Celebrating Youth Excellence: NDPS Awards Scholarships to Two Outstanding Paddlers

On June 9, 2025, the Nothin' Dragon Paddling Society (NDPS) had the honour of presenting two scholarships to the most deserving paddlers from the Rapid Eagles youth team for the 2024/25 school year.

The recipients were:

• Priscilla Hartono, Gleneagle Secondary, Coquitlam

• Jona Finch, Riverside Secondary, Port Coquitlam

Student selections were made by the team’s outgoing coaches: Erica McArthur, Riverside teacher and former coach with Nothin’ Dragon, and Susan Priestly, a retired teacher from Gleneagle. Both educators have dedicated countless hours to building the Rapid Eagles into a team of resilience, discipline, and heart.

NDPS president Robbin Whachell was on hand to present certificates and scholarship funds to both deserving students. During the presentation, Whachell reminded the students how fortunate they are to have dragon boat available to them.

“These young paddlers are incredibly fortunate to have access to a sport like dragon boating through their schools. So many students don’t get this kind of opportunity. It’s more than a sport—it’s community, leadership, and personal growth. We’re proud to support them and celebrate their achievements.”

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Students of Rapid Eagles high school dragon boat team listen attentively to their coaches at an end of season picnic at Rocky Point Park, Port Moody.

Following the awards, it was announced that both McArthur and Priestly would be stepping down as coaches. Their departure marks the end of an impactful era—but not the end of the youth program. Beginning in 2026, Nothin’ Dragon Paddling Society will take on the coaching responsibilities for the club, ensuring that youth paddling remains strong in the Tri-Cities.

NDPS has long supported the youth team by providing boats, equipment, and mentorship. Now, with coaching moving in-house, the Society is excited to deepen its commitment to youth development through sport.

Congratulations once again to Priscilla and Jona—your dedication and spirit embody everything dragon boating stands for!

NDPS Youth Scholarship Presented to Marcus Farmer

On October 3, 2024, Nothin' Dragon Paddling Society had the privilege of presenting a scholarship to Marcus Farmer, the most deserving paddler from the Rapid Eagles for the 2023/24 school year. Marcus not only showcased exceptional dedication to dragon boating for his school, but he also frequently lent his skills to support our team as a talented steersman.

The student selection is made by the youth team’s coaches, Riverside teacher, Erica McArthur, former coach to Nothin’ Dragon; and Susan Priestly, a teacher from Gleneagle.

Miss McArthur was on hand for the presentation of a cheque and certificate, and mentioned Marcus’ dedication, in particular, that he leads the Dragon Boat Club table to solicit students to get involved in the sport.

“His commitment, leadership, and passion for the sport are truly inspiring,” said NDPS president, Robbin Whachell. “We are excited to see where his bright future in dragon boating takes him.”

Congratulations, Marcus. We are so proud of you!

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A shot of Marcus steering the Dragonfly for Nothin’ Dragon against the international vessel, Argent Aster.

About the youth team, Rapid Eagles: The team is made up of students from Riverside and Gleneagle secondary schools in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam. They now compete under the name, The Rapids and they’ve been making waves in the youth division at Concord! Nothin’ Dragon is proud to provide the students with our boats and equipment as they continue to thrive.

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Celebrating a first place race at Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival on June 25. Linda Corcoran from Nothin’ Dragon on steer. Marcus is in the front right stroke position.

The Rapids Return to Dragon Boat

They're BACK!

Nothin' Dragon is proud to support the Rapids, a composite team of high school students from Riverside and Gleneagle in Port Moody and Coquitlam.

The team uses our equipment and boats and get out on the water (even in the rain) once per week. The students are led by Riverside teacher, Erica McArthur, former coach to Nothin’ Dragon. and Susan Priestly, a teacher from Gleneagle.

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Coming in to the dock at Rocky Point Park, Port Moody. On steer is Linda Corcoran of Nothin’ Dragon.

Gold Place Finish For the Gleneagle and Riverside Rapids at Concord

Another huge shout out to the Rapids, the high school team that trains in our boats and with our safety boat, paddles, PFDs and our steer, Linda!

This youth team is made up of students from Riverside Secondary and Gleneagle Secondary students and they did very well at the 35th annual Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival at False Creek, Vancouver on June 24 and 25.

The outcome was a gold medal in the Junior Mixed C Division!

The students are led by Riverside teacher, Erica McArthur, former coach to Nothin’ Dragon. Susan Priestly, a teacher from Gleneagle is the co-coach.

The team trains at Rocky Point and many of the youth helped us on the dock at our Inlet Spring Regatta.

Way to go, Rapids!

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Medal ceremony. Junior Mixed C gold.

Dear Nothin Dragon,

Thank-you for your individual support with the Gleneagle and Riverside Rapids this season. Over the course of the season these paddlers learned so much about teamwork, commitment, pushing personal limits, and having fun. We could not have done it without your support. After a busy teaching day, arriving each afternoon to the crew getting out the equipment and boat made everything run smooth. Please know the pure enjoyment/exhaustion on the faces of the students in the attached photo was possible thanks to you.

Susan and I had a rewarding season coaching the Rapids and working with your support.

All the best in the remainder of your 2023 racing season and see you next year!

Sincerely,

Erica

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Riverside Secondary Returns to Dragon Boating

Did you know that we support Riverside Secondary (École Riverside Secondary School) located in Port Coquitlam?

New this year! The team also consists of students from Gleneagle Secondary in Coquitlam.

The team name is the Rapids.

Students are introduced to the sport of dragon boating, and we provide our paddles, PFDs, dragon boats and safety boat, along with some of our team to train on the waters off Rocky Point Park, Port Moody.

This year they will go to competitions and it's great to have them back after years away. The students are led by Riverside teacher, Erica McArthur, former coach to Nothin’ Dragon.

Have a great season, Rapids!

Riverside Secondary Returns to Dragon Boating

2015 was the the first year that Riverside Secondary High School in Port Coquitlam had a dragon boat team thanks to the Nothin’ Dragon Masters, and after a few years break due to the pandemic, the school is back on the water at Rocky Point once a week.

“It has been a great team building experience for us. Many thanks to the Nothin' Dragon Masters dragon boat team for supplying the paddles, PFD’s, dragon boat and mentorship,” said their coach Erica.