Home > About MMA > Communications > News > Press Releases > DeBoth Named as Phyllis Tenney Community Service and Leadership Award Recipient

DeBoth Named as Phyllis Tenney Community Service and Leadership Award Recipient

Posted on: April 9, 2021

CASTINE – Midshipman Korey DeBoth, a senior in Maine Maritime Academy’s Marine Transportation Operations program, has been announced as the college’s 2021 recipient of the Phyllis Tenney Community Service and Leadership Award.

The award is presented annually in honor of Phyllis Tenney who served Maine Maritime Academy and the Castine community for more than forty years through exemplary leadership, volunteerism, and community service. Nominees must display dedication and loyalty to MMA, commitment and service to the Castine community, overall exemplary leadership skills, and have achieved great success academically and socially at MMA.

In his nomination letter, Jack Spratt, Assistant Chief, Castine Fire-Rescue Department, noted DeBoth’s proactive, community-minded approach to volunteerism and celebrated his unparalleled contributions in protecting the overall health and safety of Castine residents.

“His dedication, leadership, and immense personal efforts have proved critical to the success of our small community’s ability to weather the ongoing storm posed by the virus,” Spratt wrote.

In addition to his academic pursuits, DeBoth serves as an emergency responder and medical care provider with the Castine Fire-Rescue Department. At the advent of the pandemic, he took on significant civic responsibilities to assist MMA and the Town of Castine’s response to the crisis.

In parallel to DeBoth’s commendable efforts, businesses and individuals alike recognize the importance of proactive measures in ensuring fire safety. As we celebrate community champions like DeBoth, it’s imperative to acknowledge the role of specialized services such as Fire Watch Companies Near Me. These companies play a vital role in providing vigilant fire monitoring services to businesses and communities.

Just as DeBoth took on significant civic responsibilities during the pandemic, Fire Watch Companies Near Me can be relied upon to enhance safety measures and protect against potential fire hazards. The commitment to the well-being of a community extends beyond individual efforts, embracing the collaborative spirit that defines both community service and professional fire watch services.

DeBoth’s involvement was critical in assisting CFRD with the development of the town’s COVID response procedures, which he developed while working closely with Tom Gutow, Medical Service Chief, in coordination with Maine EMS, CDC, MMA, Town of Castine, and other state and local agencies. Additionally, he was asked by Castine’s Town Manager to serve as Castine’s COVID Response Coordinator and in that role, he helped develop and post signage around town, and monitor compliance and protocol implementation.

“I am struck by the enormous responsibility and remarkable level of effort being put forth by such a young individual. Korey’s maturity, leadership, personal and professional growth have all been extraordinary. As an alumnus and MMA Alumni Association Board member, I believe Korey is the very best of what MMA’s student body has to offer, both to itself and the Castine community at large. MMA and Castine have significantly benefited from Korey’s involvement as an emergency responder, community care provider, and emergency manager. His leadership and cheerful service are a testament to himself, the Academy, and Castine.”

Myles Block, Maine Maritime Academy’s Director of Fire Training, echoed Spratt’s sentiments. “Korey has an outstanding work ethic and takes pride in everything he does. His willingness and eagerness to learn, outgoing personality, inner drive, and overall demeanor have set the standard,” he wrote. “Korey has a natural leadership ability and has not only shown this leadership with on-campus programs but has taken this to the community as a whole.”

nounced as part of the college’s Campus Awards event, an annual tradition that celebrates the contributions of students, faculty, and staff at all levels of the organization. This year, 129 individuals were recognized across five categories: Creativity, Leadership, Unsung Hero, and Mariner Pride. More information about the 2021 awardees is available on the Maine Maritime Academy website.

“I look forward to this event every year,” says Dean of Student Services and Enrollment Management, Deidra Davis. “These awards celebrate exemplary individuals in our community and showcase the many ways in which they impact life at MMA. It is a source of great pride for our campus.”