The Florida Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association has announced three candidates who will receive awards this year from the 2021 Allen J. Finkelson Scholarship program.
The scholarship 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.
“Michelle Melara, Sarah Clein and Da’ Zhaun Hicks will each receive scholarship funds from our USHWA Chapter,” said committee chair Thomas H. Hicks. “They are all 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.
The scholarship fund again received donations from Maggie LeClair and Jay Farrar of Winter Park and the Thomas H. Hicks family of Pompano Beach. Each scholarship winner will receive $500.
Sarah Clein of Wellington is a freshman at the University of Florida majoring in communication, journalism and advertising. She is a Wellington HS and Palm Beach State graduate (GPA 4.0) that has led Bricks Busting Boredom and Aaron’s Ipad Lending Library activities. Sarah has also participated in UF’s Summer Media Institute and is a Mr Brother and Sister’s Keeper award winner.
Michelle Melara of Orlando is a University of Central Florida (UCF) junior (GPA 3.87) majoring in biology with a minor in zoology/pre-vet. Michelle is a Lincoln Park Academy graduate and has been a Dean’s List, National Honour Society and Pegasus Silver Academic Scholarship recipient. She has interned at Back to Nature Refuge, has taught at True Crew Dance Co. and seeks to become a veterinarian.
Da’ Zhaun Hicks of Altamonte Springs is a student at UCF (GPA 3.9) majoring in communications. This Haggerty HS and Seminole State grad (3.86 GPA, summa cum laude) has worked in the City of Orlando Youth Council as a speaker and entertainer.
For more information about the Florida Chapter of USHWA and the Allen J. Finkelson Scholarship, visit ushwa-florida.com or check out the Florida Chapter USHWA Facebook page.
(Florida Chapter of USHWA)