NEWBURGH - On November 17, 2012, the Newburgh Rowing Family Boathouse was the site of an Open house for its Student Ambassador Program. The program teaches children ages 10 - 17 who reside in the City of Newburgh and qualify based on financial need to swim sufficiently well to pass the rigorous US Rowing Swim Test, and to row on open water in crew shells, said NRC Programs Director Coach Ed Kennedy.
"We currently have plenty of room for more Student Ambassadors, but what happens is once the word gets out, the spots fill up quickly," said Team Mom Juliana LoBiondo. Last year, said Team Mom LoBiondo, the program started with a handful and quickly filled up the 21 spots when word got out.
"This is a free program to the kids who are accepted, and who can commit to coming to the rowing practices and swimming lessons," said Coach Kennedy.
Dajour "Soup" Fisher, a Student Ambassador who has been rowing with the club for a year, impressed all in attendance when he gave a speech about what the program means to him.
"Crew has made me stronger," said Fisher, "and I have another family, my family here at the Boathouse."
Even more impressive, Dajour Fisher volunteered to help out even though November 17th was his birthday. When asked why he volunteered to come down he smiled and said (coining a signature phrase of Coach Kennedy’s), "Where else would I rather be?"
