Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Charles Wyn Wheeler, a senior at Manteo High School, has been accepted to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, in Kings Point, New York.

He was nominated for the prestigious federal academy by U.S. Congressman Greg Murphy, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, U.S. Senator Ted Budd and U.S. Congresswoman Valerie Foushee.

Wheeler is one of about 275 appointees selected to attend the academy from over 1,500 applicants.

He will participant in a four-year regimental and academic curriculum, including three trimesters at sea on U.S. Flag Merchant vessels and U.S. Navy Ships and an internship. The work leads to a bachelor of science degree, a U.S. Merchant Marine Officer’s License as either a deck officer or engineering officer and an ensign’s commission in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

An appointment to the Merchant Marine Academy is the equivalent of a scholarship worth about $300,000 over the four-year period.

Making the presentation of the award was Manteo High School alumnus and 1999 U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate Jed Dixon, who has just been named director of the North Carolina Ferry Division.

The presentation was made after the celebration of the 1974 state baseball champions.

READ ABOUT MORE NEWS HERE.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE COASTLAND TIMES TODAY!