Katie Eick from Farmingdale, New Jersey has been selected to receive the $1000 Sweet Karen Scholarship.
This year, the scholarship, sponsored by the Harness Horse Youth Foundation, is dedicated in loving memory of Beverly Breniser, wife of Darryl Breniser, who recently passed away and who was a passionate and committed educator. Bev began her career as a sixth-grade teacher, served as an elementary school principal, and was also heavily involved in related educational organizations including those at her alma mater Millersville University. Husband Darryl said “It would have brought Bev great joy to know that a scholarship in her name was going to such a bright and vibrate young lady. Bev strongly believed in investing in our youth’s education because they are our future.”
“Katie exemplifies what Harness Horse Youth Foundation is about – a horse-crazy kid developing a 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 a 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.”
