According to Ralph Waldo Emerson in his book, Letters and Social Aims written in 1876, “None of us will ever accomplish anything excellent or commanding except when he listens to this whisper which is heard by him alone.” Some things don’t change.
Cedric Casby, class of 2010 and Paul Frempong, 2011 have been paying attention to their whispers! Both cadets were recent recipients of the Hall of Black Achievement award given at Bridgewater State College. “This award honors and celebrates the culmination of an undergraduate career that exemplifies academic achievement, strong leadership skills, and good citizenship both on campus and within the community. The spirit of the student achiever award recognizes these students as the future!”
Cedric Casby, graduate of John Ehret High School in New Orleans, LA and now a Marine Transportation major, chose the Academy because it was regimented, helping him maintain his desired, high level of commitment and discipline. He was also impressed at the level of interest the college showed in him. This award certainly substantiates that interest.
Casby plans to sign on with Military Sealift Command after graduation and sail until he has enough money to buy his own yacht. ”My degree in Marine Transportation will allow me to travel to parts of the world that I always wanted to see and to some places that I have never even heard of”, he said.
Paul Frempong graduated from St. Augustine College (high school) in Cape Coast, Ghana, Africa, and is a dual major in International Maritime Business and Marine Transportation. “St. Augustine’s was an institution that demanded a lot. There was a morning assembly and challenging academic curriculum, similar to that at MMA. Part of the reason I came to the Academy was to maintain my values, discipline and leadership in a familiar structure”, Paul acknowledged. After graduation he plans to cross the pond to England and receive his Merchant Mariner Officer’s License. Frempong then hopes to utilize his dual major to jump start a career with ExxonMobil as a Port and Terminal Operations Manager.
These two honorees, nominated by the Academy and selected by the HOBA Commission are certain shoe ins for many future awards and honors. Casby and Frempong are two guys who seem to hear all their whispers.
Photo left to right, 1/c Paul Frempong, Ms. Shiba Russell of WCVB-TV, MMA Company Officer Wayne Magee, 1/c Cedric Casby
