Staff report

Midshipman Steven Everett &uot;Rett&uot; Garner of Suffolk graduated Cum Laude this summer from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY, with the 182 members of the class of 2004.

The son of Steve and Niecie Garner, he received an Engineer merchant marine license at the ceremony. He additionally received a U.S. military commission and was awarded a bachelor of science degree in Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management.

Garner was ranked fourth of all graduating engineers in his college. He was also awarded the 2004 advancement of academic excellence award by the office of the academic dean, U.S.M.M.A. Additionally, he was one of 15 members of his school’s national honor society and selected for who’s who among students in American universities and colleges.

In his third year, he completed 300 days working as a student engineer aboard various ships and circum-navigating the world, crossing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and passed through the Panama and Suez canals. He also completed two Mediterranean cruises and six trips to Hawaii. In his senior year, he served as the school’s regimental academic officer, the highest ranked academic official. Garner will serve 8 years in the Naval Reserves and work locally as an engineer.

Garner was nominated to the academy by U.S. Sen. John Warner. U.S. Secretary Norman Mineta delivered the keynote address at the academy’s 68th commencement. Vice Admiral Joseph Stewart, the superintendent, presented the class of 2004 with their academic credentials.

The academy is operated by the Maritime Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation.