The Alumni Trailblazer Award is presented to an alumnus or alumna of the school under the age of 40 who has demonstrated significant professional achievement, contributions to his/her profession and/or community and continued promise of success in the future.

Capt. Sarah McCullagh ’10 is an advocate, educator and maritime professional dedicated to restoration and protection of the marine environment. After graduating Cum Laude with a degree in Wildlife and Conservation Biology from the University of New Hampshire, Sarah has dedicated her professional life to the protection of marine mammals. Her work is currently focused on a population of critically endangered orca known as Southern Resident killer whales.

Serving as the Lead Naturalist and Vessel Coordinator for a whale watch company in Friday Harbor, Washington, she designs programming for a wide audience of guests, trains new staff members, and publicly advocates for stronger protection for the ecosystem as a whole. Sarah earned her Merchant Mariner Credential, also known as a Captain’s License, and now operates two of the company’s whale watch vessels.

Sarah lives on San Juan Island and loves to travel in her spare time.