Fresh off his Meadowlands Pace victory, Ray Schnittker joined Tioga Downs principal owner Jeff Gural and members of the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association Sunday (7-18) in the winner's circle at Tioga to present the 2010 edition of the Dewey Degree College Scholarship

. This year $3,000 was awarded to two students whose grades and accomplishments stood out among all the applicants.

Anjelka Bosnjak from Grand Valley, ON received one of the scholarships and was presented the check by the group. She is currently studying at the Ontario Veterinary College, pursuing her degree as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine specializing in large animal medicine. She is in her second year of graduate school and will become a licensed veterinarian with the class of 2013.

One of her professors described Bosnjak as “dedicated to work and work ethic, is a quick learner, has an eye for detail, has excellent leadership skills, applies knowledge well and is quick to question results and procedures. She has simply done outstanding with all her course work.”

Her perseverance and the excellence of her work are reasons why she was deserving of this award. Bosnjak is currently working at McMaster-Powell Equine Services near Mohawk Racetrack when she is not in class.

The other scholarship recipient was Chelsea Fahy from Washington, Pennsyvania. She is currently attending the University of Findlay in Ohio and has completed her first year of study with a major in pre-vet and a minor in math. She ended the year with a 3.93 GPA and an “A” in each of the 14 courses she took in the first two semesters and made the Dean's list twice.

One of her professors wrote of Fahy, “She has a great work ethic, pays attention to detail, inspires trust in others, has excellent communication skills, has shown herself to be a loyal friend, consistently shows concern over other people’s welfare, and is an asset to our University.”

On top of her heavy course load, Fahy also works part time, interns at the Canon Hill Veterinary Clinic at the Meadows, and helps her parents with their racing stable. Fahy was unable to attend the presentation due to her schedule.

Bosnjak and Fahy each received a check for $1,500.00.

Also over the weekend, UNY-USHWA introduced the first three members of their new Hall of Fame. William “Buddy” Gilmour, Gerry Sarama, and (the family of) Dave Vance were introduced in the winner's circle at Buffalo Raceway. They along with three others to be named each from Tioga Downs, Vernon Downs, and Batavia Downs will be inducted later this year and enshrined in the Hall, which will be housed at Tioga Downs.

(Upstate NY USHWA)