NMRA awards boatbuilding student $3,000 scholarship
The National Marine Representatives Association awarded its 2017 NMRA Maritime Trades Scholarship of $3,000 to Rowan Schatz of Bennington, Vt. Established in 2008, the scholarship is given to an outstanding student pursuing education that will lead to a career in the marine industry.
Schatz is a recent high school graduate and student at the Community College of Vermont. This autumn, he will attend the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building in Port Hadlock, Wash., in its Traditional Large Craft program.
Schatz has raised guide dogs for 10 years and was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2014 for his work with Guiding Eyes. He also donates his time to his local community garden and provides free ski instruction to children.
Once he has learned his trade, Schatz plans on working in a West Coast shipyard. His goal is to start his own business designing and building rugged, seaworthy handcrafted wooden boats.
“I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am to the NMRA for helping me achieve my dream,” he said.
Funds for the scholarship were donated by NMRA full and affiliate members. Midwest Outdoor Marketing contributed at the premium Admiral level of giving. ComMar Sales, GSW & Associates and Macaroni
Marketing backed the award at the Captain tier. Marine Marketing Solutions, Haimes Coleman Group, William F. Miller & Associates, Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Products and The Merifield Co. gave at the Ship’s Crew level.
Founded in 1960, NMRA is a national organization serving marine industry independent sales reps and the manufacturers who sell through reps. It functions as an industry voice, networking tool and information source, promoting the benefits of utilizing independent sales reps.
For more information, contact info@nmraonline.org or visit www.nmraonline.org.
