In May 2026 we had the privilege of awarding the first two John Veentjer Youth Maritime Scholarships on behalf of everyone in our maritime community who supported the fund and made this happen. Nearly $10,000 raised last year went directly to two Washington State students, and we wanted to take a moment to introduce them and tell you about where they’re headed.
If you made a contribution last year, this is what your donation did. If you’re joining us for the first time, this is the difference you are helping make.
This scholarship was established by the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound in partnership with the Youth Maritime Training Association to honor John Veentjer’s decades of service to the maritime industry — his time in the U.S. Coast Guard, his leadership of the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound, and his lifelong commitment to the people and future of Puget Sound’s maritime community. It supports Washington State residents ages 17-24 pursuing careers in maritime trades, sciences, or operations, and was built to meet students at every stage of that journey. Those just finding their way into the industry and those already deep into their training. This year’s two recipients reflect exactly that.
William grew up fishing the Strait of Juan de Fuca and participating in Sea Scouts, developing an early and genuine connection to the water and the vessels that move through it. He graduated from Sequim High School where he took AP coursework across a range of disciplines and volunteered at the Arthur Fiero Marine Laboratory, gaining firsthand exposure to marine research and professional maritime environments. He has been accepted to Cal Poly Maritime to study Marine Transportation with a focus on navigation, ship handling, and maritime operations. His goal is to earn his officer’s license and build a career in marine transportation in the Pacific Northwest, working his way into senior leadership and command positions. Longer term he hopes to one day head a research vessel in the Arctic.
Owen just finished his freshman year at Cal Poly Maritime studying Marine Transportation. He made the President’s List and is currently on his first summer training cruise aboard the Golden Bear. His path to the academy wasn’t straightforward — he seriously considered the trades before discovering maritime academies, and his journey continues to evolve as he digs deeper into his training and learns more about where the industry can take him. After graduation he plans to sail commercially and eventually start a Washington-based shipping company. He has noted that of the seven merchant mariner academies in the country only one is located on the West Coast, and he hopes to one day help change that by establishing a maritime officer training school in Washington State, ensuring the next generation of mariners has more options closer to home.
These awards would have been possible without the people who showed up, gave generously, and believed in what this scholarship can do. You made this happen, and we are genuinely grateful.
The 2027 scholarship fund is open and there are more students out there who need our support. We hope you’ll join us again and, if you can, come celebrate in person on June 25th at this year’s fundraiser. Thank you to the Youth Maritime Training Association for their partnership in making all of this possible.
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