from the Harness Horse Association of Central New York

Vernon, NY — The Harness Horse Association of Central New York is proud to announce their 2013 scholarship winners.

The first place winner of $5,000 is Kayla Prentice of Vernon, N.Y. Prentice, an honors student graduating seventh in her class at Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School, will attend Syracuse University. She will major in health and exercise science and plans to be a physical therapist. Kayla is the daughter of Jessica and Howard Okusko, Jr.

Based on the point system used to award the scholarships, the committee selected Kara Duh as the second place winner of $2,500. She will be starting her second year at LeMoyne College, majoring in biology and plans to continue on to veterinarian medicine. She is the daughter of Joseph and Carmela Duh of Sauquoit, N.Y.

The third place winner is Julie Mondrick of Durhamville, N.Y. She attends Buffalo University, majoring in dance with a minor in health and wellness. She is the daughter of John and Lynne Mondrick and will receive $1,500.

“The scholarship committee weighted financial need, community service, academic performance and the written explanation of several applications. The committee used a ‘blind review,’ not knowing the names of the applicants before the review process,” stated Committee Chairman Joseph Camerino. “We are very proud of all the applicants and we want to thank everyone who applied.

“All the applicants are winners in our minds and we are overjoyed to help in whatever way we can as an association of the hard working dedicated horsemen and women here at Vernon and their families.”