Last month, the SOA of New York/Yonkers Raceway Scholarship Committee announced the winners of the 2013-2014 Scholarship Awards. The first place $5,000 award went to Olivia Amitrano and the second place $3,000 scholarship was awarded to Stephanie Lauer.

Amitrano is enrolled at Fordham University/Rose Hill, New York, where she is majoring in psychology. She has made tremendous strides this past semester towards her goal of creating awareness to the importance of nutrition, along with providing counsel to others to make and maintain healthy dietary and nutritional choices as a Psychologist/Nutritionist.

Lauer is planning on attending Radford University in Radford, Virginia this fall where she will study recreational therapy. Her goal is to teach others how to ride and work with horses, mainly standardbreds, and show how the calming effect of this therapy can impact those with special needs and improve their quality of life.

Olivia Amitrano is the daughter of trainer Vincent Amitrano. Stephanie Lauer is the daughter of trainer Bruce Lauer.

Scholarship Committee Chairman Bob MacDougall noted that the academic records of both winners, along with their participation in extracurricular activities were excellent and should serve as examples for all high school and college students. The Committee wishes all of the applicants the very best as they continue on with their education.

The annual SOA/Yonkers Raceway scholarships are awarded to SOA members or members of their immediate families or to covered individuals (backstretch personnel) or a member of their immediate families for study beyond the high school level. The recipient is chosen on the basis of merit and financial need.

(SOANY)