As part of its mission, the Eastport Yacht Club Foundation (EYCF) seeks to support exceptional students who have a passion for the maritime world, a love of life on the water, a respect for the marine environment, and a dream of a lifetime career in the industry. The program has grown since its 2015 inception, increasing the number of recipients and how much they receive. This year EYCF will grant over $40,000 in maritime scholarships, almost double the amount given in 2023.
Charles Ernst of Arnold, MD, will attend State University of New York Maritime College. He plans to major in marine transportation and pursue a seagoing career. He’ll be part of the school’s regimental program leading to a Coast Guard-issued deck officer’s license for unlimited tonnage. The Broadneck High School grad’s entrepreneurial and mechanical prowess led him to build a small business buying, refurbishing, and re-selling outboard motors.
Alexander Faranetta of St. Michaels, MD, will attend Maine Maritime Academy. He will major in marine biology and become certified in small vessel operations. Having volunteered at a local wildlife refuge, the Wye River Upper School graduate’s goal since sixth grade has been to become a marine scientist.
Emma Guy of Churchton, MD, will attend the University of Tampa. She plans to major in environmental studies. Inspired by her time growing up on the Chesapeake Bay, after graduate school her focus will be on protecting green and blue spaces. The Southern High School grad enjoyed volunteering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service where she assisted with vegetation and waterbird nesting surveys.
James Ronayne of Annapolis, MD, will attend Cornell University. His studies will focus on the environment, sustainability, and marine biology. He has worked with Chesapeake Oyster Alliance, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and Chesapeake Conservation Association. While at Annapolis High School, he was on the water polo, sailing, and swim teams, and served as a sailing coach at Annapolis Yacht Club.
Wyatt Zlupko of Edgewater, MD, will attend Maine Maritime Academy. He will major in marine engineering operations, while minoring in transportation, qualifying him to acquire a captain’s license. As a student at South River High School and driven by his interest in boats and engines, Wyatt completed the Marine Service Technician Program at Center of Applied Technology—South. Additionally, he’s earning his American Boat and Yacht Council certification.
The following recipients are returning:
- William Arnone at Maine Maritime Academy
- Dylan Bender at California State University Maritime Academy
- Caleb Brockett at Webb Institute of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
- Luke Carter at The Landing School Nathaniel Gifford at Massachusetts Maritime Academy
- Zachary Hardy at Maine Maritime Academy
- Julia Kruesi at University of Delaware
- Teleri Wilt at Massachusetts Maritime Academy
After the tough job of choosing from a very talented group of applicants, Mike Morris, chair of the Marine and Maritime Scholarship committee said, “It feels great to be aiding the workforce development challenge seen across the marine and maritime industries while helping to make dreams come true.”
Learn more about Marine and Maritime Scholarships and all the EYCF programs at eycfoundation.org.