Edited press release
The Horse Farm Workers’ Education Assistance Fund has awarded 32 scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year to children of full-time workers on central Kentucky Thoroughbred farms. Scholarships for tuition are granted for education after high school and are based upon need, merit, essays and personal interviews. To date, 416 annual scholarships (averaging nearly $2,000 each) have been awarded since the Fund's inception in 1996.
Kaitlyn Alexander - Morehead State University
Jannica Brady - University of Cumberlands
Matt Broughton - Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lindsay Brumley - Thomas More College
Mary Ruth Callaway - Samford University
Monica Calleja - Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Frank Carter - University of Kentucky
Nathan Carter - Eastern Kentucky University
Cheli Castillo - Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Cody Courtney - Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Josh Davis - Morehead State University
Liz Fiero - Murray State University
Megan Hephner - Middle Tennessee State
Mary Koch - University of Kentucky
Megan Lynn - Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Linzay Marks – Louisiana State University
Steven Powell - Western Kentucky University
Justin Purvis - University of Kentucky
Alex Rankin - Northern Kentucky University
John Rankin - Morehead State University
Trent Rankin - Northern Kentucky University
Trey Rankin - Thomas More College
Elaine Royse - Georgetown College
Jose Salazar - Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Viridiana Salazar - Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lyndsay Sams - Eastern Kentucky University
Sarah Shaw - Eastern Kentucky University
Miller Thornbury - University of the South
Casey Ward - Nashville Auto-Diesel College
am Wells - Western Kentucky University
Parker Wornall - Western Kentucky University
Lindsay Zahn - Eastern Kentucky University
"Year after year, hard working, extraordinary young people continue to impress the board with their ability, accomplishments, and enthusiasm," Rob Whiteley, president of the fund said in a release. "They have internalized the work ethic of their parents and most of them help pay their way through school by working one or more jobs in addition to attending classes. Thus the goal of the Fund is to provide enough money to these deserving students so that their school work can be their number one priority. In many instances our scholars are the first in their families to pursue a post-secondary education, and in some cases, they would not be able to attend without our financial assistance.
"Horse farm workers are the backbone of the Thoroughbred industry, and these scholars are a source of pride to their parents who have worked so hard in order for their children to enjoy a fulfilling and productive quality of life," said Whiteley. "The scholarships are an investment in truly motivated young people who possess initiative, great potential; and the best news of all is that many of them intend to pursue careers in the Thoroughbred industry. Several graduates are distinguishing themselves in the industry, one having served as the director of racing at a major North American race track."
