On March 5, our Paducah, KY, staff and leadership were delighted to welcome more than 50 community members for a special luncheon. Guests had the opportunity to get to know our team, tour the Center for Maritime Education (CME), and learn more about how SCI programs support and uplift mariners navigating the inland waterways

SCI President & Executive Director Mark Nestlehutt offered welcoming remarks, while Kelly Butts, Assistant Director of CME–Paducah, expanded on the Center’s training programs and the vital role CME plays in advancing safety and professional development across the maritime industry. Supervisory Chaplain, the Rev. Grace Pardun, also shared a moving reflection on the work of SCI chaplains, offering insight into the moments of crisis and care they encounter when visiting mariners and underscoring the importance of SCI’s multifaceted and comprehensive approach to supporting mariners.

Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, Paducah is a vital hub for river commerce in the United States, and Seamen’s Church Institute has long been a proud presence along the Paducah riverfront.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us and extend a special thank you to our dedicated staff for their warm hospitality in welcoming friends, neighbors, and partners from across Western Kentucky.