Four receive 2023 USHWA-Florida Scholarships

Pompano Beach, FL – (August 31, 2023) — The Florida Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association has announced four candidates who will receive harness racing awards this year from the 2023 Allen J. Finkelson Scholarship program.

The scholarship was established in memory of Hall of Famer Allen J. Finkelson, the former Vice President of Public Relations at Pompano Park and longtime Chairman of the Board of the national USHWA organization.

“Sarah Clein, Leah Sudhir, Ella Bleu Shockley and Samantha Mills will each receive scholarship funds from our USHWA Chapter,” said committee chair Thomas H. Hicks. “They are all outstanding students.”

Preference for these scholarship awards were given to a student(s) majoring in journalism, communications or equine related studies. Applicants must be a resident of the state of Florida and currently accepted or enrolled in a fully accredited college or university in the United States. Criteria for selection include community service, academic achievement, and leadership.

The scholarship fund again received a donation from the Hicks family of Pompano Beach.

Sarah Clein of Wellington is a senior at UF majoring in journalism and advertising. She has earned a 3.84 GPA and is also seeking a master’s degree in entrepreneurship. She is a Wellington HS graduate and co-founded Bricks Busting Boredom. Sarah, the daughter of Kenneth and Deborah Clein, has also been a digital resourced intern.

Leah Sudhir of Sanford is a UCF sophomore (GPA 4.0) majoring in journalism. Leah, the daughter of Menon and Vikali Sudhir, is a Seminole High School graduate and has been a Presidents’ Honor Roll and National Association of Hispanic Journalists member and student reported for Nicholson Student Media. She has been an administrative assistant at Xineering LLC.

Ella Bleu Shockley of Lithlia is a freshman at UCF majoring in journalism. This Howard S. Blake HS (GPA 4.0) and Hillsborough Community College attendee has been National Honor Society President in 2022-23 and Secretary from 2021-22. She has been on the Principals’ Honor Roll, senior class vice president, District 9 Thespian intern and Osprey Observer summer intern.

Samantha Mills of Coconut Creek is a freshman at UF majoring in Public Relations and earned a 3.95 GPA at Pompano Beach HS. The daughter of Scott and Shannon Mills was named President of the National Honor Society, outstanding senior leader, and a member of the Speech and Debate Association, and Pompano HS Films and Tech Association.

For more information about the Florida Chapter of USHWA and the Allen J. Finkelson Scholarship, visit www.ushwa-florida.com or go to their Facebook page at Florida Chapter USHWA.

From the Florida Chapter of USHWA