SIT DOWN WITH STEVE: Jessica Maxwell Appointed Port Canaveral Ambassador, Youngest Person to Serve as CPA Delegate
By Space Coast Daily // August 30, 2021
Maxwell, 18, is the youngest person to serve in role as Port Ambassador
WATCH: Jessica Maxwell, a 2021 graduate of Rockledge High School, talks with Steve Wilson in the latest edition of “Sit Down with Steve.” Maxwell was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 and ultimately had her right arm amputated. During that time, she was the Battalion Commander of the ROTC program. Her plans of a military career were derailed, but it did not extinguish her spirit. Maxwell talks about her battle with cancer, her future plans and much more in this exclusive interview.
Port Ambassadors engage the community to promote a greater understanding of Port Canaveral’s role in the region while increasing public awareness and understanding of the Canaveral Port Authority’s strategic plans.
BREVARD COUNTY • PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – At the August meeting of the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners, Port Commissioner Robyn Hattaway announced the appointment of Rockledge High School graduate Jessica Maxwell as Port Ambassador to serve as Commissioner Hattaway’s delegate in the port community.
Maxwell is Commissioner Hattaway’s first Port Ambassador appointment, and at age 18, is the youngest person to serve as a delegate for the CPA Board of Commissioners.
As Port Ambassador, Jessica will assist Commissioner Hattaway with the Port’s Junior Port Ambassador program to share her knowledge from the HELM program, aiming to build relationships and increase public awareness and support for the Port’s key activities among young people in the community.
As a student at Rockledge High School, Jessica participated in the school’s Helping Educate Leaders in Maritime (HELM) program.
She also served as Battalion Commander for the Rockledge High School ROTC.
An active equestrian, Maxwell’s post-graduation plan to enlist in the U.S. Navy was derailed after a horse-riding accident revealed she suffered from osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that resulted in the loss of one arm before the year was out.
“As stewards of the Port, we need to be looking to our future workforce and prepare the next generation to lead,” said Commissioner Hattaway.
“Jessica is excited to learn and share our vision with her generation. I hope you will join me in welcoming her to her new role as Port Ambassador.”
Each Canaveral Port Authority Commissioner may appoint up to two individuals to serve as a Commissioner’s representative in the port community.
Port Ambassadors engage the community to promote a greater understanding of Port Canaveral’s role in the region, while increasing public awareness and understanding of the Canaveral Port Authority’s strategic plans.
Related Story:HOT OFF THE PRESS! Aug. 16, 2021 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper
CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS
