The Florida Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association (FHBPA) has awarded $79,000 in college scholarships to the families of 23 qualified, licensed backstretch employees, including grooms, hotwalkers, exercise riders and trainers.
The Kent Stirling Memorial Scholarship Program will be used to further the education of backstretch employees and dependents attending an accredited college or university undergraduate program and graduate-level program.
Since 2000 when the scholarship was conceived, the FHBPA has awarded more than $330,000 in scholarships. Before scholarships are awarded, the candidates provide financial statements and school records to the FHBPA.
Trainer Ron Spatz, co-chairman of the scholarship program along with Kathy Davies, said: "The FHBPA is very proud of this year's recipients. Since 2000, when this program was started by our late executive director and horseman Kent Stirling, we've seen the impact these scholarships have made for the recipients and their families, who work so diligently and affectionately each day with the horses."
The scholarship recipients will be recognized Sunday at Gulfstream Park with brunch in Ten Palms and a winner's circle presentation. They will be joined by Spatz, Davies and FHBPA assistants Debra Iglesias and Debbie LaRue.
The recipients attending Broward College are: Valeria Aboughaida, Edgar Agustin, Julio Fernandez, Mia Fernandez, Angie Fuenmayor, Jorge Gallegos, Yiovani Gallegos, Keisha Huerta, Arnold O'Farrill, Erick O'Farrill, Daniela Sanchez.
Attending Florida International University: Valerie Collazo, Gabrielle Kopach, Katie Ramos.
Attending University of Florida: Yazmin Agustin, Liseli Coy, Ana Ruiz.
Attending Nova Southeastern University: Adriana Monterrey.
Attending University of Central Florida: Nathan Truong.
Attending Miami Dade College: Yubelki Morales.
Attending Eastern Michigan University: Ashley Grullon.
Attending Santa Fe College: Ronald Coy.
Attending Palm Beach State College: Antonella Pizarro.
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