The Reining Horse Foundation (RHF) announces the recipients of $10,500 in academic and need-based scholarships for seven youth members: Megan D’Andrea of Fowler, Ohio, Amber Edmonds of Pepperell, Mass., Holly Lansidel of McKenna, Wash., Nicholas Muir of Lynnwood, Wash., Shaelyn Vering of Scribner, Neb., Jarid Walton of Coleman, Mich. and Blair Willette of Haleiwa, Hawaii.
Members of the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA) submitted applications for the RHF scholarships. The recipients were chosen by an independent committee based upon their academic achievement, financial need, future goals and involvement in the NRHyA and reining horse industry.
“The Reining Horse Foundation is entrusted with donations meant to better the reining community and the world at large,” said Mark A. Blake, president. “The scholarship program is a shining example of how we can make a positive impact on the lives of young people furthering their education. We are proud to provide these scholarships and with donor support look forward to when we can do even more.”
Muir, Walton and Willette were each awarded $2,000 in RHF scholarship monies. Muir will attend Washington State University, majoring in animal science with plans to apply for veterinary school. Walton is a student at Mid Michigan Community College, where he has participated as a student-athlete on the men’s basketball team. He received a RHF scholarship in 2015 as a high school senior, making him eligible to reapply. Willette is a chemistry major at Duke University, working toward a career in pharmaceutical development. In 2015, she studied abroad in London, England. She received a RHF scholarship in 2013 and was selected again in 2014 and 2016.
D’Andrea and Vering each will receive $1,500 in scholarships. D’Andrea is enrolled at Youngstown State University in pre-veterinary medicine. Vering will be a member of the equestrian team at the University of Georgia pursuing a bachelor of landscape architecture degree. She held multiple positions as a NRHyA officer, including president in 2015, vice president in 2014 and secretary in 2013.
Earning $750 scholarships each are Edmonds and Lansidel. Edmonds plans to major in elementary education with a minor in business, foundations for becoming an elementary school principal. Lansidel is a student at South Puget Sound Community College majoring in applied physiology and health management.
For more information about the RHF Scholarship program, go to reiningfoundation.com or nrhya.com. You also can call (405) 946-7400 to speak to representatives about these programs. Watch these websites for in spring 2017 for updated application information.
