Alexander Smelcer, a 2010 graduate of Wiscasset High School, graduated from the University of Southern Maine on Dec. 20 with a bachelor of science degree in biology.

Concurrently, he served in the Army Reserve as a wheeled vehicle operator initially starting as a private first class. Since then, he has been assigned to the 619th Transportation Company in Auburn.

Within 17 months of enlisting, he attained rank of Specialist E4 and earned a two year Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty Scholarship to attend USM’s ROTC program. During his senior year Lieutenant Smelcer served as Cadet Company Commander.

Smelcer has been assigned to every section in the 619th Transportation Company while serving as a Cadet in the U.S. Army Reserve. His assignments include Maintenance Platoon Leader, Line Platoon leader, Operations Officer and he is currently the Detachment Platoon Leader in Dexter.

Smelcer’s awards include the Army Achievement Medal (oak leaf cluster) The Army Reserve component Achievement medal, National Defense service medal, Global War on Terrorism medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

While at WHS, Smelcer played golf, basketball, ran track and cross-country, made honors all four years and was a member of the National Honor Society. While attending USM, he participated in men’s tennis and achieved varsity status three consecutive years.

Smelcer has a younger sibling, Nicholas, and is the son of Mark and Nancy Smelcer of Westport Island.