Luke Wesnofske Chooses SUNY Maritime College

Luke Wesnofske has accepted a cadet appointment program scholarship to attend SUNY Maritime College in the Bronx. The Huntington High School senior intends to study marine operations in preparation for a career in the maritime industry.

“SUNY Maritime College was the first college of its kind to be founded in the United States and is one of only seven degree-granting maritime academies in the United States,” Mr. Wesnofske said. “It prepares students for careers in the maritime industry, government, military and private sector.”

The cadet appointment program is New York State Legislature approved four-year full-tuition scholarship for undergraduate studies at SUNY Maritime College.

“The program allows New York State elected officials, specifically state senators and assemblymen, to nominate qualified New York State residents from their district to attend SUNY Maritime College as a cadet in the Regiment of Cadets (the “Regiment”),” Mr. Wesnofske said. “The Regiment is a disciplined lifestyle program that prepares cadets for the rigors of maritime environments. It is not affiliated with the military and carries no service obligation. I am fortunate and honored to have been awarded the CAP scholarship.”

The Huntington teenager will be a cadet in the Regiment. He plans to major in marine operations. “At the end of my studies, I will graduate with a US Coast Guard deck license, which will enable me to serve as deck officer on commercial vessels,” Mr. Wesnofske said. “My ultimate career goal is to be employed in the maritime industry.”

Mr. Wesnofske played on the Blue Devil junior varsity and varsity baseballs teams as a sophomore and junior, respectively, “which I enjoyed, but my passion has been spending time on the water, where I am most happy,” he said. “I love boating and fishing. Since the summer after my freshman year, I have worked at the Huntington Yacht Club as part of their dock staff. This job has been ideal for me because not only am I outside by the water learning about boating and boats, but it has taught me about responsibility, professionalism, and fiscal responsibility. I have gained valuable experience and knowledge while establishing strong professional relationships. Through my working experience, my goal of a career in the maritime industry has become clear.”

The senior said he has “enjoyed many classes” at Huntington High School, especially the business courses he took with teacher Bryan Outsen and the science classes he completed with teachers Michael Corcoran and Sara Guagliano.

“I have been in the Huntington UFSD since kindergarten, beginning at Flower Hill, then Jack Abrams School and Finley Middle School,” Mr. Wesnofske said. “My overall experience has been rewarding and my teachers throughout the years have been caring and supportive. I made good friends who I hope will be in my life in the years that come. However, I am ready for my next step in life and I look forward to the challenging environment of SUNY Maritime College.”