December 3, 2008

Denver native enters Merchant Marines

Midshipman Preston Nicholl, the son of Mary and Chris Nicholl, members of St. Mary Magdalene Parish, participated in Acceptance Day ceremonies at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. on Sept. 6. The annual event marks the official acceptance of the freshman, or plebe class, into the ranks of the academy’s regiment of midshipmen. 

An altar server for more than eight years with his brother Cameron, Preston was among the 290 plebes administered the academy oath by Rear Adm. Joseph D. Stewart, the institution’s superintendent.  The members of the class of 2012 were additionally sworn into the U.S. Naval Reserve by Rear Adm. Robert J. Reilly, commander U.S. Military Sealift Command. 

Preston attained the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, the rank of first lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol, was a member of Lakewood Youth Commission and attended Boy’s State in Wyoming.

Preston was nominated to attend the Academy by U.S Sen. Ken Salazar and U.S. Rep. Ed Permutter.

The plebe class reported to the academy on July 10 for a two-week indoctrination program.  Since then, the class of 2012 has been involved in academic and regimental education and training. 

The academy is operated by the Maritime Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation.