NEWBURGH – San Miguel Academy of Newburgh proudly announces that eighth grader Jermain Stevens has successfully defended his title at the USRowing National Indoor Championships, securing first place in the U15 division for the second consecutive year.

The USRowing National Indoor Championships is a premier event held at six venues nationwide, attracting thousands of competitors from rowing clubs and scholastic programs across the country. Jermain competed in Pittsburgh under the guidance of Arshay Cooper, a key figure in the success of the San Miguel Academy Rowing Program. “Throughout my experience coaching numerous youths in 2k indoor competitions,” said Arshay, “I have never encountered anyone as composed and strategic as Jermain. The competitors, parents, and facility staff were all captivated by his performance. I am excited to say that he represents the future. Newburgh, watch out!”

Cooper, a nationally recognized advocate for diversity in rowing, has played a pivotal role in elevating San Miguel Rowing’s competitive performance. His work, supported by A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund, has brought rowing, academic support, and college access to under-resourced communities. Thanks to this initiative, San Miguel Rowing received two new Hudson two-person boats, named in honor of black rowers Alex Osborne, who competed in the 2012 London Olympics, and Malcolm Hawkins. Additionally, the program acquired 20 state-of-the-art ergometers for year-round training.

Cooper’s impact extends far beyond the water. Featured in The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, and People Magazine, he has inspired diversity-focused rowing programs worldwide. His message of human potential and inclusion has resonated at major institutions such as the Obama Foundation, the Aspen Institute, JP Morgan, and Princeton University.

San Miguel Academy Rowing is one of the largest middle school rowing programs in the nation, with 100% student participation. The program is committed to increasing educational opportunities for its student-athletes, helping them gain admission to top-tier high schools and colleges. San Miguel rowers have consistently performed at a national level, competing at the USRowing Youth National Championships and securing top-10 finishes.

San Miguel Academy provides access to rowing—a sport traditionally out of reach for many—through the generosity of its donors and sponsors. San Miguel Academy Rowing is proudly supported by the New York Giants Foundation, A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund, the Head of the Charles/Philadelphia Gold Cup Challenge Foundation, and USRowing.

About San Miguel Academy

San Miguel Academy is a year-round, STEM-based school serving low-opportunity families in Newburgh, NY. Our mission is to break the cycle of poverty through education by making a long-term commitment to our students and their families. For more information, please visit newburghsanmiguel.org