by John Horne, for Tioga Downs

Tioga, NY — Tioga Downs, the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen’s Association and Harness Horse Breeders of New York State are once again hosting their annual “Scholarship Race” for area high school seniors.

Five local high schools are participating with one senior from each school. The students along with their designated trainers will guide their horses once around the five-eighths mile oval at Tioga Downs. Each student will receive $1,700 for their participation.

Representing Union Endicott High School is Jacob Pylypciw. He will be attending Stony Brook University in the fall, studying Clinical Laboratory Science. and will be joined in the sulky by trainer Jeff Byron. The duo will be piloting Thumpem N.

From Vestal High School is Alicia Cygan. She will study occupational therapy at Nazareth College in the fall and will be with trainer Mickey Mc Nichol behind their horse, Revenant.

From Oswego Free Academy is Ethan Pryor. He will attend Seton Hall to study communications this fall and will share the seat behind College Major with trainer Jason Mac Dougall.

Newark Valley High School is sending Anna Raymond. She will be going to Morrisville State College and studying equine science and management in the fall and will be joined by trainer Joe Scowyra, driving Hot Patootie.

From Tioga Central High School is Ashley Tiffany. She will be going to Arnot Ogden School of Nusing this fall and her partner for the race will be trainer Michael Sinclair as they try to guide Spring House Mojo to victory.

The Scholarship Race will take place after race two during the Tioga Downs afternoon card. Post time for Sundays at Tioga is 1 p.m.