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Maine Ocean High School Start-Up in Searsport

With a tip of the hat to several MMA alumni, Maine’s second public magnet school is set to open for its first academic year beginning in September. Academy graduates have played key roles in its founding and initial operation.

“The school’s mission is to provide a theme-based high school education focused on Maine’s maritime connection with an emphasis on leadership, work ethic and transferable skills associated with careers involving the sea,” says Capt. Eric Jergenson ’00, Assistant Professor, Marine Transportation Operations and Chair of the Ocean School Board of Directors.

The school’s curriculum offers four tracks: Marine Science, Transportation, Engineering, and Management. Courses range from the study of aquaculture and ship handling to electronics and business.

Although the school is not affiliated with MMA, “a kid coming from the school is probably a pretty good candidate for Maine Maritime Academy,” Jergenson says. “But it’s just as important that students who choose not to pursue post-secondary academic education are able to successfully filter directly into maritime industries.”

In addition to Jergensen, other MMA alumni involved include, Cynthia Prosser ’06, Genevieve Black ’14, Monet Brazier ’11, Capt. Michael J. Ames ’77, Dennis Weeks ’77, Capt. Lindsay Pinkham ’04 and Teri Jergenson ’01. MMA employees and students are also involved: Dr. Ann Cleveland, John-Michael Payne, Mary Elizabeth Greenier, Hila Shooter and Anna Spring.

“It’s a natural fit for us,” Jergenson says, “and we care about the role the school can play in the community, state and beyond.”
Now comes the task of growing enrollment. “We’re not only after those with a high GPA,” Jergenson says, “we’re after high-achieving students.

“I consider a high-achievement kid one who can tear down an engine in his or her driveway or a kid who’s lobstering on the weekends. There are so many different venues.”

“We just know these kids … MMA alumni were these kids.”█

Photo: Maine Ocean School

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