The George Devins Scholarship
The George Devins Scholarship, administered by the RVAA, is a scholarship in memory of a man who devoted his life to swimmers and swimming in the Roanoke Valley - George Devins. The 2023 scholarship will be $1500 and will be awarded at the City/County Championship Meet. Applicants must be participating members of the RVAA and must have been accepted to, or currently enrolled in, an institution of higher learning. A committee derived from the RVAA Board of Delegates will judge applicants. Interested swimmers may obtain applications at www.swimrvaa.com. Applications must be received no later than July 1, 2023. Completed applications should be sent electronically to [email protected].
The Tyler Nordgren Trophy
The 2023 Tyler Nordgren Trophy will be awarded at the annual City/County Championship Meet to an 8-and-under swimmer who embodies the spirit of Tyler Nordgren. Tyler was a member of the Read Mountain swim team who overcame a form of autism and whose brief swimming career was marked by a drive to improve and the excitement that comes with competing and winning ribbons. In July 2001 Tyler suffered a cerebral hemorrhage during warm-ups for a Monday meet, and passed away later that week. Applications should be submitted at the City/County Seed Meeting.
The Duane Whitenack Award
The Duane Whitenack Award In 1980, the RVAA established a special award in memory of Duane Whitenack, who worked to help the RVAA expand and grow and who established the plans for a year-round pool for the use of the traveling team. The RVAA designated the year-end championship meet, "The Duane Whitenack City/County Championship Meet." Also each year, the RVAA gives a special award in his memory to the person or persons who have contributed in an exceptional manner through their time and efforts to promote swimming in the Roanoke Valley. All recipients of this award share common characteristics: they are special, dedicated individuals who have demonstrated their love for our children and the great sport of swimming.
The Irene Hurley Volunteer Award
To honor the service and dedication of Irene Hurley to the RVAA and the sport of swimming in the Roanoke Valley, the RVAA established the Annual Irene Hurley Volunteer Awards in 1996. These awards honor a lady who was actively involved in the RVAA for over 20 years; including ten years as treasurer. She was a model for the caliber of volunteer required for the RVAA. Every year, teams select a volunteer who emulates the qualities, dedication, and commitment of Irene Hurley.
