Sandra Kaufman, Chairman of the co-sponsored SOA of New York/Yonkers Raceway Scholarship Committee, has announced that Jessica Hallett is the winner of the 2018-2019 Scholarship Award in the amount of $5,000. The second place award of $3,000 went to Savina Reid and Jennifer Lauer picked up the third place scholarship award of $2,000.
Jessica Hallett is currently enrolled at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is pursuing a double major in behavioural neuroscience and biology with a minor in forensic sciences. Jessica enjoys working in the barn with her parents’ horses and is a member of the NSU Equestrian Team. Jessica’s father, John, owns several horses racing in New York and elsewhere.
Savina Reid recently graduated from Carnegie Mellon University and will be pursuing a medical degree this Fall at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in Camden, New Jersey. Savina’s father David has been involved in Standardbred racing her whole life and currently runs the Preferred Equine Sales Agency.
Jennifer Lauer recently graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a biology degree and will be pursuing a veterinary degree at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Jennifer’s father, Bruce, trains a stable of horses racing in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
“This was the hardest scholarship selection process we’ve ever had,” noted Kaufman. “We got the most applicants – 17 – and truly the most qualified ever! If we could have, we would have given each and every one something towards their education. You could see they’ve all worked so hard to reach their goals. But the rules have us selecting the top three for awards and I’m confident our three winners will use these scholarships to fulfill their goals.”
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.
(SOA of New York)