by Patricia Miller, for GLADA

It is with pride and satisfaction that the 2013 Great Lakes Amateur Drivers Association (GLADA) scholarship winners are announced. In alpha order they are:

Stacey Bangert

Samantha Black

Sage DeMull

Emily Cisco

We are very pleased with the quality of the young scholars who applied and congratulate them on their scholarship, personal achievement, and their love and concern for standardbred harness horses and the Michigan racing industry. “Thanks to all for the time and effort put into the applications,” said Steve Oldford, GLADA President. “Our friend and advocate, the late Denny Walton, would be honored and happy to see the academic careers of four fine young people advanced.”

This year’s exceptional candidate pool and the winners exemplify the family history and multiple years of horsemanship experienced and demonstrated by these fine young Michigan horsemen. All of them descend from generations of horseracing families and all have actively participated in “the family business” as well as being scholars and community minded young people. They are a tribute to the hard work and dedication necessary to be a part of the business of racing standardbreds.

GLADA raises funds for youth scholarship through membership dues and driving entry fees for each amateur race. To honor and remember our friend Dennis Walton, the late assistant race secretary at Hazel Park, GLADA established this scholarship fund to salute his work and love for youth education. Hazel Park Race Secretary Ladd Biro supports GLADA racing by hosting an amateur race every Monday night at Hazel Park during the summer meet.

“Congratulations and best wishes to our scholarship winners and best of luck this year in your academic pursuits,” said Oldford. “We are proud to have all of you associated with Michigan racing.”