Honorable Mention Winner
Patrick Gaughran
Florida Keys Community College
Senior in Marine Engineering
3.82 GPA

Gaughran decided to choose a major that suited his character and profession. As a Leading Petty Officer of Damage Control for the United States Coast Guard, Gaughran decided to enroll in FKCC’s Marine Engineering program. In his first semester, he excelled in all his classes, earning top scores on his assignments.

Through his in-school achievements, Gaughran has become an example for his peers to follow. Gaughran encourages his Coast Guard unit to follow their own paths in education. “As of now, at least 14 people from my unit and several others from the Key West U.S. Coast Guard group have enrolled in local college classes,” Gaughran says.

“He consistently promotes advanced education benefits to all 41 members assigned here by placing advertisements, (by placing) college activities, and volunteers for community assignments,” says Randy Lee Bradley, chief warrant officer of U.S. Coast Guard in Key West. “Patrick is very attentive to the needs of the members attending college.”

During the summer of 1999, Gaughran joined FKCC’s Prop Masters, a campus club for engineering students. The club supported itself by rebuilding and selling outboard engines to the local community and performing maintenance work on the school’s boat. Gaughran’s school involvement didn’t stop there. In the spring 2000, Gaughran joined Phi Theta Kappa. Through PTK, Gaughran has raised public awareness of the club and participated in several community services such as Keep America Beautiful, Habitat for Humanity, America’s Promise, and Reef Relief. In 2001, he became president of PTK. During his reign, he has brought in 15 new members. He’s also raised $1,800 for the group.

While attaining his second major, Marine Environmental Technologies degree, Gaughran began to volunteer with Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), an environmental organization that collects information on the types and density of the fish populations on local reefs.  “My work with REEF has been noted in the local area with my picture being included in a public slide presentation during a visit by Paul Human, co-founder of REEF,” Gaughran says.

"I've known Patrick as a student for nearly two years, and during that time, I've been constantly amazed and impressed by him,” says Tracy Hamilton, professor of biology at FKCC. “He's a dedicated student, as evident by his overall GPA."

Gaughran juggles work while attending school on a full-time basis. He has taken on responsibility as the main contact on campus regarding Military Tuition Assistance—degree programs at the local schools and financial aid available to military members.

Gaughran’s college tuition primarily comes from the U.S. Coast Guard Tuition Assistance Program, augmented by scholarships, financial aid, and his salary.  SS

Contact Gaughran at cirdankey@aol.com