The Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association will name its Scholarship Program in honor of Kent Stirling, who served as the executive director of the horsemen's organization, then the FHBPA, for 20 years.
“This is a fitting tribute to someone who devoted his life to our industry and to our people,” FTHA President Joe Orseno said. “Kent was diligent in his efforts on behalf of the owners and trainers, but the backstretch workers who most benefit from the Scholarship Program held a special place in his heart.”
The Kent Stirling Scholarship Program awards grants for tuition, books and other educational expenses to the trainers and backstretch workers at Gulfstream Park who are licensed and live year-round in Florida, and to their immediate dependents. The grants can be used at any accredited college, university, community college or trade school.
More than $110,000 in scholarships have been awarded since the program was started five years ago. Current scholarship students are pursuing careers as diverse as oceanographer, clinical psychologist, registered nurse, athletic trainer, and dialysis technician.
Stirling, who passed away in 2017, was a trainer for 20 years before taking on the role of executive director in 1995. An authority on therapeutic medications, he was an advocate for horsemen and backstretch workers on the state and national level.
“The honor of having the Scholarship Program named after him would have thrilled Kent,” said his wife, Sheri Holmes Stirling, the Vice President of Administration at Gulfstream Park. “He worked tirelessly for the betterment of backside workers, but also for the betterment of all around him. He believed that education elevated the mind and soul. Kent's entire family and I are thrilled with this recognition of his time and dedication to the FHBPA.”
Scholarship applications are now available. The deadline to submit an application is Tuesday, July 5, 2022. For more information, or to apply, click here.
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