EBHS grad snags full US Coast Guard scholarship

Catherine D. Flocken has earned a full scholarship valued at $365,000 to the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT.

By PENNY FLETCHER

APOLLO BEACH — A recent East Bay High School graduate has snagged one of the highest ranking scholarships in the country.

Catherine D. Flocken, now 18, known to her family and friends as “Cathy,” has earned a full scholarship valued at $365,000 to the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT.

The Academy is the smallest of the four military academies with 1,030 cadets. Admission is by a national competitive evaluation based on a wide variety of factors.

Now in her fifth of a seven-week Swab Summer (boot camp) that ends following a week’s training on the USS Eagle, a 300-foot sailing vessel, Cathy plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree while at the academy so she can work in government intelligence and international affairs.

Cathy has pushed for excellence ever since arriving in Apollo Beach with her mother, Idalya, from Central America on her sixth birthday after Idalya was granted political refugee status from Nicaragua where her family had been involved in the revolutions against both the Somoza Family dictatorship and the Communist Sandinistas. Her mother has since married Walter Flocken, and the family still lives in Apollo Beach.

While at East Bay, Cathy was ninth in her graduating class with a grade-point-average of 3.750. Her academic honors include College Board AP Scholar; National Honor Society; National Spanish Honor Society; the Tampa Tribune Honor Scholar and the National Scholar/Athlete Award. She reads and writes Mandarin Chinese and is also fluent in spoken and written Spanish.

“She took private lessons at the Clearwater Chinese School on Sundays for several years, making the 85-mile round trip,” her father said.

Cathy was a three-sport athlete - swimming, football and softball and earned two varsity letters each year at East Bay. In 2010, she played on the State Softball Championship Team and was selected for the Florida 5A All-Star Softball 2nd Team.

Somehow, she also managed to belong to the Chess Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

In May she was awarded the Brighthouse Sports Network David Logan Scholarship for excelling in both athletics and academics.

But Cathy still managed to find time for other things- including community service.

USA: CSG 2 Hosts Superintendent of US Coast Guard Academy >> Naval ...

Said Rear Adm. Michael McLaughlin , CSG 2.

During the tour, Rear Adm. Sandra L. Stosz also met with Cmdr. Sam Geiger , who assumed command of Toledo July 15. Geiger relieved Cmdr. Douglas Reckamp.

Stosz became the 40th superintendent in June. She is responsible for the efficient, safe, and economical accomplishment of the Academy’s training mission.

“I was very impressed during my visit on board USS Toledo. The pride and professionalism of the crew reflects the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment,” said Stockton.