Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools May/June 2016 | Page 5

Porter Ridge senior takes leadership skills to Merchant Marine Academy

Getting a call on her cell phone from a Washington, DC, area code
sent Porter Ridge High School senior Alyssa Stoltz’ heart racing.
She had been waiting for weeks to find out if she would receive
the coveted appointment to the United States Merchant Marine
Academy at Kings Point in New York.
When she discovered the call was from Congressman Robert
Pittenger (NC-09), she knew the answer was, “Yes.”
“He said he was proud of me and if I ever needed anything to call
him,” Alyssa said. “Then he gave me his cell phone number!”
Although she had received three congressional nominations to
attend the academy, it was the recommendation from Pittenger that
got her the appointment.
“We are proud of Alyssa, including her leadership, strong
academics, and commitment to community service,” Pittenger said
in a written statement. “The Merchant Marine Academy is a great
opportunity for gifted students to serve their country while also
preparing for a career in the vital logistics industry.”
The United States Merchant Marine Academy is one of the five
United States service academies. It is charged with training officers
for the United States Merchant Marine, branches of the military, and
the transportation industry.
Students admitted to the academy have to have a congressional
nomination. There are under 300 admitted to the academy each year.
The Merchant Marine is responsible for transporting cargo and
passengers during peacetime, and is an auxiliary to the Navy in time
of war, charged with delivering military personnel and materiel for the
military.
Alyssa will begin an intensive month-long training program at
the end of June in preparation for the academy. Her mother, Jennifer
Stoltz, a UCPS instructional technology facilitator, said this will include
physical, regimental and waterfront training.
“I am about the most proud mom in the world right now,” she said.
Alyssa feels her high school leadership experiences played an
important role in getting the appointment.
“I think that’s a really big tie into how I got into the academy:
my leadership through lacrosse (a two-time captain of the varsity
lacrosse team) and being student body president,” she said. “I’ve
shown and exemplified that I am a hard worker and am able to get
the job done.”
As for her personal strengths, Alyssa said she has always been a
“unifier of people.”
“It’s easy for me to lift morale, or help others when they’re
struggling,” she said. “I think this will really help me in the future. I
enjoy helping others, so that’s something I bring to the table.”
According to her principal, Dr. Bashawn Harris, Alyssa brings a
lot of good qualities to the table. He said she is an excellent student
and a natural leader.
“When she first came to Porter Ridge High School, she seemed
quiet and shy, but she has blossomed into a great leader. We’re very
proud to have her,” Harris said.
Although she could join any branch of the Armed Forces, Alyssa
hopes to serve in the United States Coast Guard because of its
humanitarian nature. Plus, she really likes the ocean.
When she graduates, Alyssa will be an officer. “With the
opportunities at the academy for growth and leadership, I can
definitely become a better leader and hopefully, just a better person
in general,” she said.
Graduates of the US Merchant Marine Academy can attain a B.S.
Degree in Marine Engineering, Marine Transportation, all graduates
are licensed merchant marine officers and commissioned armed
forces officers.
—This article was provided by the Union County Public Schools
Communications Office

Senior Alyssa Stoltz has been accepted into the Merchant Marine
Academy.

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Parent Teacher News • May/June 2016 • 3