A group of Maine Maritime Academy students and administrators traveled to Houston Nov.16 for the school’s inaugural Admiral’s Dinner. Event proceeds benefit MMA’s scholarship program for students pursuing a U.S. Coast Guard Unlimited License. 

A featured speaker was MMA senior Rowan Kristan of Boothbay Harbor.The dinner was designed to show how important scholarships were in providing the industry with highly qualified future workers. Scholarships have benefited Kristan during his matriculation. He has received scholarships from the Boothbay community and other sources.

“I think they wanted to show me as an example of how the scholarship money is used. I received money from my high school and the MMA scholarship program. I gave a five-minute speech about how I benefited,” he said. 

The Admiral’s Dinner was held in Houston due to its importance in the maritime shipping industry. Kristan said many of the top shipping industry members have their headquarters in the largest city in Texas. “It’s a big hub in the energy and maritime industries and an opportunity to meet many important people in our industry,” he said.

Kristan was surprised to speak at MMA’s First Admiral’s Dinner. “I was honored. I didn’t expect it,” he said. Kristan is a 2020 Boothbay Region High School graduate. In the past four years, he has had no regrets about choosing MMA. “I’m absolutely glad I chose Maine Maritime. It’s an industry-oriented program with training that brings you right into your field of work,” he said.

Kristan’s job preference is working on a government-contracted vessel supplying ships or submarines. “I narrowed my choice down to a couple,” he said.

Kristan is the son of Christian and Brynne Kristan.