Sixty-six students graduated from MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at morning ceremonies on historic Pershing Field Friday morning, where it was announced the class had garnered more than $21 million in scholarships and appointments to military academies.
In addition to the $21 million in scholarships, the MAST class of 2025 graduated an impressive number of students with a variety of high honors. The class includes 15 members of the National Honor Society, 15 members of the Spanish Honor Society, five graduates who earned the Seal of Bi-literacy, and 12 graduates who received academy appointments or ROTC scholarship with one student enlisting in the United States Marine Corps.
Four members of the class attended Boys State last summer, a selective summer program for high school juniors that teaches American government and politics through practical experience. Sponsored by the American Legion, the program aims to develop leadership skills, civic responsibility and appreciation for citizenship rights and responsibilities. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program for female junior states at Girls State.
The MAST class also includes five Eagle Scouts, Jacob Benosky, Jack Ollins, Ryan Gilmartin, Vivian Moore and Tyler Terhune.
With Monmouth County Director Tom Arnone, and Commissioners Erik Anderson and Sue Kiley in attendance, the commissioners each congratulated the class, praised the high level of education at MAST, and promised the parents and students the County will always continue to support all the educational facilities within the Monmouth County Vocational Technical Schools.
Representing the County School district in the absence of MCVSD Superintendent Charles R. Ford, Jr. was assistant superintendent Sean R. Meehan.
Pete Engleman, USNA, presented the Navy scholarships during the ceremony. With five students opting for the Naval Academy, it represents a record number from MAST for in a single year, but also a record number at the Naval Academy of students from one individual school.
Leaving for Annapolis and the Naval Academy next week are:
Carter Braun of Middletown,
Thomas Clark of Little Silver,
Aidan Gravelli of Red Bank,
Nathan Olmeda of Red Bank; and,
Olivia Paoutis of Ocean township, the graduating class president.
Braun also received an appointment to the West Point Military Academy, as well as both NROTC and Army ROTC scholarships, and opted for the Naval Academy appointment,
Clark also turned down a Navy ROTC scholarship opting for the Naval Academy.
Gravelli also received an appointment to the US Merchant Marine Academy but chose the Naval Academy.
Olmeda also received a NROTC scholarship as well as the academy appointment he is accepting.
Arthur Rimmele of the Coast Guard Academy presented Coast Guard Academy appointments to:
Kevin Ruland, of Little Silver; and,
Sarah Flynn of Keansburg.
Navy ROTC scholarships were awarded to;
Tyler Feeney of Brielle,
Russell Karshmer of Highlands; and,
Alexandra Preston of Ocean Township.
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas A. Crowley, Jr. USA (ret) presented an Army ROTC scholarship to
Charlotte McKeon of Manasquan.
Delana Kirchoff of Middletown opted to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, the only member of the class to choose to be enlisted military this year.Â
The Marine Academy Color Guard presented colors at the start of the ceremony and Elene Barcan, vice president of the Class of 2025 led the pledge of allegiance. Olivia Domagala, bandmaster, sang the National Anthem, and Meehan offered a welcome along with the county commissioners. Principal Earl Morre presented the graduating class of 2025 and Sgt. At Arms Liam O’Reilly called the order for graduates to change their tassels, signifying the graduation before the recessionals, a tossing of the caps on Pershing Field and a reception.
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