[ot-caption title=”Dr. Markham and the rowing coaching staff stand with the “Dr. Dana Markham”.” url=”https://pcpawprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dedication.jpg”]

Ever since the Pine Crest rowing program was established in 1994, the sport has grown exponentially, due in large part to the increasing number of athletes, resources, and dedication from the Pine Crest community. As of this year, about 1/8th of the Upper School student population are members of the rowing team, and its growth seems to know no bounds.

Whether it is hearing rowers talking about their Ergometer tests or the next scrimmage against a formidable competitor, one is always certain to hear about the “Crewbies” in one way or another. However, the significant development of the program would not have been possible without the aid of the big-hearted and benevolent supporters.

On September 27, 2014, during the Boat Dedication Ceremony, the Pine Crest rowing team had the honor and privilege to show its gratitude to the most influential individual in the expansion of the program: Dr. Dana Markham.

In 2011, Dr. Markham became the President of Pine Crest, but her loving, constructive, and influential actions trace back several years before her induction as president. For the past decade, Dr. Markham has graciously put a tremendous amount of effort and aid into the sport in order to further enhance it with each and every step.

When asked about her reasons behind her fervor for the team, she stated, “I have always tried supporting the rowing team in any way that I could, but the reason that I did and continue to do that is because of the core fundamental this team is built on: family. I love the idea that you do not have to be the biggest athlete in order to participate. Everyone and anyone can be a part of this organization, which forms a unity among the rowers, and that is something that will never lose value.”

Dr. Markham is one of, if not the most, fond and loving fanatics of the rowing team, as she retold to me the story when she cheered on the Pine Crest boats racing down the course at the Opening Day Regatta in Fellesmere, Florida. We, as a family, have always felt her encouraging presence both on and off the racecourse, and there are simply not enough ways to thank her for donating a brand new Vespoli boat to the program. When the team heard about the news, the amount of gratitude that resonated from their opinions truly showed how much they appreciated her generous act.

David Fisher, the head of the rowing program at Pine Crest, expressed his thoughts about her benevolent act, stating, “The crew team could not be more excited to have Dr. Markham’s name on the new men’s Varsity 8. It is a very distinguished honor to have a racing shell named after her and her commitment to Pine Crest and the crew team. She is a very deserving candidate and it is truly an honor to have her as part of the family.”

The “Dr. Dana Markham,” the newest addition to the arsenal of boats has become not only a new racing shell, but has also transformed into a timeless symbol of Dr. Markham’s constant support and kindness. The rowing family will always be thankful for her altruistic support, and that will never be forgotten. After all, that is what a family is all about.