Markus Mortenson earns "Banana George" Scholarship

Markus Mortenson has been chosen as the 2023 recipient of the $2,200 "Banana George" Blair Ambassador Scholarship. Markus is from Plano, Texas and is a Junior at Southern Methodist University studying Engineering.

The USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation scholarships are awarded each year to water skiers who show leadership abilities and demonstrate that involvement in the sport has helped them grow both personally and academically.

Markus says, "I am honored to receive this scholarship which honors George Blair and the amazing work he did as an ambassador for the sport of waterskiing. I hope to follow my waterski journey in a manner similar to how George did: in a relentless and passionate pursuit while promoting the multi-generational sport."

In the same spirit that made him a legend, "Banana George" Blair continued to give back to water sports and the foundation throughout his life. George's family has created this scholarship to give student-athletes an opportunity to earn a college education while pursuing their water sports dreams. This scholarship is open to all water sports disciplines.

The USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation is very proud of our young athletes and honored to support their future academic needs. You can help support our mission by joining or donating to the Foundation.

Mitchel Kudronowicz is awarded the 2023 Dave Goode Memorial Scholarship

The USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation scholarships are awarded annually to water ski athletes who demonstrate leadership abilities and who show how involvement in the sport has helped him/her grow personally and academically.

Mitchel Kudronowicz from Muskego, Wisconsin has won the $2,000 Dave Goode Memorial Scholarship. Mitchel is studying Biological Systems Engineering at the University Wisconsin-Madison and is the President of their waterski team.

"Waterskiing has been a significant part of my life and thanks to this scholarship it is clear that it has and will continue to make a positive impact on every aspect of my life," he says.

The Dave Goode Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 and is awarded to Midwest Region skiers who are pursuing a career in Engineering or Mathematics.

The Foundation is very proud of our young athletes and honored to support their future academic needs. You can help our mission... join or donate to the foundation.

Gabrielle Klemm wins "Big-Al" Wagner Scholarship

Gabrielle Klemm of San Diego, California is the winner of the $1500 "Big Al" Wagner - Western Region Scholarship. Gabrielle is a Junior, studying Nursing at San Diego State University.

"I am deeply grateful for the invaluable support extended to student-athletes through these scholarships. This scholarship empowers me to strike a harmonious balance; pursuing my nursing career while still being able to fulfill my passions on the water," Gabrielle says.

The "Big Al" Wagner/Western Region Scholarship is given annually to an AWSA Western Region Skier qualified for the Western Regional Water Ski Tournament.

The USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation scholarships are awarded each year to water skiers who show leadership abilities and demonstrate that involvement in the sport has helped them grow both personally and academically.

The Foundation is very proud of our young athletes and honored to support their future academic needs. You can help our mission... join or donate to the foundation at the link below.

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