Coast Guard Hosts Fifth Annual Celebrate New London Day

New London, CT – The Coast Guard Academy Athletic Department held the fifth annual Celebrate New London Day this past weekend during the Coast Guard, Springfield football game Saturday afternoon.

The Coast Guard Academy enjoys this opportunity each year to celebrate the New London community and highlight a number of the students and youth groups in the city.

"I think this one of the more remarkable traditions that has started in the last four or five years," commented New London Mayor Michael Passero who has attended the event numerous times over the past five years. "This event really unites the town with the Academy and it introduces our children to how important this institution is to the town. We are very proud of the three fourth classmen who joined the Academy this year (Nathaniel Skrabacz, Maylis Yepez and Trenton Robledo-Thompson)."

Interim Superintendent of New London Schools, Dr. Stephen Tracy, was elated to take in his first Celebrate New London Day and join in all the festivities.

"I would like to thank Admiral Rendon and the entire Coast Guard Academy community for inviting our student's and our staff today," added Dr. Tracy. "It is a great example of team spirit and it is a chance for our younger kids to see what leadership looks like up close and personal. We value it a lot and appreciate it."

Seven students, Samayra Sydnie Lubin, Maleek Jefferson, Fortune Adekoya, Kaiden Smith, Franchesca Tillman, Wilbur Mack and Mikayla Gutierrez-Perez, were highlighted at halftime for their excellent work in school and were the honorary kickoff kids for the game.

Also showcased during the event was the New London Arts Magent School Choir singing the National Anthem, the New London High School Cheerleading squad and the Nathan Hale Dance Ensemble who performed during halftime.