The John & Parthenia Izzard Award
[both Undinians]
for Athleticism, Service, and Achievement
In Loving Memory of John.
Sadly, John passed away September 9, 2022.
September 24, 2022 John had his
"Last Row"
Here is the link to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Article regarding same:
https://www.inquirer.com/news/rower-boathouse-row-philadelphia-black-honor-teacher-20220924.html
Obituary
You can read the article on this site on the
John's "Last Row" Page. a
The 2025-2026 Award Recipient
Danah Penafiel
Recommended by Coach Helena Dropic,
at Belleville High School
At UNDINE Barge Club's Captain's Dinner, the Perpetual Plaque was presented to Coach Dropic, September 18. 2025.
The Athlete received he Award Letter and
was shown her personal trophey, which she will receive
at the
Schuylkill Navy Annual Awards Banquet,
if the have it in 2026.
To the left see all past Award Recipients, Undine Barge Club Captain's Dinners,
and the past SN Awards Banquet Pages for Photographs.
[both Undinians]
for Athleticism, Service, and Achievement
In Loving Memory of John.
Sadly, John passed away September 9, 2022.
September 24, 2022 John had his
"Last Row"
Here is the link to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Article regarding same:
https://www.inquirer.com/news/rower-boathouse-row-philadelphia-black-honor-teacher-20220924.html
Obituary
You can read the article on this site on the
John's "Last Row" Page. a
The 2025-2026 Award Recipient
Danah Penafiel
Recommended by Coach Helena Dropic,
at Belleville High School
At UNDINE Barge Club's Captain's Dinner, the Perpetual Plaque was presented to Coach Dropic, September 18. 2025.
The Athlete received he Award Letter and
was shown her personal trophey, which she will receive
at the
Schuylkill Navy Annual Awards Banquet,
if the have it in 2026.
To the left see all past Award Recipients, Undine Barge Club Captain's Dinners,
and the past SN Awards Banquet Pages for Photographs.
This annual award was created to honor John Izzard Jr., a very special member of Undine Barge Club. He is a former Undine Captain and Vice President, educator [past Teacher of the Year], Philadelphia YMCA Physical and Aquatics director, Philadelphia probation officer, Access to Rowing Officer, Hoffman & La Roche Pharmaceutical Salesman, and ski... canoe... & SCUBA instructor. His volunteer efforts included being a Steward of The Gold Cup, being a USRowing Referee, and Team River Runners.
In July of 2013, seven friends of John's came together to brainstorm about and ultimately create this unique and prestigious award. Schuylkill River coaches received award forms in January of 2014 for the first award at the Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing Association coach's meeting. A formal announcement, presentation of the winner's award letter, and perpetual plaque for the school to the coach occurred September 20, 2014, at Undine Barge Club's Captain's Dinner. A trophy to the athlete winner was presented at the Schuylkill Navy Awards Banquet on March 19, 2015 at Vesper Boat Club. A special gift scholarship invitation by John Izzard was also extended to and accepted by the recipient for participation in Undine Barge Club's 2015 Summer Junior Rowing Program. Coaches and teachers are invited to submit up to two athletes per school (one male and/or one female) for consideration by the June 30, 2026 deadline. Finalists will participate in an interview before the winner is selected in August of 2026.
In July of 2013, seven friends of John's came together to brainstorm about and ultimately create this unique and prestigious award. Schuylkill River coaches received award forms in January of 2014 for the first award at the Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing Association coach's meeting. A formal announcement, presentation of the winner's award letter, and perpetual plaque for the school to the coach occurred September 20, 2014, at Undine Barge Club's Captain's Dinner. A trophy to the athlete winner was presented at the Schuylkill Navy Awards Banquet on March 19, 2015 at Vesper Boat Club. A special gift scholarship invitation by John Izzard was also extended to and accepted by the recipient for participation in Undine Barge Club's 2015 Summer Junior Rowing Program. Coaches and teachers are invited to submit up to two athletes per school (one male and/or one female) for consideration by the June 30, 2026 deadline. Finalists will participate in an interview before the winner is selected in August of 2026.
