The Florida Chapter of the United States Harness Racing Writers Association (USHWA) has announced that the chapter is now accepting applications for its 2022 Allen J. Finkelson Scholarship Awards.

The scholarship fund was established in memory of Hall of Famer Allen J. Finkelson, the former Vice President of Public Relations at Pompano Park and longtime Chairman of the Board of the national USHWA organization. 

“While our Florida Chapter was hesitant at first due to the end of live harness racing at Pompano Park, we still felt we needed to continue our scholarship program, which is important for our young people to help them with the costs of tuition,” said Steve Wolf, president of USHWA's Florida Chapter.  

Preference for these scholarship awards will be given to a student majoring in journalism, communications or veterinarian related studies.

“Michelle Melara, Sarah Clein and Da’ Zhaun Hicks each received scholarship funds from our USHWA Chapter in 2021,” said committee chair Thomas H. Hicks. “They are all outstanding students.”

Applicants must be a resident of the state of Florida and currently accepted or enrolled in a fully accredited college or university in the United States. Criteria for selection include community service, academic achievement and leadership.

Applicants must have demonstrated scholastic ability with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 and show evidence of community service and leadership through certificates, awards and/or letters of commendation.

Fully completed applications must be postmarked no later than July 1, 2022, for consideration of an August 2022 award. Recipients may reapply annually for a maximum of four years.

Applications should be submitted/addressed to the Florida Chapter USHWA, Scholarship Committee, 1070 SW 46th Ave., Ste. 107, Pompano Beach, FL 33069.

For more information or to receive an application, click here or e-mail Thomas H. Hicks at [email protected] or Steven Wolf at [email protected].

(With files from Florida Chapter of USHWA)