The Julia Shew Memorial Rowing Scholarship Fund, organized by the Occoquan Boat Club and named in memory of a local rowing enthusiast, awarded nearly $7,000 to sixteen student athletes from ten Northern Virginia high schools during the 2011 season.
Ranging in amounts from $250 to $500, the scholarships support students who row for high schools based on the Occoquan Reservoir, and who need financial assistance to join or continue with their schools' rowing programs.
The scholarship was named in honor of Julia Shew, who passed away in October of 2010. One of the club's most active members, Julia endeared herself to the local high school rowers with words of encouragement and home-made snacks. In her last season on the water, at the age of 65, Julia attained the club record and her personal goal of rowing over 3000 miles in a single season. The scholarship fund honors Julia's energy, generosity, warmth, and her enthusiasm for youth rowing.
The scholarship fund is supported primarily by proceeds from a local volunteer-supported rowing competition, the Occoquan Masters Sprints regatta, as well as by private donations. According to regatta director Bob Spousta, "This regatta is the result of many dedicated volunteers; it's a quality event for masters rowers, it helps people in need, and it keeps the spirit of a beloved member alive." Based at the Sandy Run Rowing Facility in Fairfax, Virginia, the Occoquan Masters Sprints regatta has been rapidly gaining in popularity, despite being in only its third year. "We have a wonderful venue and one of the only fully buoyed rowing courses available in this area, thanks to the support of the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association," said OBC president Robin Quinn. "We are looking forward to having another great regatta and being able to use the proceeds to contribute to youth rowing."
The Occoquan Masters Sprints Regatta will be held on Sunday July 10, 2011. Regatta information is available on the club's web site at www.rowobc.org . For information regarding the scholarship, interested applicants or donors may contact Scholarship Chair Cyndy Dailey at [email protected] or see the Scholarship page on the club's web site.