The Ocean City Fishing Club (OCFC) has awarded its annual $1,000 scholarship to Ocean City High School graduate Martin Stanczak, who will attend Northeastern University in Boston this fall to study chemistry.
Stanczak discovered his passion for chemistry almost by chance.
“I accidentally enrolled in an AP Chemistry class during my junior year and found that I like chemistry a lot,” he said during a recent visit to the Ocean City Fishing Club Fishing Pier. “I like the concept of finding ways to help people and solve problems.”
While he has not yet decided which branch of chemistry he will pursue, Stanczak is interested in medical, environmental and cosmetic chemistry. “I want to focus my efforts in an area where I can help people,” he said.
Before leaving for college in mid-September, Stanczak will continue working as a beach tag supervisor for the City of Ocean City, a summer position he has held for the past four years. He is also a self-taught piano and guitar player and enjoys spending time with friends.
During his years at Ocean City High School, he participated on the golf team and was active in the National Honor Society, Student Council and the Latin Club. He also served as an OCHS ambassador and volunteered in the school’s annual food drive.
The scholarship recipient is recommended by Ocean City High School faculty and administration and reflects the Fishing Club’s commitment to supporting local students and giving back to the community.
In addition to its scholarship program, the Ocean City Fishing Club will host public open houses on the Fishing Pier from 6–8 p.m. on July 30 and August 13 to collect food and cash donations for the Ocean City Food Cupboard. The club will also host its annual Boys and Girls Surf Fishing Tournament at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, on the north-end beach near the Ocean City–Longport Bridge, rain or shine.
Founded in 1913, the Ocean City Fishing Club is the oldest continually operating fishing club in the United States.
