PCR Community Outreach and Inclusion Manager George Rowley, Kera McCarthy, PCR Executive Director Caitlin Mance

Urban is excited to announce the recipient of the seventh annual Edward M. D’Alba Leadership Award Scholarship. The Edward M. D’Alba Leadership Award Scholarship is offered to a graduating high school senior in the Philadelphia City Rowing program who demonstrates leadership, on and off the water. This year’s awardee is Kera McCarthy of the J.R. Masterman High School in Philadelphia. She was presented with the scholarship during Philadelphia City Rowing’s awards ceremony. Kera plans on attending Thomas Jefferson University this fall on a pre-med track.

“The skills I’ve learned from rowing are applicable to life and have taught me the value of attention to detail, listening, and endurance,” said Ms. McCarthy in her essay. “I am who I am because of the lessons I continue to learn from those around me. I will pass those lessons on, both inside and outside the boat.”

“Philadelphia City Rowing is grateful to have the support of Urban Engineers and is honored to award one of our outstanding student-athletes with The Edward M. D’Alba Leadership Award,” said Caitlin Mance, the executive director of Philadelphia City Rowing. “Kera has been with our program since middle school. Over the last six years, it’s been our pleasure to watch her grow, find her voice, and lead her teammates both on and off the water. We will miss having her at practice, but know she is on to bigger and better things.”

Philadelphia City Rowing is an organization that seeks to empower local public school students through the sport of rowing. The sport teaches discipline, perseverance, and teamwork, reinforcing invaluable lessons that extend into all areas of life.

Mr. D’Alba is a longtime rower and athlete who found great success in business in the engineering field. He always maintained his passion for rowing, having spent as many hours, if not more, on the Schuylkill River than he did in the boardroom. Mr. D'Alba served as the president and CEO of Urban until his retirement in 2016. To honor his service, Urban Engineers dedicates this scholarship to a promising individual who is an optimist, dreamer, and achiever that others look to for guidance and trust.