It was three years ago that Carey High School senior Dan Hosemann got a surprise visit from Assemblyman Tom Alfano. Surrounded by his parents and Principal Doug Monaghan, the Carey senior received the news that he was getting an appointment by Alfano to the SUNY Maritime Academy. Alfano had one appointment and the Carey student was chosen from hundreds of applicants for the prestigious nomination to the academy. The nomination is a full scholarship to the college.

Recently, Cadet 2ndClass Hosemann was at the State Capitol for a special reception of Maritime Cadets highlighting the program and its importance to research, biological and maritime sciences. The program has received national recognition.

Before the reception, Hosemann was the special guest of Assemblyman Alfano on the floor of the State Assembly, where he was introduced to the session and welcomed by Deputy Speaker Aurelia Greene. Alfano introduced Hosemann, who sat in the chamber during the session next to Alfano. "Dan is an outstanding young man who has made Franklin Square and the entire 21st Assembly District proud. He's a role model for our young people and I'm very proud to have appointed him to the academy," Alfano said.

"It was a real honor and privilege to be introduced to the entire State Assembly and stand alongside Assemblyman Alfano in a place of such great importance in our state and country," said Hosemann.

The Maritime reception was the scene where Vice Admiral John Craine Jr. and Alfano discussed the Maritime program and saluted the Franklin Square cadet for his outstanding scholarship. Hosemann has been cited five times for the Admiral's list and Dean's list for his academic work. That work was signified by the five gold and silver stars on his uniform. "Dan is one of our very best. You made a great choice," Vice Admiral Craine said to Alfano.

At Maritime Academy, Hosemann is studying marine environmental science. In addition, the Franklin Square student has his Coast Guard 3rd Mate license. "Not only has Maritime given me a top-of-the-line education in both marine and environmental science, but it's also given me an opportunity to see the world through my own eyes," he said.

As part of his degree plan, Hosemann has gone out on Coast Guard missions during which he has served on day watches and has been part of the navigation and driving teams of the vessel. The missions have taken him to Europe, where he has had port calls in Barcelona, Lisbon, Istanbul, Copenhagen, Antwerp and Kiel.

The experience of visiting different countries has made a profound impact on Hosemann. "In this day and age, I've learned it's of utmost importance to understand and experience other cultures. These experiences have enabled me to mature and become the individual I am today," he said.