By Nalani O’Brien, Maritime Education Instructor
As the sun sets on an incredible year at Maritime High School, we’re proud to share the waves we’ve made across all four grade levels. From hands-on environmental action to launching into maritime pathways, our students continue to chart bold courses into the future. Here’s a look at what each grade level accomplished this year:
9th Grade: Making Waves in the Community
Our 9th graders wrapped up the year with passion and purpose, completing their Community Impact Projects rooted in environmental stewardship. Students visited local elementary schools to teach 5th graders about pollution sources and how small actions, such as recycling, can make a big difference. Other groups built tire barges to help remove toxic, aging tires from the Duwamish River, protecting marine life and water quality from harmful chemical leaks. Meanwhile, another team constructed Grattix Boxes, rainwater filtration systems filled with native plants, which now reside right on our MHS campus. These boxes capture and filter rooftop runoff, preventing pollutants from reaching the soil. These young mariners are already proving to be true environmental changemakers.
(Pictured above is one of the completed Grattix boxes on the MHS campus, on the left, and the right are students holding pollution and microplastics found in the community.)
10th Grade: Science, Storytelling, and Setting Sail
Our 10th graders dove deep into water quality science, collecting data aboard Admiral Jack and translating their findings into digital story maps using ArcGIS. Each student group developed and investigated a scientific question tied to their fieldwork, building both technical skills and environmental literacy. This year also marked a major milestone: students officially launched into their maritime pathways, beginning the specialized training that will define the rest of their high school journey.
- 17 students set off into the Vessel Operations pathway and will begin coursework and training at Seattle Maritime Academy.
- 14 students entered the Marine Construction pathway and will learn welding at Vigor through South Seattle College.
- 5 students joined the Marine Science pathway, remaining on the MHS campus to work closely with Dr. Rosalind on hands-on marine ecology and research projects.
(Pictured above are students aboard Admiral Jack testing their water samples and charting their waypoints for their float plan.)
11th Grade: Gaining Credentials and Confidence
Our 11th graders hit full speed in their pathway programs, gaining invaluable industry knowledge and real-world skills. In Vessel Operations, 10 students submitted their applications for their Merchant Mariner Credential, a key step toward professional maritime work. As of today, credentials are beginning to roll in, opening doors for summer internships and post-graduation job opportunities on the water. These students are well on their way to earning upgraded licenses after successful internship completion. Across all pathways, 11th-grade students are building confidence, credentials, and career-readiness with every lesson.
12th Grade: Full Steam Ahead—Our First Graduates!
On June 18, 2025, our first-ever graduating class crossed the stage at Highline Performing Arts Center, officially becoming Maritime High School alumni. Of our 31 seniors, about half plan to pursue employment within the maritime industry, while the other half are headed toward four-year colleges, technical programs, and other career paths. Whether they’re joining the workforce or continuing their education, these trailblazers leave a legacy of resilience, curiosity, and leadership that will guide future crews of Maritime students.
(Pictured above are our inaugural Maritime High School graduates.)
Onward to New Horizons
As this transformative school year comes to a close, we’re proud of the journeys our students have taken and inspired by where they’re headed next. We’ll return in September with fresh energy, ready to chart new courses and continue building a future rooted in purpose, partnership, and possibility.
