Samantha Mayhugh was awarded the Rambling Willie scholarship to continue her studies at the Ohio State University in Columbus. She is majoring in agricultural business and applied economics with a minor in equine studies. She hopes to help shape the future of harness racing.
Sam is a third-generation horsewoman who works hard at her family’s stable jogging and training the horses every evening. She also trucks them to the races and paddocks them. In addition, she has had a job with the Litt stable the last five years.
Our Scholarship Committee Chair and Ohio Colt Racing Secretary/Treasurer, Lisa Schwartz tells us he Pickaway County Fair is blessed to have Samantha as a volunteer. She works with the Senior Fairboard helping to get everything ready for the fair and is then in charge of the Winner’s Circle handing out trophies and blankets among other things.
Samantha says, “My involvement in church and community service has helped shape my character, grow my leadership skills and define my goals for the future. Faith has always been the foundation of who I am. It guides how I treat others, how I face challenges and how I view my purpose in life.”
Serving as president of the Pickaway 4-H for three years and as president and vice president the County Junior Fairboard, Samantha says she “developed a deep sense of responsibility, teamwork and service.” These and holding many other leadership positions and earning several honors have taught her to lead by example.
After graduation, Samantha’s goal is to work with a business or organization to promote and educate others about harness horse racing. She says, “This sport has been a lifelong passion of mine and I want to dedicate my future to helping it grow and gain the recognition it deserves. I plan to begin my career in broadcasting or media with an organization or at a racetrack.” Her ultimate career goal is to become an executive director for a harness racing organization where she would “focus on advocating for horsemen and women, building stronger community engagement.” She hopes to “shape the future of harness racing through outreach, education and development.
Thank you Samantha! We in the harness racing industry appreciate your strong commitment to blessing our sport. With your strong work ethic and determination, by taking time to listen to God and following His lead, I am certain you will become everything God made you to be.