The Florida chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association has announced the winners of Allen J. Finkelson Scholarships.
The scholarship was established in memory of hall of famer Allen J. Finkelson, was the former vice president of public relations at Pompano Park and longtime chairman of the board of the national USHWA organization.
“Both Sarah Birkhold and Jessica Hallett will each receive $1,000 from our chapter,” said committee chair Thomas H. Hicks. “Sarah is a graduate student with a GPA of 3.9 at Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine, and Jessica is a college junior at Nova Southeastern University with a 3.4 GPA as a medical major. They are both outstanding students.”
Preference for these scholarship awards were given to a student(s) majoring in journalism, communications 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 include community service, academic achievement, and leadership.
Both women have been prior winners of the Allen J. Finkelson Scholarships and are the children of harness racing parents.
Sarah Birkhold of Sarasota, FL, is a third-year graduate student at Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinarian Medicine seeking her doctorate in veterinarian medicine and is on course to graduate in May, 2021. She is on the Honor Society for the following groups, Alpha Chi, Phi Kappa Phi and the Collegiate Leadership and Achievement Association. She is also vice president of the Chapter Society of Theriogenology, secretary of the Food Animal Club and was president and secretary of the Gator Collegiate Cattlewoman Organization.
Jessica Hallett of Margate, FL, has scholastic honours that include International Baccalaureate (IB), HOSA Barbara James Community Service Regional, State and National Service Awards, NSU Sharks Services Award, President’s 64, NSU Honors College, NSU Dual Degree, Student Leader of the Year Award and Star Of Life Award. This past year, Hallett, who writes for ‘Harness Link,’ wrote a story that went national and she was awarded Honorable Mention in the John Hervey Media Awards. She is also on the NSU Equestrian Club and Team, Women’s Weightlifting Team, the Emergency and Disaster Medicine Club, Delta Epsilon Mu and Honors College.
For more information about the Florida chapter of USHWA and the Allen J. Finkelson Scholarship, visit ushwa-florida.com or head to ‘Florida Chapter USHWA’ on Facebook.
(USHWA)