CG Station Honored As Partner In Education

CHATHAM – When they’re not responding to emergencies, training or carrying out their other duties, the crew of Coast Guard Station Chatham might be found in the local schools. The station recently received top honors from the Coast Guard for its partnership with the Monomoy and Nauset school districts.

 The station received the 2024 Partnership in Education Best Unit Partnership Award for small stations, honoring its ongoing work with young people.

 “Chief Spencer Hinman is our coordinator, and through his efforts in multiple school districts including Monomoy, Nauset and Bridgewater the Coast Guard has had a hand in multiple events with school children,” station commander Senior Chief Ross Comstock said. The events include participation in Cape Cod 5’s Credit for Life fairs in the schools, providing tours of the station for Monomoy and Nauset students, and providing tours and information about the Gold Medal Lifeboat CG36500 as part of the students’ study of “The Finest Hours.”

 Comstock credited Hinman as well as Cheri Armstrong, the career education coordinator at Monomoy Regional High School, “without whose help these partnerships would not be possible.” He thanked Armstrong for inviting crew members into the school and for allowing them to mentor students considering a future in the Coast Guard.

 In making the award, Coast Guard Acting Civil Rights Director Scott Lanum commended the station and the 34 members who volunteered 646 hours last year. The efforts “had a positive impact on the local community and built lasting relationships that will encourage and inspire future leaders of our society,” he wrote in the award letter. 

 “We are so thrilled to partner with the Chatham Coast Guard and grateful for the opportunities they have provided for our students,” Armstrong said. “At Monomoy, we are committed to building the power skills of communication, collaboration, cooperation, problem-solving and critical thinking. Our relationship with the role models at the USCG further enable our students to glean and practice honor, integrity, courage, bravery, duty and service. It is a privilege!”