Lewisburg, Tenn.-Recognizing the importance of youth to the Tennessee Walking Horse industry and the need to support and encourage the next generation, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association announces that $20,000 has been allocated for educational scholarships. These scholarships will provide assistance towards the higher educational goals of selected TWHBEA members.

Eight scholarships, valued at $2,500 each, will be presented in 2002. These scholarship funds may be used at the junior college, college, university or trade school of the recipient’s choice. TWHBEA Scholarships will be awarded based on: academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, financial need, and involvement in equine activities. “Scholarships help provide the opportunity for young people to further their education. It is TWHBEA’s hope that the knowledge and experience these students gain will not only help them to be successful in their personal lives, but will also help them develop the skills necessary to become leaders of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry,” said Nancy Lynn Beech, TWHBEA Executive Committee Member at Large for Youth. As the international breed registry, TWHBEA seeks to promote the equine industry through encouraging youth to enter and be active in the industry. Involvement in the equine industry will also be a consideration in this scholarship program. While not the deciding factor, financial need will be a consideration.

Each applicant must be a current member of the TWHBEA for two consecutive dues periods or minimum of 18 months prior to application deadline. TWHBEA Youth Membership is $10.00 per year and is open to any youth, to age 18, interested in the Tennessee Walking Horse. Adult Membership is $60.00 per year and includes the Voice of the Tennessee Walking Horse magazine. Applicants cannot apply for the scholarships until their junior year in high school and cannot be over twenty-four years old as of January 1, 2002 (except for the graduate scholarships). Members who have not previously been awarded a TWHBEA Scholarship are encouraged to re-apply.

Applications for 2002 TWHBEA Scholarships are available from TWHBEA Marketing and Youth Programs (1-800-359-1574). Application deadline is April 15, 2002. Scholarships will be awarded by May 17, 2002, and acknowledged in the Voice magazine. Recipients will also be honored at the 2002 National Celebration.