Veronica Fanning and Caitlin McDermott, daughters of two prominent trainers, were selected to receive the 2012 Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey College Scholarships, it was announced today.
The recipients will be honoured in ceremonies in the Meadowlands winner’s circle later this month and each will receive $2,500.
“We are pleased to be helping two outstanding students who are continuing their education and are the daughters of two leading trainers in New Jersey,” said SBOANJ President Tom Luchento.
Veronica Fanning, 19, is the daughter of Tom and Moira Fanning of Jackson, NJ, and Caitlin McDermott, 17, is the daughter of Kevin and Sheri McDermott of Millstone, NJ.
Fanning is a 2010 graduate of Jackson Memorial High School where she competed on the track and cross country teams. She completed a two-year degree at Ocean County Community College and will be continuing her studies at Rowan University. She hopes to pursue a career in teaching.
This year Fanning, who has a younger sister, Caroline, 17, also received a Dewey Degree Scholarship, funded by Ray Schnittker and Jeff Gural and administered by the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association.
McDermott, a member of the Science National Honor Society for two years, was a varsity soccer player and held the discus record for Allentown High School. She also performed in the school’s musicals before her graduation this past June.
An avid horseback rider and volunteer for the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, she will enter Florida Southern College in the fall with the plans for a career in physical therapy.
She has two younger siblings, Mary, who is 13, and Liam, who is 12.
(SBOANJ)