UPHA Foundation Announces Maria Knight and Sandra Hall Memorial Scholarship Recipients
Thursday, July 18, 2024
The United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the two UPHA Foundation Scholarships. These scholarships are intended for two high school seniors or freshmen in college who are involved with the show horse breeds. The scholarships are open to applicants who are high school seniors or those currently enrolled in college and planning on continuing their education. They are awarded based on the merit of the applicant's high school or college transcripts, a resume demonstrating extracurricular activities related to the applicant's equestrian career, participation in activities in school and the community, and personal references.
UPHA Sandra Hall Memorial Scholarship
The UPHA Sandra Hall Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the legacy of Sandra Hall whose commitment to giving back to the show horse industry and its horsemen was unparalleled. This scholarship is awarded annually to a current UPHA member who is committed to their community and the showhorse industry.
Kendall Kelledy
 Kendall, an American Saddlebred, and Hackney exhibitor, shows under the direction of Liz Bolton Stables in California. She has achieved success in the show ring, consistently earning top ribbons in multiple divisions during her juvenile career. Most recently, she and her horse, Not Giving Up, received top ribbons in the Juvenile Five-Gaited division at the 2023 Kentucky State Fair. Kendall has been an active participant in the UPHA Ribbons of Service program. She is known for her leadership, work ethic, and willingness to help out at the barn. She is also passionate about promoting the industry and increasing youth engagement, and she remains involved in the American Saddlebred and Hackney communities as a West Coast correspondent and photographer for the Saddle Horse Report.
In addition to her equestrian pursuits, Kendall has achieved academic success, earning induction into the National Honor Society, and receiving academic excellence awards throughout her high school years. She held leadership roles as the president of her school’s student government association and the historian for her FFA chapter. Kendall also participated in varsity athletics, playing softball, volleyball, and basketball. Currently a student at Colorado State University, Kendall is majoring in Biology and Animal Science and is an active member of the Pre-Vet Club. She aspires to attend veterinary school.
UPHA Maria Knight Memorial Scholarship
The UPHA Maria Knight Memorial Scholarship was established to honor UPHA Professional, Maria Knight and her commitment to providing a college education for her daughter. This scholarship is awarded annually to the child of a UPHA professional member.
Hadley Novak
 Hadley, the daughter of UPHA Professionals, Sheri Brandl, and Mark Bodnar of Equitate, LLC in Wisconsin, has grown up showing American Saddlebreds. She also enjoys riding and driving Hackneys and Morgans. Her strong work ethic has allowed her opportunities to catch ride for some of the industry’s top trainers. Hadley has achieved great success in the show ring, which includes winning the 2023 Worlds Champion of Champions title and the AHHS Youth Medallion National Finals in the Road Pony division with CH Regals Prime Rate LF. She is described as a leader and a hard worker, determined and passionate. Outside of the show ring, Hadley spends the majority of her time assisting around the barn, teaching lessons, and helping with youth club activities. She also ran her own saddle cleaning business for five years and enjoys introducing children to the American Saddlebred through Girl Scout outings and birthday parties hosted at Equitate.
When not at the barn, Hadley volunteers in her community, helping with highway clean-up and Zachariah’s Acres, a local charity that introduces special needs children to agriculture and wildlife. She has also been a longtime participant in the UPHA Ribbons of Service Program. A recent high school graduate and member of her school’s National Honor Society, Hadley plans to continue her education at Winona State University and looks forward to staying involved in the horse industry.
If you are interested in learning more about our scholarship opportunities or making a donation visit www.uphaonline.com.
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