Kyra Suleski wins 2024 HHI Jerome L. Hauck Scholarship

Kyra Suleski is the 2024 harness racing recipient of Harness Horsemen International’s annual $4,000 Jerome L. Hauck Scholarship.

Suleski, 18, is a daughter of Standardbred owners Ted and Sherri Suleski. While Kyra resides in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, her father races horses in various spots along the East Coast. Kyra has maintained a 3.76 GPA throughout her high school years, having been named to the Lenape High School honor roll every year from 2020 through 2023.

Despite being diagnosed with Junior Myoclonic Epilepsy in 2019, Kyra excelled in varsity swimming, and served as an aquatic instructor, a USA Swimming Certified Swim Coach, and later became the manager of her High School Swim Team.

“I strived through the challenges in my life and did not let these obstacles stop me from achieving amazing honors in high school,” stressed Kyra, who has applied to the University of Tampa, Southern Florida College, and Montclair state University where she plans on pursuing her BA, MA, and eventually, her PhD in International Studies. “International studies is a degree which would open me up to the entire world,” she added.

“I am fascinated by other countries, history, cultures, art, politics, and economics. I would like to ultimately get my PhD and represent my country abroad, negotiate international agreements, and promote peach and cooperation, economic growth, reduce poverty, and foster sustainable development.”

HHI also presented a special $2,000 scholarship to Lexi Twaddle, 20, daughter of trainer Tim and Sophia Twaddle. Lexi resides in Canonsburg, PA, where she is a sophomore at Walsh University studying Biology. Lexi is active in student government, and is a member of the women’s soccer team, class senate, intramural volleyball, and of Sigma Zeta, the science and math honor society at Walsh. She maintains a 3.6 GPA and was on the Dean’s List for the 2023-2024 university year.

“Helping others is my calling,” Lexi said. “Fueled by a lifelong interest in the medical field. My motivation stems from witnessing my father’s struggles with heart issues, propelling me to make a difference in similar situations. My upbringing in harness racing instilled in me invaluable lessons in work ethic and family bonds.  I remain committed to contributing to our family’s passion while shouldering responsibilities to ease my parent’s burdens.”

HHI is proud to award the 2024 Jerome L. Hauck and special scholarship to these bright and deserving young women. For information, contact Harness Horsemen International, 319 High Street, Suite 2, Burlington, NJ 08016. Phone: (609) 747-1000 or go to our website.

by Kimberly Rinker, for Harness Horsemen International