The following is the text of a news release from the National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA):
(GURNEE, Ill.) — The National Marine Representatives Association is offering a $2,500 scholarship to an outstanding student pursuing education and a career in the maritime trades. High school seniors, and college and vocational students are encouraged to apply.
The application can be downloaded at bit.ly/2GcnCvJ and is due April 1. Educational institutions are urged to promote the scholarship widely to their students. The winner will be announced this summer.
Since 2008, NMRA has contributed to the future of the marine industry with its scholarship. Past recipients have gone on to vocations in a wide range of fields, including boatbuilding, logistics, naval design and the merchant marine.
A promising student who was awarded an NMRA scholarship, Andrew Grossi will graduate this spring from the Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology in its yacht design program. Grossi grew up boating on the Hudson River, and New Hampshire and Massachusetts coasts. A registered architect, today his practice marries land and sea by serving the building and marine communities.
"NMRA helps students pursue their dreams of working in the boat business by lessening the financial burden of a college education," said Grossi. "NMRA members and staff were all very supportive and encouraging in my endeavors."
The 2018 scholarship is made possible through the generous support of several NMRA rep groups and manufacturers, and an anonymous donor. Midwest Outdoor Marketing reached the Admiral level of giving, while GSW & Associates contributed to the Captain's level. Advanced Pedestals Ltd., ComMar Sales, dynaMACS, Gulf Atlantic Marketing, Haimes Coleman Group, Kelcom Inc., WE Stewart Sales, West Coast Sales and William F. Miller & Associates backed the scholarship at the Ship's Crew level.
Founded in 1960, NMRA is a national organization serving marine industry independent sales reps and the manufacturers who sell through reps. It functions as an industry voice, networking tool and information source for its over 100 members. For more information, visit www.nmraonline.org.