Woodstock, VA – Due to a generous bequest by longtime Virginia harness horsewoman Jan Nofsinger, the Virginia Harness Horse Association (VHHA) has established a $1,000 scholarship for family members of the Virginia racing community.
Guidelines and the application can be found on the scholarship tab on the VHHA.net website. Completed applications must be returned to the VHHA office by May 15, 2026. They can be emailed to info@vhha.net, faxed to 804-655-6161 or mailed to the VHHA, P.O. Box 1603, Saluda, VA 23149.
To be eligible for a Jan Nofsinger Scholarship Program grant, an individual must be the child, grandchild or other family member of an owner, trainer, or driver who has participated in harness racing in the Commonwealth of Virginia on a regular basis over the two years preceding the application and is a member of the VHHA, or can be such qualifying owner, trainer, or driver that is pursuing a higher education. Family members of deceased VHHA members are also eligible. VHHA Board members and officers and their family members are not eligible for a scholarship grant.
Applicants are required to submit a completed application form, official high school and/or college transcripts, a personal statement that describes their educational and career goals and details their involvement in Standardbred racing and/or breeding within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Applicants may include any additional information they consider relevant.
When a scholarship is granted, the VHHA will mail the grant check directly to the educational institution. All applications will be reviewed by the VHHA Scholarship Committee and awarded at its discretion. Extracurricular activities, community involvement, scholarship, citizenship, leadership, and evidence of character will all be taken into account in the assessment of merit. Enrollment in a curriculum related to or that could benefit Virginia’s harness racing and/or breeding industry will receive special consideration.
Jan Nofsinger of Warsaw, Va., passed away at her home on Oct. 26, 2022 at the age of 67. Jan owned horses for decades and officially trained from 1999-2017. Jan will be remembered for her love of Standardbred horses and harness racing. She was a longtime member of the VHHA and served as a board member for many years.