This spring, more than 155 students graduated through the port’s highly acclaimed maritime education program and Port Houston hosted several graduation dinners to recognize them.

Participating schools included Jack Yates Senior High School and Stephen F. Austin High School for Maritime Studies in Houston ISD, Dr. Kirk Lewis Career and Technical High School in Pasadena and Galena Park High School and North Shore High School in Galena Park ISD.

These students received a medal of honor and a graduation certificate for their achievement. Port Commissioners Theldon Branch, Roy Mease and John Kennedy attended and spoke at various ceremonies.

Part of the Port of Houston Partners in Maritime Education’s mission is to support local students in their continued advancement into the maritime industry. One way of supporting them is by providing scholarships to contribute towards their post-secondary education.

This year, 20 students received $1,500 scholarships from the Port of Houston Partners in Maritime Education – the highest number of awards granted in the program’s history.

“As commissioners, we are proud of our Maritime Education programs and I hope that our commitment to education is evident,” said Port Chairman Janiece Longoria at a recent public meeting.

“It is truly gratifying to see that with our academia partners, we are able to help young people gain skills needed to fill the growing needs of the broad array of careers in the maritime industry.”