A Request towards My Attentive Group- You!
A few years ago, a deck officer assigned to the American Tern had left this Earth as a result of a tragic accident while vacationing at home. A shrine has since been erected in his name, the former Second Mate, Matthew M. McCormick and in the form of a nice wall map. Another plaque shows the crew honoring his service given to the ship as it stands proudly encased in its wood and brass frame in the Officer’s Mess.
As I became more knowledgeable about Matt’s history, during these past few months, I learned, too, about his family’s efforts in forming a scholarship in his name and I wanted to help, in some way.
The Matthew M. McCormick Memorial Scholarship Fund has been created at Maine Maritime Academy. A sign near the aforementioned map asks of any contributions in which people can donate to the Scholarship. I was touched by the plight of the family as this scholarship could benefit those, in need back at the academy.
I thought how I could help and I immediately thought of you- all my friends and family who follow my travels. This is all my idea, folks, as I am always anxious to help out a good cause and this case seemed to particularly hit home as this was HIS ship.
Coincidentally, the current Second Mate, Mike, has a sense of his continued presence. It seems whenever Mike’s thought process is in a quandary, “Matt” seems to clear things up for him and some of the tasks are smoothed out, remarkably. Nonetheless, his spirit is felt onboard the ‘Tern.
His Brother Jim offers this to say, “Dear Friend, The Matthew McCormick Memorial Scholarship at Maine Maritme Academy is almost fully endowed, but we need your help to complete its funding. Staying true to Matt’s own interests and background, the Matthew McCormick Memorial Scholarship is designed to provide educational assistance each year to a candidate who wishes to pursue the study of navigation at the Academy.
Please consider making a gift to the scholarship fund in Matthew’s memory. No gift is too small, and all gifts are tax deductible. Please feel free to contact me at any time regarding the scholarship. You may contact me directly (or send payment to the address below. Add to your check memo, ‘Matthew M. McCormick Scholarship Fund’)
Sincerely,
Jim McCormick (615) 438-7508″
A mailing address for contributions is as follows: Send Check or money order to:
Maine Maritime Academy, 101 Leavitt Hall, Castine, ME 04420
Thank you, my loyal ‘Express friends. If you need any other questions, do not hesitate to leave a message with your email address in the comments section so I can respond to you.
Have a great day!
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