Midshipman Brittany Thornhill of Boston, Va., graduated on June 16 from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, N.Y., with the 213 members of the class of 2008.

Thornhill received a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management with a further concentration in Leadership and Ethics as well as a Third Assistant Engineer’s Coast Guard license.

Thornhill was nominated to the academy by Congressman Eric Cantor. A 2004 graduate of Rappahannock County High School, she is the daughter of C.G. and Cindy Thornhill.

She also earned a PIC Certification as a person in charge on a tanker ship and a Universal Certification in Refrigeration. She was honored with several recognitions including: the Magna Memorial award for her performance during a shipyard internship and her senior capstone design project and was named Who’s Who among Students in American Colleges and Universities. In addition, she graduated as an Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

Thornhill has accepted a job with Archer Daniel Midland in their transportation division as a Third Assistant Engineer and management trainee. She will be based out of St. Louis, Mo.