In early April each year, Maine Maritime Academy holds a Student Life Awards Banquet to recognize those students who participate in campus and local community life beyond academics.  We recognize our student body is very active both at Maine Maritime and in the community. Award recipients make significant contributions to MMA and the Castine Community through their participation in various service projects, athletics, employment, and co-curricular organizations and activities.

There are twelve Student Life Award Categories that recognize a variety of student leaders of the MMA student body, and members of the staff & faculty who support students and student life.  The Student Life Awards Committee will review all nominations and select the top three nominees in each award category. These top nominees will be invited to, and recognized, during the ceremony. One overall awardee from each category will be announced as the award winner at the banquet.

2025 Student Life Awards Banquet

2025 marks the 24th Annual Student Life Awards Banquet. The 2025 Student Life Awards Banquet will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

Please review all of the award descriptions carefully and submit nominations by March 3, 2025. Complete nominations include a narrative with supporting facts for the nominee. Narratives should be at least one paragraph in length. Incomplete nominations make it difficult to compare students’ achievements.  Please provide as much information as possible to help the committee.

Not sure what to nominate a student for, but feel they deserve recognition? Enter a nomination under the “General Nomination” category using the button below and the Student Life Awards Committee will place the student into the category they fit best!

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Student Awards

Athletic Integration Award – Recognizes the positive contributions intramural, club, or varsity athletes make to the campus community. It is awarded to a student-athlete who has impacted campus life through leadership and collaboration with others.

Club / Organization Advisor of the Year Award – This award recognizes a staff or faculty member who has gone above and beyond in their commitment to students through their role as a student organization or club advisor. This individual is highly dependable, possesses strong leadership skills, and has demonstrated an ability to help students grow through guidance and mentorship.

Emerging Leader Award (2) – Given to two students who have emerged as leaders and who can be expected to contribute significantly to the campus community and the welfare of their fellow students during their time at the Academy.

Mariner Pride Award – A community-wide nomination that honors an organization, event, or activity that enhances Mariner Pride by bringing people together and helping to strengthen the campus community.

Non-Traditional Student Impact Award – This award is given to a non-traditional student who has used their life experiences to make a significant impact in the campus community including, but not limited to, campus life, academic achievement, leadership, and community service. The award winner will have promoted and demonstrated excellence in all aspects of their college experience.

Outstanding Collaboration Award – Recognizes an individual member of the student body who has collaborated with multiple constituencies.  This student has led with integrity to unify the student body and make significant contributions to the greater campus community.

Outstanding Contribution to Residential Life Award– This award is presented to a student who has made significant contributions to the community and the experience of students living in residence halls. The awardee, through their actions, leadership, and innovation has promoted community through respect, fairness, and inclusion.

Phyllis Tenney Community Service and Leadership Award – This is presented to a student who has displayed outstanding dedication and loyalty to MMA, commitment and service to the Castine community, exemplary leadership skills, and has also achieved great success academically and socially at MMA. The recipient has the promise of becoming a lifelong contributor to Maine Maritime Academy, to their community, and society as a whole.

Student Employee of the Year Award – Recognizes a student worker who has demonstrated a high quality of work and leadership skills and who has made a significant impact on the department or departments in which they work.

Student Government Leadership Award – Recognizes a student affiliated with the Student Government Association who has shown immense integrity and perseverance in striving to improve student life and welfare.

The Sarah F. Hudson Unsung Mariner Award – Is presented to a faculty or staff member who demonstrates outstanding service to the MMA community, supports student life, and works to enhance the student experience.

12/10 Ryan King Award – Ryan King’s motto of 12/10 was his hope that everyone would have a 12 out of 10 day. This award is presented to a student employee, faculty, or, staff member who exhibits this attitude, who supports students at every turn, and who seizes every opportunity to be helpful and kind and to lift others up. 

Student Life Awards Committee

• Ann Cleveland, Professor of Marine Biology 
• Bill Mottola, Director of Athletics
• Dan Gardner, Director for Residential Life & Student Activities
• Emily Berry, Assistant Director for Student Activities
• Jeff Taub, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science
• Josh Stanhope, Assistant Director of Residential Life
• Kristi Carter, Assistant Professor of Mathematics 
• Kyle Willette, Bravo and Echo Company Officer