The Mika McKinney Scholarship
Mika McKinney was a passionate equestrian and a member of both the IHSA and the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) while at Mount Holyoke College. She served as the team captain for the dressage team and excelled at both disciplines, representing both teams at National Finals. During her junior year at Mount Holyoke College, she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. While undergoing an intense chemotherapy regimen, her commitment to the sport did not waver, and she won her class at the 2017 IDA Nationals despite limited practice. When osteosarcoma led to an amputation of her left leg, Mika’s positive spirit prevailed, and she immediately set her sights on the Paralympics. Unfortunately, she did not have the opportunity to carry out her Paralympic dreams, but she is remembered as a competitive and inspirational equestrian athlete with admirable strength.
The Mika McKinney scholarship looks to recognize an IHSA student who identifies as a person of color, a first-generation college student, or a student with financial hardships and who embodies Mika's love, passion, and dedication to the sport of equestrian. This scholarship is reserved for current IHSA riders in Zone 1 Region 3.