The South Norwalk Boat Club is raising money for the creation of a new educational fund in celebration of our 125th anniversary, Our goal is $50,000. A little history written years ago by our beloved Past Commodore Joseph Pappolla who passed in 2020
The Past Commodore Johnny Rogers Scholarship Program
It was 1993 when Past Commodore Johnny Rogers suggested that the South Norwalk Boat Club establish a Scholarship Fund. His idea was to award deserving sons and daughters of our members who would be graduating from high school and going onto college. These monetary awards would be based on the students’ academic achievements, as well as their social and community involvement. The Past Commodore explained that profits from the coffee fund, which was being used for various non-essential purposes, could be put to better use by our first-year, college students.
PC Rogers, along with the Board of Governors, appointed a scholarship recipient selection team, which was comprised of former educators, PC Gordon Jakobs, Captain Joe Troy, and Captain Tom O’Connor, to review and grade all applications. Once the scores were compiled, PC Rogers, the selection team, and myself would review them to determine the winners for that year. Over the years, the scholarship committee and selection team have changed. PC Rogers and myself continue to be part of this great effort, along with Captains Ed Marcarelli, Stan Sikorski, Jim Breedan, and John Bove. For several years, the selection team has included Irene Sikorski, Joan Foley, and Sue Kelly. These current and former educators have been essential in the scholarship award process.
The very first year we were able to award a total of $1,100.00 to three recipients. This amount grew to $3,500.00 by 1997, thanks to contributions from several of our members and the general fund. Events, such as Race Night and the Motorcycle Poker Run have added to the scholarship account each year. Additionally, major yearly donations were given by the S.N.B.C. Auxiliary, Capt. and Mrs. Justin Bass, Capt. and Mrs. Joe Seaman, Capt. Will Lang, Capt. and Mrs. Tom Hillard and Capt. and Mrs. Ferd Gottscham.
A major factor in the growth of this program was the investment portfolio bequest to the scholarship fund by Captain Jake Straub. Several years before his death, Capt. Straub discussed the details of this gift with PC Rogers and complimented him on his great efforts. Capt. Straub then decided that he, too, wanted to provide scholarships for member’s children.
Since the generous donation from our deceased Captain Jake Straub in 2002, the program has been expanded to include students entering any year of college. The fund has awarded approximately $20,000 each year to deserving students. Since the programs inception, we have awarded over 200 scholarship awards totaling more than $200, 000.
Past Commodore Johnny Rogers has done many great things for the S.N.B.C., and he should be especially proud of the success of this great program. I know we are all thankful for his efforts as a member and establishment of the scholarship program.
PC Joe Pappolla
