by Tim Bojarski, for the Upstate Chapter of the U.S. Harness Writer’s Association

Akron, NY — The window of opportunity is growing smaller as we near the deadline for application to the 2009 Dewey Degree Scholarship. The final date to apply is May 30.

The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association is looking for eligible high school seniors (or returning college students) from families of licensed owners, trainers, or drivers who participate full or part time in harness racing. They can now log on to www.upstatenyushwa.com and print out an application form that could bring them $1,500 closer to completing their college education.

Through the generosity of Ray Schnittker and Jeff Gural, UNY-USHWA is offering the scholarship named for the world class trotter, Deweycheatumnhowe. The “Dewey Degree” is an annual fellowship given to an eligible student who meets the criteria and is chosen by our Chapter Officers and an impartial third party judge. It is a $1,500 one time, non-renewable assistance award.

The applicant must be entering college for the first time this fall or already in a college, university, or trade school and be enrolled as a full time student (12 credit hours minimum). Applicants’ parent(s), grandparent(s), and/or legal guardian(s) must be a licensed horseman or horsewoman during the year prior to application (In this case, 2008). Only one relative need be licensed to be eligible. Applicant must be at least a high school senior at time of application.

You are required to submit a typewritten essay discussing your background in harness racing, your work experience in harness racing, what you think could be done to better harness racing in the future, and how you see yourself as part of it. The essay should be around 1,500 words. You will also need to submit a minimum of two letters of reference — one from a horse person and one from a teacher in your current school.

All documents must be postmarked on or before May 30, 2009. The recipient will be announced by July 1, 2009 and the scholarship will be presented in the winner’s circle at Tioga Downs on Sunday, August 16, during the finals of the New York State Fair Stakes. We would like the winner to be present.

For more information and an application form, please log on to www.upstatenyushwa.com.