In conjunction with the Port of Houston Partners in Maritime Education program, Port Houston sponsored graduation dinners for six high schools in four school districts adjacent to the Houston Ship Channel: Stephen F. Austin, Jack Yates, North Shore, Galena Park, LaPorte and Pasadena Dr. Kirk Lewis Career and Technical High School. These schools now recruit the best students for a four-year curriculum focused on maritime careers and skills.

“Port Houston supports partnerships between industry employers and institutions with maritime education programs to assure that local students have the opportunity to pursue a maritime career in this thriving industry. We continue our long standing commitment to maritime education through our support of high school, community college and 4 year college programs,” said Port Chairman Janiece Longoria.

Port Commissioners John Kennedy, Dean Corgey, Roy Mease and Theldon Branch attended the various ceremonies.

“These programs are great platform for students to get training and experience. The purpose of the receptions is to formally recognize students graduating from the maritime program,” said Gilda Ramirez, Port Houston senior director for small business and education outreach. The receptions also provide the opportunity for students from the feeder schools to learn and become engaged with industry professionals and institutions of higher learning, Ramirez noted.