CB West Senior Accepted to Merchant Marine Academy

A CB West senior and Doylestown American Legion ballplayer will become a member of the Class of 2016 at the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Benjamin Tracy, of Doylestown, has been accepted to the academy in Kings Point, NY, one of the five federal service academies. After he graduates from CB West in June, he's got a few weeks before he heads off to New York in July to start his life's next journey.

It's a fitting path for the young man who has had his eye on a uniform for as long as he can remember, inspired in part by a grandfather and aunt and uncle who served in the U.S. Navy.

"I always really wanted to be in the Navy, and I didn’t know much about the Merchant Marine Academy, but as time went on, I just decided this is where I wanted to go," Tracy said.

Founded in 1943, the Merchant Marine Academy educates and trains young men and women for an appointment in the country's merchant marine fleet.

Nominated by Senator Pat Toomey and Bucks County Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, Tracy is one of about 275 appointees selected to attend the academy in the fall. More than 2,100 young people applied this year, according to the academy.

Graduates earn a bachelor of science degree, a U.S. Merchant Marine officer's license as either a deck officer or an engineering officer, and an ensign's commission in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

An appointment to the Academy is the equivalent of a scholarship worth about $217,000 over the four years, according to academy officials.

And while Ben's parents say that wasn't what attracted their son to pursue the nomination, it certainly didn't hurt.

"Most of the private colleges are all $45,000 to $55,000 (a year), so it’s on par with those private universities," said Ben's mom, Kelley Tracy. "A lot of students graduate with loans and he won't have that. This was a nice little byproduct, and we certainly appreciate it."

Plus, especially in this economy, the academy's 100 percent job placement rating for graduates was attractive, the Tracys said.

Those who know Ben said his appointment to the service academy is fitting.

Steve Ruane is the manager of the Doylestown American Legion baseball team. He said Ben is a leader on the field, where he will be pitching this season, and off the field, where he is always pitching in to help.

"We ask a great deal of our players and Ben is always at the forefront of those assignments," said Ruane, who has known the Tracys for years. "They are such wonderful people and have raised a terrific young man."

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