by Tim Bojarski, president, UNY-USHWA

Akron, NY — Monday, May 16, is the deadline to submit an application for the $1,500 Dewey Degree Scholarship.

Many applications have been received so far and more are coming in everyday. With the short window of opportunity left, please consider e-mailing the application (with all the other required information) back to us so as not to miss the cut-off. If you wish to apply that way, you can send your packet to webmaster@upstatenyushwa.com.

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, 2010). Only one relative need be licensed to be eligible. Applicant must be at least a high school senior at time of application. Anyone living in the U.S. or Canada is eligible.

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 600 words. You will also need to submit proof of your relatives licensing and a minimum of two letters of reference — one from a horse person and one from a teacher in your current school. Full requirements are outlined on the application.

Click here to download the application or log onto www.upstatenyushwa.com.