Jack Yates High School Maritime Academy held an Appreciation Dinner for their senior graduates as they embark on the next phase in life.

Graduates and their families ate a catered meal and talked amongst themselves probably for the last time for some as they awaited Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s arrival.

The keynote speaker for the event was Port of Houston Chairwoman Janiece Longoria. Longoria expressed to the students the vast opportunities that are available in Maritime but more on the lessons of life and how to navigate in an uncertain future.

“You are the architect of your future, your life is limited by you and only you,” said Longoria. “There is no limit to your accomplishments. Take the steps necessary to get there.”

The 2014 Yates Maritime Program graduates are Kasey McGee, Jasmyne Morris, Tania Nava, Kailyn Nunnery, Dre’corey Perkins and Dwayne Tibbs, Stephaun Barnes, Porchia Cunningham, Taneshia Curry, Ryan Fields, Daunte’ Fisher, Kayman Herring Taylor, Joshua Johnson, Deon’tre LeBlanc, Christian Love, Derrick McCradic, De’andre Nealey, Uraybein Reed, Eaunesha Taylor, Keshonne Washington, Bruce Wilson and Marisha Wygal.

Yates Alumni showed up in full force as usual with the help of City Liaison, Carl Davis.
Congresswoman Lee reminded everyone about the importance of the Port of Houston and the economic gains it has made for the city.
“This is an enormously timely program,” said Congresswoman Lee. “The Port is a $35 million business with a million jobs for people who are interested in Maritime.”

The Port of Houston is the most productive port in the United States surpassing New York.