Ridge Graduate Appointed To United States Merchant Marine Academy

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Ridge High School graduate Sawyer Melick was appointed to the United States Merchant Marine Academy(USMMA) for the Class of 2025.

To be considered for an appointment to the USMMA, a cadet must receive a nomination from a Member of Congress. Melick received three nominations from Congressman Tom Malinowski, Senator Cory Booker and Senator Bob Menendez.

Melick's appointment to the USMMA was awarded to him by Senator Menendez on April 27.

"My husband, Jeff, and I are extremely proud of our son's accomplishment," said Amy Melick.

Melick graduated from Ridge High School in 2020 and went on to attend the New Mexico Military Institute(NMMI) in Roswell, New Mexico as a self-prep cadet for USMMA Class of 2025. While at NMMI he was named best new cadet for his troop, received the Matchin Award and completed the Bataan Death March.

Here is a list of some of his accomplishments:

• On Feb. 3 - Melick was given the Matchin Award for displaying outstanding discipline, academic proficiency and excellent leadership potential during his new cadet semester.
• On March 10 - Melick was named to the Superintendent’s List for 2020 Fall Semester (Academic Award)
• On April 10 - Melick and members of NMMI’s Garry Owen Squadron completed the 26.2-mile Bataan Memorial Death March. This annual event honors the sacrifices and perseverance of the American and Filipino soldiers who were surrendered to Japanese forces on April 9, 1942 and forced to march more than 60 miles through the Philippine jungle.
• Melick also finished his prep year with a perfect 4.0 in his academics.

Melick was also recruited to play Lacrosse for USMMA. He previously played lacrosse for Ridge High School all four years with two years on varsity.

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