CASTINE – Midshipman A.J. Cerrato of Sumner was recently recognized at a ceremony at Maine Maritime Academy for his superior performance in the college’s cadet shipping program.

According to Richard G. Youcis, director of career services and cooperative education, students were selected for the honor based on outstanding performance during their cadet shipping assignments.They presented superior summary projects and received outstanding evaluations from professional seafaring officers.

Students pursuing an officer’s license from the U.S. Coast Guard as a third mate or third assistant engineer are required to train at sea in each of their first three years at the college. Freshmen and juniors sail aboard the MMA vessel, while sophomores are assigned to merchant ships worldwide through the college’s cadet shipping program.

Cerrato, a member of the Class of 2009, is majoring in marine engineering technology. He is a graduate of Buckfield Junior-Senior High School.