The parents of a Pahrump Valley High School graduate have good reason to be proud of their daughter’s recent accomplishments.
Katerina T. Anderson, who completed her high school studies in 2009, graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., with a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as an ensign.
Anderson is the daughter of Nidia and Martin Anderson of Pahrump.
The Coast Guard Academy offers a four-year educational program of instruction designed to provide new cadets with the knowledge and experience essential to become leaders of character.
As one of the smallest of the five federal service academies, the school is an accredited college educating future Coast Guard officers and offers an educational experience emphasizing leadership, physical fitness and professional development.
Cadets are required to devote themselves to an honor concept upon graduation where they go directly into positions of leadership in service to others.
Less than 400 appointments are offered annually from a pool of more than 4,000 applicants.
“She will be doing her part to enforce maritime law, maritime safety, homeland security and maritime environmental protection.” said her mother Nidia. “Katie worked so hard to achieve her place as a leader in serving her country and she is prepared, capable and eager to do so. Our country’s security, our oceans’ safety and welfare, all will be ensured by her competent hands,” her mother said.
Anderson will start her new adventure in San Diego, Calif., where she has been assigned as a Deck Watch Officer aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Sherman, a 378-foot, high-endurance cutter.