The Bishop O'Connell rowing team gathered at Thompson Boat Center in Georgetown on the last day of winter to launch their new shell, named in memory of former teammate and coxswain Kitt Rom '14, who passed away last year.
A rainy morning gave way to blue skies as Head of School, Dr. Joseph Vorbach '83, welcomed guests to this celebration. In attendance were family and friends of Kitt Rom. O'Connell chaplain, Rev. Gregory Thompson, blessed the shell with a prayer:
We call upon You to bless those who have prepared this ship for service,
to protect and preserve those who sail in her,
and to surround them with Your loving care.
Kitt's mother, Lisa Meacham, showered the ceremonial champagne along the shell before the newly named vessel was lowered into the water and set out for a row on the Potomac River.
The "Kitt Rom 2014" Resolute Racing shell was funded by Kitt's family and friends, and by current and former O'Connell rowers and their fundraising efforts.
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