The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta (HOSR) proudly announces Jada Smith of Ocean City High School as the inaugural recipient of the Christopher Blackwall Scholarship, a new annual award established to honor the legacy of longtime regatta leader Christopher Blackwall and to support the next generation of scholar‑athletes.
Selected from a competitive pool of applicants from across the region, Smith distinguished herself through her academic excellence, athletic achievement, and exceptional commitment to personal growth — the core values that define the scholarship.
The $2,500 scholarship provides financial support toward the recipient’s first year of college, university, or trade school, helping remove barriers and open pathways to future success. In response to being awarded the scholarship, Jada wrote, “The HOSR’s generosity and support mean a great deal to me and will help me as I begin my college journey. I am incredibly grateful to have been selected for this scholarship.”
“Jada embodies the spirit of dedication, resilience, and leadership that Christopher Blackwall championed throughout his decades of service to the rowing community,” said Jennifer Wesson, Executive Director of the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta. “We are honored to recognize her achievements and excited to support her continued academic and athletic journey.”
Smith, a standout rower and student leader at Ocean City High School, Ocean City, NJ, plans to continue rowing at the collegiate level — a commitment that aligns closely with the scholarship’s mission to uplift young athletes who demonstrate passion for the sport. Jada’s personal statement read, “Rowing gives me more than strength and endurance; it gives me the confidence to move through life knowing I am capable of achieving whatever I set my mind to.”
The scholarship will be formally presented during the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta in October, one of the nation’s largest and most celebrated rowing events, attracting thousands of competitors and spectators to Philadelphia’s historic Schuylkill River.
About the Christopher Blackwall Scholarship
Established in honor of Christopher Blackwall’s more than 30 years of leadership at the HOSR, the scholarship recognizes high school seniors who excel academically, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and demonstrate a strong commitment to personal growth. Special consideration is given to students who plan to row in college. Applications for next year’s Scholarship will be available in January 2027.
About the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta
The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta is one of the largest and most inclusive rowing events in the United States, welcoming nearly 9,000 competitors and 30,000 spectators annually. Its mission is to promote rowing for athletes of all ages and abilities while celebrating Philadelphia’s storied rowing history. The 56th HOSR will be held on October 24-25, 2026.