Ocean City High Graduate Wins Fishing Club's Annual $1,000 Scholarship

Martin Stanczak will attend Northeastern University this fall to study chemistry.

By Veronica Flesher, Patch Staff

Jul 15, 2026 4:51 pm EDT

Ocean City Fishing Club scholarship recipient Martin Stanczak with Margaret Feil, an Ocean City Fishing Club representative on the Club's historic Fishing Pier. (Ocean City Fishing Club)

OCEAN CITY, NJ — The Ocean City Fishing Club has awarded its annual $1,000 scholarship to Ocean City High School graduate Martin Stanczak, who will attend Northeastern University in Boston this fall to study chemistry. The award is given to a student recommended by Ocean City High School faculty and administration.

Stanczak said his interest in chemistry began unexpectedly. “I accidentally enrolled in an AP Chemistry class during my junior year and found that I like chemistry a lot,” he said during a recent visit to the Ocean City Fishing Club Fishing Pier. He also described what draws him to the field. “I like the concept of finding ways to help people and solve problems.”

Stanczak has not decided which branch of chemistry he will pursue, according to the announcement. He is interested in medical, environmental and cosmetic chemistry. “I want to focus my efforts in an area where I can help people,” he said.

Before leaving for college in mid-September, Stanczak will continue working as a beach tag supervisor for the City of Ocean City, a summer position he has held for the past four years. The announcement also said he is a self-taught piano and guitar player and enjoys spending time with friends.

During his time at Ocean City High School, Stanczak participated on the golf team and was active in the National Honor Society, Student Council and the Latin Club. He also served as an OCHS ambassador and volunteered in the school’s annual food drive.

The scholarship reflects the Fishing Club’s commitment to supporting local students and giving back to the community, according to the announcement. Founded in 1913, the Ocean City Fishing Club is the oldest continually operating fishing club in the United States.

The club also announced two public open houses on the Fishing Pier from 6 to 8 p.m. on July 30 and Aug. 13 to collect food and cash donations for the Ocean City Food Cupboard. It will also host its annual Boys and Girls Surf Fishing Tournament at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, on the north-end beach near the Ocean City-Longport Bridge, rain or shine.