LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Orinda resident graduates from the prestigious U.S. Coast Guard Academy with honors

First Class A. Stanton Raymond, from Orinda, graduated from the Coast Guard Academy, May 22 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a commission as a U.S. Coast Guard Ensign.

Raymond, who is scheduled to serve aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Resolute out of St. Petersburg, Fla., is the president of the Compa�eros Club and played Rugby while at the Academy.

"To achieve ones dreams it takes hard work and perseverance. It also takes the help from god, family, and a few good friends," Raymond said. "The journey through the academy was long, challenging, and at times unforgiving. However, as I come close to the end of one chapter, another is soon to begin. Go bears and `Semper Paratus.'"

Raymond is a 2013 graduate of Miramonte High School and is the son of Alberto and Patricia Raymond of Orinda. His sister Myriah is also a Miramonte graduate and a soon to be law school student.

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy, one of the nation's five federal service academies, is located on the west bank of the Thames River. Each year, the Academy graduates about 200 newly commissioned officers to lead the smallest branch of all the U.S. Armed Forces.