November 23, 2015 – Greensboro, NC: Resolute racing boat maker Misha Joukowsky was welcomed as the guest speaker at the 2015 Celebration of Rowing banquet held at Starmount Country Club in Greensboro last night. The annual event hosted by High Point Rowing Club is a highlight on the rowing social calendar.
“This is a celebration of our Triad community of rowers and our shared love for the sport,” says Club founder, Gene Kininmonth. “To have Misha Joukowsky join us is an honor we do not take lightly.”
Over 150 rowers, family members, and friends crammed into the Starmount Country Club ballroom for what has quickly become the most prestigious social event on the rowing calendar. Coach Rich Richards opened the evening by playing a rousing rendition of the National Anthem on the Club’s grand piano.
Coach Allie Davis, serving once again as Master of Ceremonies, then introduced youth rower Will Scarpa to give the invocation.
Coach Allie then returned to the podium to begin the formal ceremonies, which included inviting the team’s parent liaison, Mary Hollingsworth to the podium to recognize three of the Club’s high school seniors who signed National Letters of Intent with majoy Division I University women’s rowing programs.
Aliute Udoka signed with Clemson University, Olivia Corriere signed with the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) and Victoria Goldin signed with the University of Louisville.
Mrs Hollingsworth then presented the Volunteer of the Year award to Susie Alt for her service to the crew. Susie manned the BBQ at the youth team’s food tent at each regatta during the year preparing sumptuous feasts of grilled chicken and other restoratives for the rowers.
Coach Allie then presented the ‘Masters’ awards.
Erin Sanders, last year’s MVP winner was then invited to the podium to introduce the 2015 recipient – Mandy Greene. Congratulations Mandy – Rower of the Year!
Misha Joukowsky was then introduced to guests by Coach Gene: “When I think of Misha Joukowsky,” said Gene. “I think of the best of Rowing and its traditions. When I am in his company, I know I am beside one of the great thinking philosophers of our sports community. Misha knows more than how to build boats. He understands how the rowing experience can contribute to a full life.”
And our keynote speaker did not disappoint. Sporting his Brown University rowing blazer and bow tie, Misha regaled the audience with stories of Henley Royal Regatta, the Israeli national team, and co-founding a cutting edge boat building company. He then mesmerized rowers and parents alike with his message of the bonds of friendship that make the sport such a personal experience and “how important it is to always remember that what ever you do, others are watching. Wake up each day and seek to achieve excellence.”
The evening then concluded with dancing.
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