Midshipman Korey DeBoth, a senior in Maine Maritime Academy’s marine transportation operations program, has been announced as the college’s 2021 recipient of the Phyllis Tenney Community Service and Leadership Award.
The award is presented annually in honor of Phyllis Tenney who served Maine Maritime Academy and the Castine community for more than 40 years through exemplary leadership, volunteerism, and community service. Nominees must display dedication and loyalty to MMA, commitment and service to the Castine community, overall exemplary leadership skills, and have achieved great success academically and socially at MMA.
In his nomination letter, Jack Spratt, assistant chief, Castine Fire-Rescue Department, noted DeBoth’s proactive, community-minded approach to volunteerism and celebrated his unparalleled contributions in protecting the overall health and safety of Castine residents.
“His dedication, leadership, and immense personal efforts have proved critical to the success of our small community’s ability to weather the ongoing storm posed by the virus,” Spratt wrote.
In addition to his academic pursuits, DeBoth serves as an emergency responder and medical care provider with the Castine Fire-Rescue Department. At the advent of the pandemic, he took on significant civic responsibilities to assist MMA and the town of Castine’s response to the crisis.
DeBoth’s involvement was critical in assisting the department with developing its COVID response procedures while working closely with town, regional, and state agencies. Additionally, he was asked by Castine’s town manager to serve as Castine’s COVID response coordinator and in that role, he helped develop and post signage around town, and monitor compliance and protocol implementation.
“I am struck by the enormous responsibility and remarkable level of effort being put forth by such a young individual,” Spratt wrote. “Korey’s maturity, leadership, and personal and professional growth have all been extraordinary. His leadership and cheerful service are a testament to himself, the academy, and Castine.”
Myles Block, Maine Maritime Academy’s director of fire training, echoed Spratt’s sentiments.
“Korey has an outstanding work ethic and takes pride in everything he does. His willingness and eagerness to learn, outgoing personality, inner drive, and overall demeanor have set the standard,” he wrote. “Korey has a natural leadership ability and has not only shown this leadership with on-campus programs but has taken this to the community as a whole.”
