The children of 26 full-time horse farm worker will pursue higher education this year with assistance from the Horse Farm Workers' Educational Assistance Fund. The Fund was founded in 1996 by Rob Whiteley of Liberation Farm, Tom Evans of Trackside Farm and Brookdale Farm's Fred Seitz.
Scholarships are awarded for education or skill training post-high school and are based upon financial need, merit, biographical essays and personal interviews. Scholarships are also available for full-time horse farm workers in Central Kentucky who wish to take equine related training or courses to help them be more knowledgeable and effective while working with Thoroughbred horses. To date, 684 annual scholarships totaling $1,515,590 have been awarded since the Fund's inception.
“These scholars and parents are an industry treasure. Farm workers are the backbone of the breeding industry which is the foundation of the entire Thoroughbred industry. The parents of these scholars have instilled an incredible work ethic in their children. Year after year, these outstanding young people impress the Board with their ability, motivation, energy, enthusiasm, and accomplishments. In many instances, our scholars are the first in their families to pursue secondary education; and some could not pursue education without our financial assistance.”
Qualifying parents of scholars are employed full-time by one of the following central Kentucky Thoroughbred farms: Airdrie Stud, Ashview Farm, Betz Thoroughbreds (2), Chesapeake Farm, Dixiana Farm, Don Alberto Corp., Endeavor Farm, Far Cry Farm, Godolphin (4), Hermitage, Magdalena Farm, Miacomet Farm, Parkland Farm, Rosemont Farm, Spendthrift Farm (2), Stoneview Farm (2), Walmac Farm, Watercress Farm (2), and Westbrook Stables.
The scholars and their schools are as follows: Riley Alexander, Eastern KY; Patrick Autry Chase Law–Northern KY; Olivia Bryant, U. of Kentucky; Andres Calleja, Bluegrass Community and Technical College; Sofia Calleja, U. of Louisville; Caleb Carr, Transylvania U.; Jacob Compton, U. of Kentucky; Ciara Farrell, Georgetown College; Sarah Farrell, U. of Kentucky; Eddie Garcia – Eastern KY; Dylan Gilbert, Murray State; Trenton Gilbert, U. of Kentucky; Jayden Hamilton, Campbellsville U.; Ruth Hughes, U. of Notre Dame; Lupe Macias, U. of Kentucky; Miguel Macias, U. of Kentucky; Peyton Mathes, Centre College; Saorise McEntee, U. of Kentucky; Karina Meza, Bluegrass Community and Technical College; Claire Nickell, Asbury U.; Richard Osborn, Bellarmine U.; Alondra Perez-Islas, Jefferson Community and Technical College; Caleb Reams, Asbury U.; Sydney Buyher-Sayre, U. of Kentucky; Leslee Tapia Reyna, Indiana U. Southeast; Reagan Toothaker, Thomas More U.; and Kenzie Trent, Asbury U.
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