Hilary Kenyon wins Waterman competition

Environmental Science graduate Hilary Kenyon is winner of the Scubapro, PADI and Beneath the Sea ‘Are You a Waterman’ competition. Honouring Scubapro’s longtime ambassador, Stan Waterman, his contributions to diving and the water world, and to salute him on occasion of his 90th birthday, the Waterman Scholarship was awarded with your votes via Scubapro’s Facebook page.

Amateur applicants were challenged to use their creativity to inspire sponsors and voters with a photo and written pitch why they qualified as a ‘waterman’ with ‘salt water running in their veins’. Submissions were made through April and voting followed in May.

Kenyon won $5,000 in Scubapro gear and $400 of advanced dive training from PADI to help follow in Stan’s hard to fill ‘foot pockets’. The competition was tough, with many qualified and inspiring entrants. Waterman himself said, “Had I been competing 60 years ago, I wouldn’t have had a chance.”

Kenyon started diving at 18 and just graduated with an Environmental Science major from University of Connecticut, where she was also the head of the SCUBA club. She hopes to dedicate her life to protecting oceanic and coastal resources. Recently she completed Rescue and AAUS Diving certifications to fulfill her long-term goal of becoming an instructor and technical research diver. Her story and video will be featured on the Scubapro site. The company will also present ongoing news and photos of Hillary as she pursues the training and puts to use the gear she has won. Stay tuned to the Scubapro Facebook page: www.facebook.com/scubapro

Kenyon was exuberant over her win. “This is literally a dream come true,” she said. “Everything I care about revolves around the ocean, conservation and diving.” She expressed thanks to Stan Waterman, about whom she said, “Your work and fervor helped inspire me and fuel my passion, energy and love for the ocean.” She expressed thanks also to sponsors Scubapro, PADI, and Beneath the Sea, for the “tremendous opportunity to help make my dreams a reality!”

Sponsors thanked all entrants. “The decision was difficult,” a spokesperson said. “We’re thrilled to know there are so many amazing waterman out there.”

To learn more and view Hillary’s winning entry, visit the website, www.scubapro.com/waterman.