Cadets served as ensemble players, ushers

BUZZARDS BAY: Eleven current students of Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA; www.maritime.edu), a top-ranked state university with seven undergraduate degree programs focusing on science, engineering, technology, math, and business that blend academics and experiential learning, were called on to contribute their time and talents to Governor Charlie Baker’s State of the Commonwealth address, which was held earlier this week at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.

With guidance from Wayne Magee, director of bands, honor guard and drill team, First Class Cadet Edward Welch of Brockton, MA, Second Class Cadet Alex Barrachina Long of North Dartmouth, MA, Third Class Cadet Ryan Almeida of East Taunton, MA, and Fourth Class Cadet Christopher Bailey of Cohasset, MA, combined their musical talents into an ensemble that greeted guests as they arrived.

Additionally, Third Class Cadet Bruce Douglas of Belchertown, MA, Second Class Cadet Emily Dudek of Weymouth, MA, First Class Cadet Lily Hakkarainen of Chesterfield, MA, First Class Cadet Camryn Boyce of Whitman, MA, First Class Cadet Laura Kleber of Westport, MA, Third Class Cadet Andrew Brightman of Wareham, MA, and Third Class Cadet Michael Ortiz of Groton, MA, all served as ushers throughout the event.

Massachusetts Senate President Karen E. Spilka recognized the Massachusetts Maritime Academy students in her opening remarks.  “When we all call Mass. Maritime the Commonwealth’s Leadership University, we really mean it,” she said.  “The women and men who graduate from Mass. Maritime…are highly sought after in the worldwide maritime industry and beyond, because of their unique blend of education and experience.  We should all be proud of our Mass. Maritime students and alumni who bring their values of self-discipline, professionalism, confidence, honor, and pride in themselves and their shipmates to everything that they do, and I am so glad that they are part of this very special evening.”

Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, USMS, president of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, was also present at the State of the Commonwealth address.

“We’re honored that our students could contribute in this way, and represent their school, and their commonwealth, so proudly,” said McDonald.