The UPHA Maria Knight Scholarship was established to honor UPHA professional Maria Knight and her commitment to providing a college education for her daughter; this program provides scholarships to children of professional horsemen. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must have at least one parent, step-parent, or legal guardian who is a professional horseman and a current Professional Member of the UPHA. Scholarships are awarded based on careful consideration of the applicant's high school or college transcript, as well as a resume demonstrating extracurricular activities both regarding the applicant's equestrian career and their involvement within their school and community. Applicants must have entered their senior year in high school at the time of application, or been accepted to or currently enrolled in an institution of higher education.

This year, UPHA is presenting three scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each. The 2019 UPHA Maria Knight Scholarship recipients are:

Savanna Miller, Valle Vista, California
Savanna is the daughter of Frank and Anne Miller, trainers in the San Diego, California area under the banner of Miller Equestrian. Savanna is currently enrolled at William Woods University, and will graduate in May 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Equine Science. In addition to growing up on her family's farm and training facility, Savanna has had the opportunity to work with world champion trainers such as Kent Swalla and Tammy DeVore as a caretaker and instructor. Those who have had the pleasure of working with Savanna say she has a tremendous work ethic, is a conscientious student, and she possesses strong leadership skills. Her future plans are to become a horse trainer.

Zachary White, Woodstock, Illinois
Zach, is the son of trainers Lisa Jo and the late John White of John White Stables. He has a long history in the Arabian, Half-Arabian, National Show Horse, and Saddlebred industries. Growing up an equitation rider, he has won all six of the UPHA Arabian Breed and UPHA National Show Horse Finals in the 10 & under, 13 & under, and 14-17 year old divisions, an impressive feat. In addition to his accomplishments in the show ring, Zach has been a leader on his high school basketball team, serving as captain for three years and leading his team to the regional championship game. He has been described by others as humble, kind, dedicated, and truthful, both inside and outside of the show ring. Zachary will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and majoring in business and marketing. He is considering following in his parents' footsteps and becoming a horse trainer.

Collin Wood, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Collin is the son of Jay and Jean Wood. He is an instrumental part of his family's Westwood Farm assisting with their American Saddlebred training and breeding operation. He has grown up riding and driving horses for his father; often competing with a home-bred show ring star. In addition to several impressive titles in the show ring, he played baseball and football throughout his high school career. His academic record is standout, and he has held an impressive internship with a congressional campaign. Similarly, Collin will be attending the University of Minnesota where he will major in Political Science. Those who know Collin describe him as having an excellent work ethic, impeccable character, and a genuine care and concern for others. There is no doubt that Collin will excel in his future endeavors.

For more information on the UPHA Maria Knight Scholarship program, visit the website at www.uphaonline.com or contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, UPHA Executive Director, at jmellenkamp@uphaonline.com or (859) 231-5070.