In honor of its 55th year, the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta presents the Christopher Blackwall Scholarship. The Scholarship shall be awarded annually to a high school senior who demonstrates excellence in academics and sport and a strong commitment to personal growth. While all eligible students are encouraged to apply, special consideration will be given to those who plan to row in college.
The amount of the scholarship is $2,500 and aims to provide financial support toward the recipient’s first year of College/University/trade school tuition, helping to remove barriers and open opportunities for future success.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a high school senior at the time of application.
- Have participated in high school or club rowing activities. Special consideration given to students who have participated in the HOSR.
- Plan to matriculate in a College/University/trade school program by September 2026.
The Selection Committee has the ability to weigh the following factors:
- GPA
- Financial need
- Plans to continue to row
Application Requirements
A complete application package must be received by March 1, 2026 and include:
- Application form (available on the HOSR website on January 1, 2026).
- Personal statement no more than 1000 words or video under three minutes, reflecting future goals, career interests, rowing experiences, community activities or any details the applicant feels relevant.
- Two recommendations (from teachers, coaches, mentors, or community leaders).
- FAFSA Submission Summary
Selection Process
A committee of six members composed of the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta Board of Directors and dedicated volunteers will review all applications. The committee will evaluate candidates based on:
- Personal Statement
- Academic performance
- Strength of recommendations
- Financial need (based on submitted documentation)
- Special consideration may be given to applicants who have demonstrated passion for rowing and plan to continue the sport at the collegiate level.
Award Notification
The scholarship recipient will be notified by April 1, 2026. Funds will be provided directly to the recipient. The award will be formally presented during the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta Annual Awards Ceremony in October.
- More information and application form can be found at Christopher Blackwall Scholarship | Head of the Schuylkill Regatta
Contact Information
For questions regarding eligibility, the application process, or deadlines, please contact:
Head of the Schuylkill Regatta Scholarship Committee
Email: scholarship@hosr.org
Website: www.hosr.org
About Christopher Blackwall
Christopher Blackwall spent more than 30 years at the helm of the HOSR. Born in Kenya, he became a rower as a young student in England and rowed through University and competitively thereafter. He moved on to coaching and rowing administration and continued after moving to the US in 1979 to become the Executive Director of the National Association of National Oarsmen, which eventually became USRowing. After resigning from USRowing, Christopher stayed in Philadelphia, became a member of University Barge Club and eventually became ‘de facto regatta director’ of the HOSR where he spent 30 years building the regatta into a 501(c)3 non-profit, and one of the largest 2-day regattas in the United States.
About the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta
The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta (HOSR) is one of the largest and most celebrated rowing events in the United States. Held annually along Philadelphia’s historic Schuylkill River, the regatta attracts thousands of competitors—from novice rowers to elite athletes—and tens of thousands of spectators from around the world.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta is to promote the sport of rowing for athletes of all ages and abilities, foster community engagement through sport, and celebrate Philadelphia’s storied rowing history. We are committed to supporting educational and athletic opportunities for youth, encouraging diversity and inclusion in rowing, and nurturing the next generation of leaders both on and off the water.