Thirteen children of full-time horse farm workers are pursuing higher education this year with assistance from the Horse Farm Workers' Educational Assistance Fund. To date, 735 annual scholarships totaling $1,631,623 have been awarded since the Fund's inception in 1996. Scholarships are awarded for education or skill training after high school and are based upon financial need, merit, biographical essays and personal interviews. Grants are also available for full-time horse farm workers in Central Kentucky for equine related courses or training to help them become more knowledgeable and effective while working with Thoroughbred horses.
One current recipient, Jesus Perez, has also distinguished himself as a Pollard Scholar at the University of Kentucky.
SCHOLARS AND SCHOOLS:
Olivia Bryant – U. of Kentucky
Jacob Compton – U. of Kentucky
Tania Godina – BCTC*
Jayden Hamilton – Midway U.
Alexis Laytart – BCTC*
Anna Martinez – Transylvania U.
Flora Martinez – Northern Kentucky U
Karina Meza – U. of Kentucky
Richard Osborn – Bellarmine U.
Jesus Perez – U. of Kentucky
Kathryn Reams – Eastern Kentucky U
Katie Thurman – Bellarmine U.
Reagan Toothaker – Thomas More U.
*Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Farms represented by scholars:
Qualifying parents of scholars are employed full-time by one of the following central Kentucky Thoroughbred farms: Ashview Farm, Betz Thoroughbreds, Godolphin (5), Hermitage, Rose Hill Farm, Spendthrift Farm (2), and Westbrook Stables.
The Fund was founded in 1996 by Rob Whiteley of Liberation Farm, Tom Evans of Trackside Farm, and Fred Seitz of Brookdale Farm.
Message from Tom Evans, president: “In pursuit of their dreams, many of our scholars work 20 or more hours per week at one or two jobs while carrying a full course load. Our main goal is to award enough money so that they can focus on their studies and make school their number one priority without incurring a
huge burden of long-term student loan debt. Investing in these young people is also an investment in the industry. Many of our scholars after successfully completing their studies have returned to pursue careers in the Thoroughbred industry. Several have already distinguished themselves (including a director of racing at a major North American track). Many who have chosen careers outside the industry have made their mark as professionals in nursing, education, social work, theology, and business.
“The Fund is run on a volunteer basis and over 95 percent of donor monies flow through to scholarship recipients,” Evans continued. “We are grateful for all contributors who have so generously supported and valued this remarkable group of young scholars. Over the years, we have received significant contributions from the Carl Pollard Foundation, Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers Club, Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, Hilary Boone Foundation, KTA, Fasig-Tipton, Keeneland, Darley and Godolphin, Thoroughbred Charities of America, W.T. Young, William Marquard, Race for Education, Hill 'n' Dale Farm, the Crafty Prospector syndicate, donors in memory of Gus Koch, and many other individual donors.”
According to co-founder, Whiteley: “These scholars and parents are an industry treasure. Farm workers are the backbone of the breeding industry and therefore the foundation of the entire Thoroughbred industry. The parents of these scholars have instilled an incredible work ethic in their children. Year after year, these outstanding young people impress the Board with their ability, motivation, energy, enthusiasm, and accomplishments. In many instances, our scholars are the first in their families to pursue secondary education; and some could not pursue education without our financial assistance.”
Board members include: president Tom Evans of Trackside Farm; vice-president Dan Pride of Godolphin; secretary Judge Wilson of Berea College; treasurer Mary Ryan, educator and horsewoman; Rob Whiteley of Liberation Farm; Stu Pollard, educator and filmmaker; and Chet Blackey, DVM. Carl Pollard serves as advisor to the Board. Muffy Stuart coordinates the Fund and provides personal communication, guidance, and support to our scholars throughout the year.
DONATIONS AND APPLICATIONS:
The Fund is a 501(c)3 organization. Tax deductible contributions may be made through the
website www.horsefarmworkerseducationfund.com.
Checks made be sent to:
HFWEAF
2938 Four Pines Drive, Lexington, KY 40502.
Applications are available in March with a July 1 deadline, followed by personal interviews with
the board. Inquiries may be made to 859 269-1719. Additional information and a brief video are
available on the website.
The post Horse Farm Workers’ Educational Assistance Fund Awards 13 Scholarships For 2022-’23 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
