KINGS POINT, N.Y., January 12, 2026 — The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point recognized midshipmen today for outstanding academic and sea year achievements during the first term of Academic Year 2025–26.

The Academy recognized Midshipmen from the Class of 2026A and Class of 2027C for their academic performance with Gold and Silver Stars and celebrated Deck and Engine Cadets from these classes with Sea Year Ribbons.

Rear Admiral (select) Tony Ceraolo, Superintendent; Dr. Jonathan Gajados, Provost; and Captain Mike Stroud, Acting Deputy Superintendent, and Commander Drew McCarthy, Acting Commandant of Midshipmen congratulated each awardee during the ceremony in Wiley Hall. Afterward, midshipmen celebrated at a reception hosted by the Academic Center of Excellence.

CAPT Paul D. Acquaro, Director of the Academic Center for Excellence, said, “Congratulations to all the midshipmen receiving these honors. Their hard work in the classroom and at sea reflects well on their dedication to meeting the highest standards here at the Academy. I also want to thank our Regimental Academic Officer (RAO), MIDN Delaney Cantlon, 1/c; MIDN Carson Hite 1/C Regimental Academic Officer Assistant (RAOA); and the rest of the First Class Midshipman Academic Leadership; Regimental Shipboard Training Liaison Officer, MIDN Emma Cox 1/C; for organizing this meaningful ceremony.

Academic Awards Criteria

•            Gold Star: Achieve a QPA of at least 3.50 with no course failures in the term.

•            Silver Star: Achieve a QPA of 3.25–3.49 with no course failures in the term.

See the full list of recipients here: Gold and Silver Stars — Academic Year 2025–2026, Term 1.

Sea Year Ribbons Criteria

•            Achieve a QPA of 3.25–3.49 with no failing grade.

•            Earn above average (3.0) Shipboard Performance Evaluations in PD&CS Shipboard Database at the time of the initial posting of Sea Project grades.

See the full list of honorees here:  Sea Year Ribbons — January 2026.

Congratulations to all for their exceptional achievements!

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The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, located in Kings Point, N.Y., educates and graduates merchant mariners and leaders of exemplary character who will serve America’s maritime transportation and defense needs in peace and war. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is administered by the Department of Transportation.