Matthew Van Otterloo
Katie Eick
Anderson, IN – Matthew Van Otterloo from Rock Valley, Iowa has been selected as the $2500 Curt Greene Memorial Scholarship recipient. Matthew comes from a family of harness horsemen and will study Animal Science/Pre Vet at Dordt University as an incoming freshman this fall.
In her letter of reference, FFA Advisor at Western Christian High School Kylie Nettinga said “I am beyond grateful for Matt’s presence and abilities to serve as a leader in our program. Matt strives to humbly go about his work while willingly working to gain and try new skill sets. He models a solid presence in our chapter, school and community.”
The Curt Greene Scholarship is designed to assist students who possess a passion for harness racing, excel with high academic achievement, and have financial need. It honors the legacy left by Communicator’s Corner Hall of Famer Curt who loved and served racing throughout his career.
Katie Eick from Farmingdale, New Jersey was selected to receive the $1000 Sweet Karen Scholarship which is dedicated in loving memory to Beverly Breniser who recently passed away and who was a passionate and committed educator.
“Katie exemplifies what Harness Horse Youth Foundation is about – a horse crazy kid developing keen interest in harness racing and thus deciding to continue that passion into adulthood. She attended her first camp at age 12 with no racing background and has served HHYF in nearly every way possible growing into an exceptional horse person and human. It is only fitting that she has earned, for the second time, the $1000 Sweet Karen Scholarship” expressed HHYF President Adam Bowden.
Katie will be entering her junior year at Rutgers University and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with concentration in equine science. She hopes to become an equine sports and rehabilitation therapist.
When informed about her award Katie replied “Sweet Karen was a member of the HHYF stable at my first camp and also one of the horses that taught me to love harness racing. I owe my love for horses and harness racing, as well as my decision to pursue a career in the equine industry, to horses like Sweet Karen which is why I am so excited and thankful to have received this scholarship named after her.”
For further information about HHYF scholarships, visit https://hhyf.org/hhyf-scholarships/ or call the HHYF office at 317.908.0029.
The Harness Horse Youth Foundation is a charitable 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing young people and their families educational opportunities with harness horses in order to foster the next generation of participants and fans. The Foundation has been making a difference in young people’s lives since 1976; its programs include interactive learning experiences with racehorses as well as offering scholarships and creating and distributing educational materials relating to harness racing.
HHYF programs would not be possible without the support of our 2020 sponsors: Diamond Creek Farm, Lindy Farms, Meadows Standardbred Association, PA Harness Horsemen’s Association, Standardbred Breeders of PA, US Harness Writers Association, US Trotting Association, IN Standardbred Association, Blue Chip Farms, Brittany Farms, Fair Island Farm, Fair Winds Farm, Pinske Stables, Purple Haze Stable, Southern Oaks Training Center, VA Harness Horse Association, Joe Asher, Chris McErlean, Howard and Marlene Taylor.