50 with no course failures in the term
• Silver Star: a QPA of at least 3.25 up to and including 3.49 with no course failures in the term.

The full list of Academic Award recipients is accessible by clicking: Gold and Silver Academic Stars 2022-2023 Term 1 | U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (usmma.edu)

 Sea Year Ribbons are awarded to those with:

• QPA of at least 3.25 up to and including 3.49; no failing grade
• Above average (3.0) Shipboard Performance Evaluations, in PD&CS Shipboard Database at the time of the initial posting of Sea Project grades

The full list of Sea Year Ribbon recipients is accessible by clicking: Sea Year Ribbons Awarded February 13, 2023 | U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (usmma.edu)