The Florida Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) has announced two candidates who will receive awards this year from the 2024 Allen J. Finkelson Scholarship program.

This scholarship was established in memory of U.S. 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.

“Samantha Mills and Andrea Richards will each receive scholarship funds from our USHWA Chapter,” said committee chair Thomas H. Hicks. “They are outstanding students.”

Preference for these scholarship awards is given to students majoring in journalism, communications, public relations or equine related studies. 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 also includes community service, academic achievement and leadership.

Samantha Mills of Coconut Creek is a sophomore at the University of Florida majoring in public relations. She has earned a 3.57 GPA. The daughter of Scott and Shannon Mills has been on the fall and spring academic honour roll and was named the outstanding social media account executive award winner for Alpha PR. She is also a Student Fellow at the Bob Graham Center for Public Service and has been a public relations intern at the Florida House of Representatives.

Maya Andrea Richards of Ponte Vedra is a freshman at the University of Florida majoring in communications. She graduated from Ponte Vedra High School with a 4.0 GPA in the last two years. The daughter of David and Gwen Richards has been in the National Honor Society, National Science and English Honor Society and the Phi Theta College Honor Society. She was also a varsity track, basketball and lacrosse player.

For more information about the Florida Chapter of USHWA and the Allen J. Finkelson Scholarship visit ushwa-florida.com or go to the Florida Chapter USHWA Facebook page.

(Florida Chapter of USHWA)