The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association is looking for eligible high school seniors (or returning college students) from families of licensed owners, trainers, or drivers that participate full or

part time in harness racing. They can now log on to upstatenyushwa.com and print out an application form that could bring them $1,500 closer to completing their college education.

Through the generosity of Ray Schnittker and Jeff Gural, UNY-USHWA is offering the scholarship named for the world class trotter, Deweycheatumnhowe. The 'Dewey Degree' is an annual fellowship given to an eligible student who meets the criteria and is chosen by UNY-USHWA chapter officers and an impartial third party judge. It is a $1,500 one-time, non-renewable assistance award.

The applicant must be entering college for the first time this fall or already in a college, university, or trade school and be enrolled as a full time student (12 credit hours minimum). Applicants’ parent(s), grandparent(s), and/or legal guardian(s) must be a licensed horseman or horsewoman during the year prior to application (in this case, 2010). Only one relative need be licensed to be eligible. Applicant must be at least a high school senior at time of application. Anyone living in the U.S. or Canada is eligible.

You are required to submit a typewritten essay discussing your background in harness racing, your work experience in harness racing, what you think could be done to better harness racing in the future, and how you see yourself as part of it. The essay should be around 600 words. You will also need to submit proof of your relatives licensing and a minimum of two letters of reference – one from a horse person and one from a teacher in your current school.

All documents must be received no later than May 16, 2011. The recipient will be announced shortly thereafter and the scholarship will be presented in the winners circle at Tioga Downs this summer. The winner must be present for that presentation.

Click here to download an application or log onto upstatenyushwa.com for more information.

(USHWA)