Stephen Nicholas Spotts was awarded a Bachelor of Science in naval architecture and marine engineering and received his officer's commission as an ensign at the 131st U.S. Coast Guard Academy commencement exercises on May 16. The keynote speaker was Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano.
Spotts graduated with honors. He played football, starting at wide receiver his senior year and won the Coaches Award in 2011 for the Bears. He was named to the New England Football Conference All-Academic team for three consecutive years.
During his academy training, he sailed on several Coast Guard ships and was assigned to Coast Guard air stations and ports.
Spotts presented before the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers in 2011, winning the regional competition with the opportunity to compete in the 2012 national presentation.
Spotts is a son of Ted and Kathy Spotts, of Trevorton. He is a grandson of Margaret Connolly, of Mahanoy City, and Vera and the late Robert Spotts, of Trevorton.
A 2008 graduate of Line Mountain High School, will continue his training for two years at the U.S. Coast Guard Flight School in Pensacola, Fla.