CASTINE – Midshipman 4/C Shawn Atkinson of North Turner was recently named an Honor Midshipman Under Guidance during his first semester as a member of the Maine Maritime Academy Regiment of Midshipmen.

The regiment, a student-run leadership and management program, is comprised of students seeking a U.S. Merchant Marine license as a third mate or a third assistant engineer following graduation.

For other students at the college, participation in the regiment is optional. The regimental system promotes learning and self-reliance, leadership, effective communications and interpersonal skills.

Atkinson was one of eight midshipmen selected for the first-year honor based upon exemplary performance as a junior member of the regiment. He demonstrated personal growth and excellence, enhanced team-building skills and improved leadership ability during the regimental preparatory training process. Atkinson, a graduate of Leavitt Area High School, Turner, is a member of the Class of 2011. He is majoring in marine engineering technology.