by Andrew Mack, Mack Communications

Crete, IL — The $2,500 Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association Big Tom scholarship was presented to Emily Magee this past Saturday night in the Balmoral Park winner’s circle.

The scholarship is funded through a donation from Tom Lewandowski who officially presented the award to Magee.

Emily Magee, daughter of Hall of Fame driver Dave Magee from Big Rock, Ill., will be attending Waubonsie Valley College this fall.

“The Magee family has a strong history in Illinois harness racing,” said IHHA President Dave McCaffrey. “Emily has demonstrated her enthusiasm for learning and for Standardbred racing. We’re very pleased to give her this scholarship.”

An essay on what Illinois harness racing means to the applicant was a determining factor in the award.

The IHHA will present a second Big Tom Scholarship award of $2,500 to Chas Walker of Carrollton, Ill., at the State Fair in Springfield.

On August 12, at the Land of Lincoln Sale at Walker Standardbred Farm, a breeding to Jereme’s Jet will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to support future years of the Big Tom scholarship.

“The youth is the lifeblood of the future of harness racing,” said Land of Lincoln sales manager Kristi Patterson. “We are happy to put forth an effort to expand higher education opportunities for everyone involved with harness racing. This is really a ‘win-win’ situation.”