Burlington, NJ – Harness Horsemen International (HHI) is proud to announce that Delanie Roland of Sioux Center, IA, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the annual $4,000 Jerome L. Hauck Scholarship. This prestigious award recognizes an outstanding student who demonstrates a strong commitment to harness racing, academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.
A graduate of Sioux Center High School, Delanie has distinguished herself through academic excellence, leadership, and a deep-rooted connection to the harness racing industry. She maintained a 3.71 GPA while actively participating in numerous school, agricultural, and community activities.
Delanie has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, service, and youth development through her involvement in both FFA and 4-H. As an active FFA member, she participated in local, state, and national events, including the National FFA Competitions and National Western Stock Show, while taking part in leadership development competitions, chapter officer activities, and agricultural science programs. Her FFA advisor, Eric Koehlmoos, praised her willingness to challenge herself, noting her exceptional leadership, determination, and dedication to serving others. Beyond FFA, Delanie has remained actively involved in school sports, 4-H and has volunteered her time through organizations such as Feed My Starving Children, Operation Christmas Child, Adventures in Mission, and Feed the Farmers.
Growing up in a harness racing family, Delanie developed a strong appreciation for the sport and the values it instills. In a letter supporting her application, Cathy Dessert, USTA Director and Vice President of Minnesota Harness Racing, Inc., noted her strong character, responsibility, and commitment to the future of the industry.
Delanie plans to major in Animal Science in college. Her goal is to build a career working with animals while remaining connected to the agricultural and equine industries that have shaped her life. In her scholarship essay, she shared her passion for animal care and her desire to use her education to advocate for animals and contribute to the industries she loves.
Harness Horsemen International congratulates Delanie Roland on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to seeing the positive impact she will make throughout her college education, professional career, and continued involvement in the harness racing community.
For more information about the Jerome L. Hauck Scholarship and Harness Horsemen International, visit www.harnesshorsemeninternational.com.